Tech Expert Advocates for Greater Investment in Technology-Driven Research

Dr. Seyi Akanbi, Tech Expert Advocates an Information Technology expert trained in the United States, has emphasized the urgent need for increased investment in technology-driven research. According to him, such investments are essential for building a better society and meeting the demands of our fast-changing world. Dr. Akanbi shared these insights during a presentation titled “Emerging Technology and Teaching in Higher Education” at the EDGE Conference, held at the proposed American Open University in Ibadan over the weekend.

The Importance of Investing in Higher Education

Dr. Akanbi, who also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC, underscored the significance of results-oriented investments in higher education. He stated that investments should not only focus on financial inputs but also aim to produce skilled graduates and innovative solutions to real-world problems.

“It’s not just about injecting money; accountability and results matter. Improved quality in education will encourage further investments and build public trust,” Dr. Akanbi explained.

He further highlighted the growing gap between academic curricula and the labor market’s needs as one of the major factors contributing to high unemployment rates in Nigeria. He noted that this disconnect leaves many graduates ill-prepared for available job opportunities, which is a serious concern.

Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry

Dr. Akanbi stressed that the EDGE Conference was designed to address these challenges by equipping students with the skills needed for the workforce and ensuring that educators are adequately trained to meet current demands.

“Our goal is to prepare students for the workforce while also enabling educators to train future-ready graduates. These efforts benefit not only individuals but also the economy by creating skilled professionals who can contribute to national development,” he said.

Tech Expert Advocates Role of Emerging Technologies

Dr. Akanbi highlighted the transformative power of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in reshaping education and addressing global challenges. He urged stakeholders in higher education to embrace these advancements and incorporate them into teaching and learning practices.

“AI-focused training programs are being introduced to bridge the knowledge gap. These initiatives foster learning and equip participants with insights needed to prepare graduates for future challenges,” he stated.

Tech Expert Advocates further encouraged awareness campaigns and practical applications of technologies like AI, machine learning, and data analytics to inspire their widespread adoption in educational institutions. According to him, these steps will not only enhance teaching and learning but also improve the overall quality of education.

Addressing Brain Drain in Nigeria

Tech Expert Advocates Responding to the TETFund’s recent decision to reduce foreign training opportunities for lecturers, Dr. Akanbi recommended strategies to combat brain drain while maintaining exposure to global standards. He proposed that the government fund training programs abroad but require beneficiaries to return to contribute to the local education system.

“Collateral agreements could help ensure that lecturers who benefit from international training bring back their expertise to improve the system,” Dr. Akanbi suggested.

Regulatory Policies for Higher Education

Another speaker at the event, Professor Francis Eghokare, who is the President of the Open, Distance, and e-Learning Association, emphasized the urgent need for regulatory policies in higher education. He pointed out that the degradation in Nigeria’s education system is occurring faster than the rate of improvement.

“The rate of degradation in the system outpaces improvement. Urgent measures must be taken to increase the scale of progress and adaptation,” he warned.

Tech Expert Advocates Professor Eghokare called on policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize reforms that align with current realities and ensure the sustainability of higher education in Nigeria.

Insights from Participants

Participants at the conference, including Ooreoluwa Aladejuyigbe and Bayo Agoola, also emphasized the importance of the training for human capital development.

Ooreoluwa Aladejuyigbe, a media practitioner and researcher, shared her perspective: “As a journalist, I plan to adopt the lessons from this training to enhance news gathering, presentation, and other aspects of my work.”

Bayo Agoola, Tech Expert Advocates another participant, highlighted the critical analyses of challenges facing Nigeria’s higher education sector presented during the conference. He noted that the strategies discussed, including the adoption of technology, could significantly improve the quality of education and address pressing challenges.

Key Takeaways from the Conference

The conference underscored the pivotal role of technology in shaping the future of education and society. Participants and speakers alike called for the following key actions:

1. Increased Investment in Technology-Driven Research: Policymakers and stakeholders were urged to prioritize funding for research initiatives that leverage technology to solve societal problems.
2. Alignment of Curricula with Labor Market Demands: Educational institutions must update their academic programs to ensure that graduates possess the skills and knowledge required by employers.
3. Embracing Emerging Technologies: The adoption of AI, machine learning, and other innovations in teaching and learning can significantly enhance education quality and prepare students for future challenges.
4. Accountability in Funding: Investments in education should be monitored to ensure that they yield tangible results, such as skilled graduates and innovative solutions.
5. Addressing Brain Drain: Tech Expert Advocates Strategies such as collateral agreements and improved working conditions can help retain skilled professionals within the country.
6. Regulatory Reforms: Tech Expert Advocates Policymakers must implement policies that align higher education with current global standards and address systemic challenges.
7. Awareness Campaigns: Tech Expert Advocates Increasing awareness of the benefits of emerging technologies and their practical applications can encourage their adoption in educational institutions.
8. Educator Training: Tech Expert Advocates Teachers and lecturers should be provided with the tools and training needed to effectively integrate technology into their teaching methods.

Conclusion

Tech Expert Advocates EDGE Conference was a clarion call for stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector to prioritize technology-driven solutions and reforms. With insights from experts like Dr. Seyi Akanbi and Professor Francis Eghokare, the event shed light on the pressing challenges facing higher education in the country and offered practical strategies to address them.

By investing in technology-driven research, aligning curricula with labor market demands, and embracing innovations like AI, Nigeria can build a more robust education system. This, in turn, will produce skilled professionals, boost the economy, and contribute to sustainable national development. Stakeholders must act now to ensure that the future of education in Nigeria is both bright and technology-enabled.