RAIN SUMMIT 1.0; Tinubu Administration Doubles Down on Digital Transformation to Tackle Youth Unemployment
By Adewale Owoade
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has reaffirmed the Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to digital transformation as a catalyst for youth empowerment.
Speaking at the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN) Summit 1.0 in Ibadan, Tijani emphasised the importance of technology in driving national development.
Tijani noted that Nigeria’s future prosperity hinges on its ability to harness technology, rather than relying solely on government efforts.
He encouraged the country’s talented and creative individuals to translate digital transformation into economic opportunities.
The minister also highlighted Nigeria’s impressive investment in the telecommunications sector, which is the highest on the continent.
“Because of the future that will see, we will not do things that are just popular, we will do things that set our nation on the path of prosperity.
“One thing I want to recognise is that the future we see as a country is not going to be possible if we outsource the work to government only.
“There is no nation on earth that can actually develop without investing in the foundation of technology because technology is responsible for development.
“While the government is doing that, we need the talented and creative ones among us that will translate this into economic opportunities.
“Investment in the telecommunications sector in Nigeria is the highest on the continent.”
Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his Special Assistant on ICT, Mr. Bayo Akande, echoed Tijani’s sentiments, emphasising ongoing efforts to boost digital literacy and equip young people with essential skills for the evolving job market.
Rep. Aderemi Oseni praised the Tinubu administration’s innovative strides, particularly in technological advancement.
“I want to tell you the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu is really on course in the area of technological advancement.
“I want to equally reconfirm that what the government is investing in the area of technology is something that we are all proud of as members of the National Assembly.”
The convener of the summit, Dr. Olusola Ayoola, called on the government to introduce robotics to universities, highlighting the need for technical lecturers to handle this field.
“The Nigerian government needs to allow Robotics in universities.
“If the universities are complaining that there are no technical people to handle this, that is why we are showcasing the capacity of Nigerian youths.
“Maybe there is going to be a policy shift; rather than have academic lecturers for the purpose of robotics, we might engage technical lecturers to handle this.
“We are hoping for that policy shift in the education system in Nigeria and also we want to emphasise that the Nigerian tech community can handle big projects and so we are showcasing quite a number of solutions at today’s exhibition.”
Awards were given to Minister of Communications, the mother of the convener, Justice Ayoola, and many others.
