Eromosele advocates town, gown partnership for sustainable development

Former General Manager (Finance), Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, Victor Eromosele, has advocated collaborative efforts between the academia (which create talent) and real world (which uses talents), for sustained growth of the nation’s economy.

Speaking at the 4th Learned International Conference of Crawford University, Ogun State recently, Eromosele observed that, “Nigeria is a paradox, Africa largest oil producer largely dependent on imports; abundant sunshine with undeveloped solar power; abundant water with undeveloped hydro power.”

Speaking on the topic: “Re-inventing the Nigerian Economy: Imperativeness for Real Development,” he stated that, “Nigeria by 2050 could move up four places from seventh to third most populous country in the world. Without a significant change in the philosophy driving the economy, Nigeria could become a tougher place to live.

“The largest economy in Africa continues to be severely injured by turbulent oil prices. This can be seen in rising unemployment, (31%), flattering GDP growth, (-0.36%), and spiraling inflation (13.7%), dangerously rattling the nations stability.

As a way forward, he suggested that 21st century demands must be met by grooming relevant skills and talents; private sector can invest in value added research; symbiotic relationship between academia and the real world.

In conclusion, he said if the suggestions can be implemented, then “The new Nigeria will produce a productive, educated peaceful, and healthy population; enabling environment to create value without undue constraint; stable exchange rate, viable states that become financially autonomous and less dependent of federal allocations; steep and sustained growth in finished non oil exports and development of world class infrastructure.’