By Daniel Nnamani and Doreen Austins
Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Chairman of the Telecom Group and former Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, has called on the Federal Government to establish a dedicated Science, Technology, and Innovation Trust Fund to drive creativity, innovation, and technological spinoffs in Nigeria’s space and science sectors.
Speaking on Tuesday at the 4th Adigun Ade Abiodun Public Lecture held at Afe Babalola Hall, University of Lagos, Ekuwem argued that advancing the frontiers of knowledge in outer space would serve as a fitting tribute to the late Dr. Adigun Ade Abiodun, a pioneering Nigerian space scientist and United Nations expert who played a key role in advancing space science across Africa.
The Case for Indigenous Capacity
According to Ekuwem, Nigeria must prioritize the indigenous development, design, construction, and launch of satellites. He maintained that such initiatives would expand local expertise and create meaningful employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
“A hungry man is an angry man. An idle mind is the devil’s workshop. How about a hungry idle man?” he asked, stressing the urgency of investing in innovation-driven growth to address both unemployment and social instability.
While urging progress in space science, Ekuwem emphasized the need to first strengthen Nigeria’s domestic technological capacity. He insisted that political sovereignty cannot stand without technological independence.
“When you think of developed countries, you think of science and technological developments,” he said. “Political sovereignty is balderdash without technological sovereignty.”
A Call for Local Patronage
The former SSG encouraged Nigerians to support locally produced goods and services, warning that overdependence on imports weakens domestic industries and puts persistent pressure on the naira.
“We can learn from the Asians, who learnt from the Europeans,” he advised. “We must not look down on locally manufactured products; practice makes perfect.”
Building on Existing Foundations
Ekuwem’s call for a dedicated innovation fund comes amid existing federal efforts to support research and development through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), which serves as Nigeria’s leading agency for advancing research and innovation in public tertiary institutions. TETFund provides funding and technical support to ensure research outputs deliver tangible benefits to the nation.
Notable TETFund initiatives include:
– National Research Fund (NRF) Grant: N4.2 billion approved for 158 research projects in 2024, focusing on critical areas including power, health, security, agriculture, and wealth creation.
– Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hubs: 18 hubs established in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, equipped with modern laboratories and workstations for electronics, 3D printing, laser technology, and advanced prototyping.
– Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF): Nigeria’s $4 million investment in PASET’s RSIF, supporting PhD training, university capacity building, and research innovation across the continent.
TETFund has also partnered with Innov8 Hub to build capacity among Nigerian researchers, offering mentorship, technical support, and practical training to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial application.
A Call for Greater Ambition
While acknowledging these ongoing efforts, Ekuwem’s proposal for a dedicated Science, Technology, and Innovation Trust Fund suggests the need for a more focused and adequately resourced mechanism specifically targeting space science and emerging technologies. Such a fund, he argued, would complement existing structures while providing the sustained investment required for breakthrough innovations.
Honouring a Legacy
Professor Peter Olufemi Adeniyi, former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, who chaired the event, urged society to emulate leaders like Dr. Abiodun who used their positions to advance collective progress rather than personal gain. The annual lecture series, now in its fourth year, continues to honour Abiodun’s legacy as a visionary who helped establish regional space science networks across Africa.
The event drew a gathering of academics and dignitaries, underscoring the enduring relevance of Abiodun’s work and the growing recognition of space science as a critical frontier for Nigeria’s technological future.
As Nigeria navigates the complexities of the digital age, Ekuwem’s call serves as a reminder that technological sovereignty is not optional but essential—and that the time to invest in homegrown innovation is now.
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