Babcock VC decries Nigeria’s heavy reliance on foreign technology

The Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, Professor Ademola Tayo, has strongly criticized Nigeria’s continued heavy reliance on foreign technology, despite being in a 21st-century knowledge-driven economy.

He stated that digital technology is reshaping human activities globally, and Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind in this area.

According to him, information technology is now driving every aspect of life and career, yet Nigeria remains more of a consumer than a creator of computer hardware, software, artificial intelligence, telecommunications equipment, and other digital innovations.

“But we cannot continue this way and expect to achieve economic prosperity, especially as a country,” he asserted.

Prof. Tayo made this observation on Friday while answering questions from journalists shortly after the inauguration of several new infrastructural projects at the university. These included the ICT Centre, Senate Building, staff quarters, library solar panel, swimming pool, walkway to the Wole Olanipekun Law Auditorium, guest house extension, among others.

The Vice-Chancellor emphasized the importance of digital technology, noting that this is why Babcock University prioritizes digital skills and knowledge acquisition for its students, faculty, and other staff members.

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He said Nigeria should by now be developing its own software and AI-powered technologies, and producing tech innovators and creators to help drive national development.

Although Africa’s digital economy contributes between 16 and 20 percent to the continent’s GDP—largely due to advancements in telecommunications and fintech—he pointed out that infrastructure and innovation development in Nigeria remains underdeveloped.

Prof. Tayo expressed appreciation to the donor of the ICT Centre, Mr. Tim Akano, a former CEO of New Horizons Nigeria. He also thanked the university’s Board of Trustees for making the new ultra-modern Senate Building, staff quarters, and other projects a reality. He acknowledged the 2005 graduating class for donating several projects, including a solar panel for the library, a car park, and a tarred walkway to the law auditorium.

He noted that it has become a tradition for each graduating class to donate significant projects to the university as a gesture of appreciation for the quality education they received.

“Even though students pay tuition and other fees, they believe that the university, which has invested so much in them, is worth giving back to,” he said.

He reiterated that Babcock University is committed to value-based and entrepreneurship-driven education to ensure students graduate as well-rounded individuals, regardless of their discipline.

On her part, Miss Taiwo Adesanya, President of the 2025 Graduating Class and a graduate of International Law and Diplomacy, expressed joy that her set was able to contribute meaningfully to the university.

She explained that all the projects donated by her class—like those of previous sets—were based on the needs of students and the institution at large. Although they are graduating, she noted, those coming after them will benefit from the new facilities.

She revealed that the class collectively raised not less than ₦200 million to fund the projects, with the solar panel for the library alone costing about ₦70 million.

While stating that each graduating class aims to outdo the previous one, Taiwo admitted that her set could have done more if not for the high inflation in the country, which significantly increased project costs.

Nevertheless, she said the projects would serve as a legacy for their class, as they look forward to the future with optimism.

In his earlier remarks, the Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the university, Professor Bassey Udoh, congratulated the university management and the 2025 graduating class on the completion and commissioning of the various projects.

He noted that the infrastructure would further enhance teaching, learning, research, and other academic activities at the institution.