A Research Professor of Technology Management, Francis Ogbimi, has urged the Federal Government to prioritise the mobilisation of Nigerians for integrated learning and accelerated industrialisation as sustainable solutions to the country’s economic challenges, mass unemployment, poverty and rising insecurity.

Ogbimi made the call at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Asaba, Delta State, while unveiling the findings of a research project aimed at addressing Nigeria’s persistent economic stagnation, low productivity, unemployment and worsening security challenges.

The professor argued that Nigeria’s inability to develop a strong industrial base remained a major obstacle to economic prosperity, stressing that the country must move away from an excessive dependence on imported technology and place industrial development at the centre of its national development agenda.

He maintained that Nigeria could overcome its economic difficulties by systematically equipping citizens, particularly young people, with the scientific knowledge, technical skills and practical competencies required to develop industries and manufacture products that meet local and international demands.

According to him, countries such as Japan, China and Singapore offer valuable lessons for Nigeria and other African nations, having overcome years of economic difficulties through deliberate efforts to mobilise their populations for integrated learning and the development of industrial capabilities.

Ogbimi disclosed that the research findings were the product of 40 years of curiosity-driven research conducted by him and his wife, adding that their findings had been documented in nine books and presented to the nation as a pathway towards sustainable economic transformation.

He identified the absence of industrialisation as one of the principal reasons for Africa’s persistent underdevelopment, widespread poverty and economic stagnation.

The professor criticised African governments for prioritising investments in physical infrastructure and the measurement of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) without giving corresponding attention to the development of productive capabilities and industries.

He explained that although physical structures and other tangible assets were important, they depreciated with time and usage and could not, on their own, guarantee sustainable economic growth without the knowledge, skills and industrial capacities needed to produce goods and services.

Ogbimi argued that genuine national development must go beyond the construction of buildings, roads and other physical infrastructure to include the systematic development of human capabilities and the establishment of industries capable of transforming raw materials into finished products.

Reflecting on his experience in the United States, where he spent more than six years studying, the professor said his exposure to the country’s technological advancement deepened his curiosity about the differences between industrialised nations and African countries.

He recalled being particularly interested in why Western and Asian countries were able to manufacture sophisticated scientific products while most African countries continued to depend heavily on imported technologies.

“For over six years I studied in the USA. The Americans frequently say: American technology, American technology, American technology.

“I also wondered why the Caucasians and the Asians manufactured scientific products while Africans do not manufacture scientific products. Will Africans ever manufacture scientific products?” he asked.

Ogbimi noted that although the United Nations recognises approximately 195 countries worldwide, only about 60 to 70 had attained significant levels of industrialisation, productivity and wealth.

He lamented that none of Africa’s 54 countries had achieved the level of industrialisation he considered necessary to guarantee sustainable prosperity across the continent.

According to him, the widespread poverty in Africa and Nigeria’s persistent economic difficulties demonstrate the urgent need for governments to make industrialisation their highest national priority.