Experts in mechanical engineering have emphasised the importance of commercialising indigenous innovations to rapid national economic development.
The experts made the call in Ibadan at the 4th Annual Professor Olusoji Ofi Distinguished Academic Lecture, organised by the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE), Ibadan Chapter, on Friday.
The lecture, which also marked the 6th NIMechE Ibadan Distinguished Academic Lecture, is entitled “Crossing the Valley of Death in Technological Innovation in Nigeria”.
It aimed at advocating for effective support for developmental research in Nigeria.
The Guest Lecturer, Prof. Abel Olorunnisola, the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Dominion University, Ibadan, said only a few indigenous technological innovations had reached the commercialisation level.
Olorunnisola noted that far too many local innovations ended up in either the research and development stage or the start-up valley of death.
He added that the lack of political will to mobilise or harness science, engineering, and technical manpower in the pursuit of national economic objectives must be addressed.
We need to believe in our own capabilities to innovate; we need to promote local manufacturing and minimise importation of goods and services that can be provided here at home.
“We must curtail our unbridled taste for foreign and imported goods and services that have strangulating effects on our drive for self-reliance and self-actualisation.
This valley can be crossed if adequate support is given by the government, our universities, and the private sector to science and technology activities,” he said.
Similarly, a former VC of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Olufemi Bamiro reiterated the need to encourage informal professionals with training and mentorship toward modern practices.
The Chairman, NIMechE, Ibadan Chapter, Engr. Wole Ayanrinde remarked that the lecture provided the professional body with a unique opportunity to be part of the nation’s solution providers.
According to him, the lecture aims to provide solutions to the obstructive problems of the nation’s growth and development.
We will continually engage critical stakeholders of the Nigerian project till landmark changes are achieved across all sectors through various programmes that will bridge the gap between the industries and classrooms,” he said.
He described the celebrator, Prof. Olusoji Ofi, as a man of many parts, a bridge builder and administrator per excellent.
The distinguished academic lecture is named after the inventor of the popular ‘Ofi Pounded Yam’ to give him a long-deserved and proper recognition of his humble sacrifice to the development of engineering,” he said.
Responding, Professor Ofi expressed his gratitude to the association, UI community, well-wishers, and all who had worked tirelessly to make the event a reality.
