Former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, has said failure to provide necessary modern technological tools and equipment needed for excellent performance in the research centres and institutions in the country is the reason for the persistent socio-economic and political problems facing the country.

Olusola, a Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship aspirant in the state, said Nigeria could only compete effectively in the emerging global marketplace if research and development centres as well as technology development institutions were strengthened for optimal performance.

The former deputy governor, according to a statement titled, ‘Olusola to FG: Apply science-based technology to address poverty, corruption, energy, other human needs in Nigeria’, made the submissions in a paper titled ‘Energy and industrial development, panacea to poverty and insecurity challenges.’

Olusola was said to have delivered the paper during the first annual lecture of School of Physical Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State.

He said no nation could grow beyond its scientific and technological advancements, adding that, “Science and technology play vital roles in skill acquisition, job and wealth creation, improvement in the quality of life and industrial development of any nation.

“They not only bring in advancements that lead to healthier, longer, wealthier and more productive lives, they are key ingredients to solving challenges of poverty alleviation and economic development challenges that we currently face and are likely to face in the future.

“It is a well-known fact that lack of appropriate and modern equipment limits breakthrough in research performance. The system is therefore caught up with the left-behind syndrome. The economy subsequently begins and continues to decline. “This is the unfortunate story in Nigeria; hence the increasing spate of poverty and incidences of crime which are symptoms of deprivation and the lack of user engagement of young people in most cases.

“Every nation desire to be at peace and compete effectively in the emerging global marketplace. This can only be achieved if such a nation sets out to prioritise the adequate strengthening of its existing research and development centres and technology development institutions with the aim of encouraging and supporting the shift towards adoption and increased use of modern technological approaches.”

Olusola noted that Nigeria has brilliant people that are performing feats worldwide, except in Nigeria.

He attributed this to the fact that Nigerian government and leaders fail to provide the modern technological tools and equipment needed for excellent performance in research centres and institutions.”

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