Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has urged the universities of technology in Nigeria to lead the Fourth Industrial Revolution by advancing artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, biotechnology, and digital innovation to support national economic reforms.

Uzodimma made the call on Friday while delivering the 38th Convocation Lecture at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State.

“While delivering the 38th Convocation Lecture at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), titled “Nigerian Universities of Technology Must Lead in the Fourth Industrial Revolution or Jeopardize the Nation’s Future,” I stressed the imperative for Universities to transcend their traditional roles and become active drivers of innovation, industrial growth, and economic transformation,” he wrote on his official X account.

His post highlighted the need for increased Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) investment, industry-aligned curricula, and shifting universities from traditional roles to drivers of industrial growth and technological self-reliance.

“Achieving this objective requires sustained investment in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, which remains critical to Nigeria’s pursuit of industrial advancement and technological self-reliance,” Uzodimma stated.

“Furthermore, University curricula must be aligned with contemporary industry realities and emerging technological trends.”

The governor showcased Imo State’s initiatives including the Skill-Up Imo Project, Imo Digital Centre, and the new University of Innovation, Science and Technology at Omuma focused on applied sciences, digital skills, and entrepreneurship.

“As a Government, in Imo State, we have demonstrated our commitment to knowledge transfer and youth empowerment through the Skill-Up Imo Project, the establishment of the Imo Digital Centre, and the University of Innovation, Science and Technology, Omuma (UISTO), which focuses on applied sciences, technology, digital skills, and entrepreneurship,” he noted.

“The current technology-driven global transformation powered by artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, and digital innovation must be embraced as a society and championed by our research institutions across the country, providing cutting-edge technologies to complement the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Through these strategic initiatives, Uzodimma said Nigeria as a country is laying a solid foundation for innovation-driven development and the nation remains committed to achieving even greater milestones in the years ahead.