NITDA, Lancaster University Partner to Boost Research and Innovation
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NITDA, Lancaster University Partner to Boost Research and Innovation
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, has emphasized the need for robust collaboration among academia, industry, and government to harness innovation for sustainable national growth and youth empowerment.
Inuwa made this call during a working visit by a delegation from Lancaster University, United Kingdom, led by Professor Kirk Semple, Director of International Research, to NITDA’s corporate headquarters in Abuja.
The visit aimed to explore avenues for strategic collaboration under the Research and Innovation Partnership for Entrepreneurship (RIPE) programme, an initiative designed to leverage academic research and innovation to spur entrepreneurial development and economic transformation.
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Inuwa noted that Nigeria and Africa face a significant research investment gap that hinders the continent’s progress toward building knowledge-based economies.
The NITDA DG stressed that investing in research is crucial to building a robust and sustainable economy.
He cited agriculture as an example, where many Nigerian farmers lack access to critical data and digital tools that could revolutionize productivity and resource efficiency.
He emphasized that research and development (R&D) are foundational to solving sector-specific challenges and informing policies and regulations that can accelerate digital transformation.
Inuwa outlined NITDA‘s focus on emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), blockchain, robotics, and additive manufacturing.
He noted that these technologies hold vast potential for solving local problems and creating new economic opportunities. The goal, he said, is to create a vibrant technology-research ecosystem that unites academia, industry, government, entrepreneurs, and risk capital.
Inuwa emphasized the need to align university curricula with real-world industry demands, encouraging institutions to develop talent capable of addressing practical challenges through innovation.
He also called for better coordination among stakeholders, warning against the inefficiencies of duplicative efforts.
Inuwa highlighted NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 (SRAP 2024–2027), which is structured around eight complementary pillars.
These include fostering digital literacy and cultivating talents, building a robust technology research ecosystem, and promoting inclusive access to digital infrastructure and services.
The meeting marked a significant step forward in NITDA’s commitment to international collaboration, aligning with the broader objectives of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Inuwa stated that the partnership positions Nigeria to take a leadership role in the global digital economy through research-led innovation.
Professor Kirk Semple highlighted Lancaster University’s global research reputation and its commitment to strategic collaborations that deliver societal value.
He described the RIPE programme as a vehicle for knowledge mobilization, moving beyond academic theory to practical application.
