FIC Report (Imo State) – Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has called for the transformation of Nigeria’s universities of technology into innovation-driven institutions capable of accelerating industrial growth, technological advancement and sustainable national development.
The Governor made the call while delivering the 38th Convocation Lecture of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), where he outlined strategies for repositioning higher institutions to meet the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
Speaking before a distinguished audience of academics, policymakers, students and stakeholders, Senator Uzodimma stressed that universities of technology must evolve beyond their traditional role of awarding degrees and become centres for innovation, entrepreneurship, research commercialisation and technological solutions.
According to him, institutions such as FUTO were established by the Federal Government to serve as catalysts for scientific and technological development and should therefore be empowered to drive innovation, create jobs and provide solutions to national challenges.
The Governor emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among government, academia and industry, noting that countries that have successfully integrated their universities into innovation ecosystems have emerged as global leaders in technology and economic development.
Drawing lessons from globally renowned institutions including Stanford University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Carnegie Mellon University Africa and the Indian Institutes of Technology, Senator Uzodimma urged Nigerian universities to adopt models that prioritise industry partnerships, cutting-edge research, entrepreneurial education and innovation-based learning.
He observed that despite the enormous potential of Nigeria’s universities of technology, challenges such as outdated curricula, limited industry engagement and weak research commercialisation frameworks continue to hinder their global competitiveness.
The Governor, however, commended the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, for its significant contributions to technological education, research, innovation and manpower development over the years.
He acknowledged the institution’s ongoing digital transformation initiatives, infrastructure expansion and strategic partnerships, describing FUTO as one of the nation’s foremost universities of technology and a critical asset in Nigeria’s quest for scientific and technological advancement.
As part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the state government and the institution, Senator Uzodimma announced plans to deepen support for innovation and technology-driven development through the expansion of the Imo Digital City initiative, establishment of a technology park and support for startup incubation and entrepreneurship programmes.
The Governor further proposed key reform measures for universities of technology, including curriculum modernisation, stronger industry engagement, translational research, entrepreneurial development pathways and sustainable institutional partnerships.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of FUTO, Prof. Nnenna Oti, described the convocation lecture as timely and relevant, noting that innovation and technology remain critical drivers of national growth and competitiveness in the modern world.
She commended Senator Uzodimma for delivering a thought-provoking lecture and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to advancing research, innovation and technological excellence in line with its mandate as a leading Federal Government-owned institution.
The lecture concluded with a renewed call for sustained collaboration among government, universities and the private sector to position Nigeria’s universities of technology as engines of innovation, economic prosperity and national transformation.
Chika Anurunwa
PIPRO, ANIPR
5/6/2026
