By Nedu Onoja

In recent years, global discourse has increasingly placed innovation, science, and technology (STI) at the heart of national development. The workshop led by Chief Uche Nnaji(Nwakibie), Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, on November (5th-6th) 2024, in Abuja was not just an ordinary meeting of experts and stakeholders—it was a defining moment for Nigeria’s future. The workshop, aimed at advancing the implementation of the 2022 Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (STI Policy) and aligning Nigeria’s goals with UNESCO’s 2021 recommendations on Open Science, has provided the country with an opportunity to redefine its place on the global stage.

However, while it is encouraging to see such initiatives, the question remains: Will this workshop, this policy, this framework, really bring about the change Nigeria needs to thrive in the 21st century? As a political enthusiast and someone who’s a beneficiary of what technology can do, I believe the implications of these discussions deserve a deeper analysis. Let’s explore whether this effort will lead to tangible change or simply add to the heap of policies that have failed to deliver their promises.

The Visionary Leadership of Chief Uche Nnaji (Nwakibie): A Step in the Right Direction

Chief Uche Nnaji’s leadership in this initiative shows a clear understanding of the role science and technology can play in advancing a nation. In his opening remarks at the workshop, Nnaji emphasized the need for a national STI strategy that would ensure Nigeria is competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.

“Innovation is the currency of the 21st century,” he stated, recognizing that nations which prioritize technological advancement are better positioned to drive economic growth and prosperity. This vision is in line with the ideas of thinkers like Thomas Friedman, who, in his seminal work “The World is Flat,” argues that nations today must harness the power of technology and innovation to stay competitive in a globalized world.

Yet, as much as this rhetoric resonates, we must ask ourselves: How realistic is this vision in a country where infrastructural deficits, poor internet connectivity, and widespread illiteracy still pose major barriers to technological adoption? The question is not just about the policy itself but about the feasibility of its implementation in the face of deep-rooted systemic challenges.

The STI Policy: Potential or Promise?

The STI Policy, launched in 2022, is built on the premise that science and technology are key drivers of national progress. It promises to bridge gaps between technological advancements and the economic realities of Nigeria. While this is certainly a step forward, one must consider the limitations of past policies that have not lived up to their full potential.

In a country where policy execution often falters at the local government level, there is a danger that this new STI Policy could remain an abstract concept, serving only as a document gathering dust on government shelves. As political analyst and author, Dr. John U. Ndu, once wrote: “Policies are only as effective as their implementation. A roadmap without a driver will not get you to your destination.”

For this policy to succeed, there must be a clear plan to bridge the disconnect between national aspirations and local realities. Local governments, the bedrock of Nigeria’s administrative structure, must be involved in every stage of the process. For instance, how will rural communities benefit from this policy? Will they have access to technology that empowers their farmers, or will they remain sidelined as the policy benefits only urban elites? These are the questions we must ask as we look towards the future.

Open Science: A Global Collaborative Framework or a Local Disconnect?

A key highlight of the workshop was Nigeria’s commitment to Open Science, as part of its alignment with UNESCO’s 2021 recommendations. Open Science is a concept designed to make scientific research more accessible, transparent, and collaborative. For Nigeria, this is a promising development, as it could allow local researchers, including those from remote areas, to collaborate with international counterparts and share knowledge freely.

However, while Open Science presents opportunities for global collaboration, there are serious concerns about how Nigeria will integrate this concept into its existing infrastructure. How will Nigerian universities and research institutions overcome the challenges of data access, infrastructure, and digital literacy to fully embrace Open Science? As renowned philosopher and sociologist Michel Foucault once said, “Knowledge is not something that we simply receive, it is something we produce.” For Open Science to be effective in Nigeria, we must create an environment that allows our researchers and innovators to produce and share knowledge on an equal footing with the rest of the world.

A Holistic Approach: From Policy to Reality

If we are to take Chief Nnaji’s vision seriously, the STI Policy must not remain an elite-driven initiative confined to the corridors of Abuja. It must be a grassroots movement, one that empowers communities across Nigeria. Local government leaders must become advocates for technological literacy, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of their location, has access to the tools and skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven world.

Moreover, we must acknowledge that technology alone will not solve Nigeria’s problems. As political theorist Arundhati Roy often reminds us, “The real war is not between nations but between powerful and powerless.” True progress will come not just from policy but from a collective effort to empower our people—whether through education, entrepreneurship, or social programs designed to give every Nigerian the opportunity to succeed.

Conclusion: Realizing the Vision

In conclusion, the workshop on Nigeria’s STI Policy is undoubtedly a positive step towards positioning the country as a global player in science, technology, and innovation. However, it is critical that this vision moves beyond policy papers and workshops. As Chief Nnaji rightly stated, “Our innovations must serve as engines of progress for sustainable growth, economic empowerment, and global competitiveness.” But for this to happen, Nigeria must ensure that technology becomes a part of the everyday lives of its people—not just an elite pursuit for a privileged few.

The journey ahead is long, but with careful planning, honest leadership, and a commitment to inclusivity, Nigeria can harness the power of innovation to overcome its challenges and build a prosperous future for all its citizens. “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today,” said Malcolm X, and it is time for Nigeria to prepare—starting from the grassroots up.

*Nedu Onoja writes from Igbo-Eze South, Enugu State, Nigeria.

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