From University of Calabar
There may be no solution to the technology gap in Nigeria and other developing countries until we develop our local content, indigenous technology, technical know-how, raw material availability, human and economic resources. This is because no developed country or technologically advanced nation may be ready to transfer its already developed technology, based on various factors.
Nigeria ranks very low on the ladder of nations in the Human Development Index (HDI), because the population living below poverty levels has been on the rise. It has been discovered that a link exists between population access to basic and modern technology and the attainment of sustainable and higher living standards.
My experience at Innov8 Hub and participation in the Research for Impact (R4i) initiative has convinced me, beyond reasonable doubt, that the Hub holds the needed solution for breakthrough in the development of indigenous technology in Nigeria and by extension in Africa.
Since our arrival, down to departure, we were treated to a highly coordinated management system that is close to perfection. The ambience of the environment, neatness, space management and natural ecosystem are very friendly and conducive for intense technological and academic exercises.
More importantly, the human resources are extraordinarily amazing. All the resource persons and staff have demonstrated a high level of experience, expertise and capacity. The quality of their deliverables, especially the impactful sessions, were excellent. The time management was very efficient and effective, creating a check on both the participants and resource persons. There was also a high level of checks and balances on the coordinators, resource persons and other staff. Generally, the entire organization meets international best practices.
Among special areas of interest for me were sessions on research commercialization, concept development, assumption testing, ideation, customer co-creation and prototype development. Other critical knowledge gained at R4i revolved around driving innovation through emotional intelligence, brainstorming, managing change as a change agent, public speaking using a teleprompter, intellectual property licensing, feasibility plan, identifying market opportunities and igniting innovation in my institution. The hands-on interface with the experts was also a great experience.
I wish to commend the entire management of Innov8 Hub for this golden opportunity to participate in the Research for Impact initiative. I sincerely appreciate TETFund for sponsoring this initiative. I also thank the Vice-Chancellor and the management of University of Calabar for nominating me to participate in this life-changing experience. I promise to utilize the knowledge gained to facilitate indigenous technology development in Nigeria.