Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru has called for a radical transformation of Nigeria’s research and innovation ecosystem, stressing that universities must lead the nation’s shift toward technology-driven development.
Epe Insights reports that the senator emphasised the need for Nigeria to reinvent its research culture to remain competitive in a global environment shaped by artificial intelligence, biotechnology, renewable energy and digital technologies. He said universities must evolve into engines of economic growth through knowledge creation and industry-focused innovation.
He spoke on Tuesday at the maiden Research, Innovation and Development Fair of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH).
Senator Abiru commended LASUSTECH for building stronger academia–industry partnerships, noting that such collaboration mirrors global innovation hubs like Silicon Valley, Germany’s research ecosystem and South Korea’s industry–university models.
He highlighted the SAIL Innovation Lab in Ikorodu, a project he co-founded with his wife, as a successful demonstration of how digital skills can transform young Nigerians into software engineers, data scientists, product designers and startup founders.
Abiru also praised LASUSTECH for creating platforms that help students translate research into practical solutions in key sectors such as food security, energy, transportation, health and urban development.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, the senator reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s innovation landscape through legislative support for startups, tech entrepreneurship and university research capacity.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olumuyiwa Odusanya, and Chief Francis Meshioye, President of MAN, urged participants to embrace emerging opportunities in innovation, citing the SAIL model as proof of what focused investment in youth and research can achieve.
