Prof. Mohammad Sani Haruna, former Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), has stated that technical education is pivotal in addressing Nigeria’s security and economic challenges.
He asserted that embracing technical education was crucial for saving the Naira from continuous depreciation and restoring the nation’s manufacturing capabilities using local raw materials.
Speaking at the maiden convocation of the Federal Polytechnic, Daura, Prof. Haruna stressed that technical education was second only to food security and national security in its importance to the nation.
He advocated for adopting the Asian Tiger model to achieve industrial development and highlighted the potential of technical education in providing solutions to security challenges and economic woes.
In a paper presented at the event, Prof. Haruna outlined the importance of technical education against advancing technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things, big data, blockchain, and others.
He cautioned that without embracing technical education, Nigeria risked remaining a consumer nation, perpetuating inequalities and dependency on other countries for generations.
Prof. Haruna cited examples of countries with limited resources that achieved technological breakthroughs by focusing on science, technology, and innovation.
He pointed out that technical and vocational education training (TVET) played a crucial role in contributing to industries and technological work environments.
The former NASENI chief recommended a shift toward a sustainable industrial economy by adopting homegrown science and technology innovations built on a foundation of sound human capacity through technical education.
He urged the country to learn from the successes of Asian Tigers and Tiger Cubs, emphasizing that a commitment to technical education could rescue Nigeria from economic challenges.
“The future of Nigeria and Nigerians cannot be left at the mercy of fluctuating chances and what I call gambling with the most critical aspects of our survival,” he said.
