Don urges investment in technology to address insecurity

Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, has called upon governments at all levels to prioritize investments in state-of-the-art technology to enhance the country’s capabilities in addressing security concerns and ensuring the safety of its population.

Ogundipe conveyed this perspective during the inaugural Founder’s Day lecture at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu. The lecture centred on the theme “Nation Building Through Innovation, Science, and Technology.”

The former vice chancellor said that nations carried out such investments to bolster their defence and security apparatus.

“Defence technology innovation improves a country’s capacity to handle security issues and safeguard its population. Innovation and technology can be very important in improving a country’s internal security.

“It helps to create strategies, technologies, and policies that are effective in addressing changing security issues. Countries that invest in science, innovation, and technology are often ahead of those that do not invest or rather invest poorly.

“When we talk about nation-building, we take into account several factors, all of which are now influenced by science, innovation, and technology,” Ogundipe said.

Ogundipe added that analysis and intelligence gathering, technology adoption and surveillance, and cybersecurity measures will contribute to Nigeria’s internal security.

According to him, other means include border security and cross-border cooperation, conflict resolution and peacebuilding, training and skill development, and public awareness and education.

“No other country can help us. We need to help ourselves to invest in our security. A country’s ability to innovate and use technological advancements is closely linked to its economic development,” Ogundipe said.

He noted that innovation, science, and technology play a critical role in the development of infrastructure, influencing how societies organise, construct, and oversee vital organisational and physical structures.

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“These components play a major role in the progress, effectiveness, and sustainability of infrastructure projects in a variety of industries.

“Innovation is a key factor in economic growth, frequently resulting from advances in science and technology. New industries are encouraged to emerge through investments in technology and innovation.

“In addition to producing highly skilled jobs, the expansion of industries like biotechnology, clean energy, and information technology also supports ancillary businesses, which boosts overall employment and economic diversification,” Ogundipe said.

He said that beyond the sphere of the economy, science and technology could significantly impact social progress and inclusivity.

“Nations can harness the transformative power of innovation to build resilient and prosperous societies by adopting a future-oriented mindset, allocating resources to education and research, and responsibly navigating the challenges.

“Let’s set out on a journey together where innovation serves as the cornerstone for building a nation and moves us closer to a more promising and inclusive future,” Ogundipe said.

Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, Vice-Chancellor of LASUSTECH, said the Founder’s Day lecture was to share with the larger society the institution’s achievements and impact in fulfilling its mandate.

Guardian/Chidimma Gold