The National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, has called on the educational sector to adopt emerging technologies made possible by the 4TH Industrial Revolution.
DAILY NIGERIAN gathered that 4TH Industrial Revolution is a latest technological advancement in artificial intelligence, AI, robotics, the Internet of Things, IoT, quantum computing, and other technologies.
Speaking while receiving the management of Sule Lamido University, Duste, Jigawa State on a courtesy visit in Abuja on Thursday, the NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, stressing the need for the education sector to develop capacity in the area of emerging technology.
“It has become imperative to increase our level of preparedness and develop capacity in the area of emerging technology.
“We need to look at the educational sector and focus more on skills and research that can be used to develop the economy.
“People should not see education as the end but means to the end. We need to look for ways to disabuse people’s mind on paper qualification and inculcate in them those skills required for the imminent industrial revolution and also focus more on science and technology,” he stressed.
According to Mr Inuwa, a latest research by the Microsoft shows that by 2030, about 800 million jobs would be lost, unless people up-skill and re-skill.
He added that about 149 million new jobs would be created through Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies.
Earlier in his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Lawan Sani-Taura solicited the support of the agency in the area of the ICT interventions, especially as the institution has introduced new programs billed to commence in the 2020/2021 academic session.
“We are introducing new courses. We need these interventions and any other gesture we can get from the Agency would be appreciated,” he said.
He, therefore, commended the DG for the donation of 120 computers to the institution, advising Mr Inuwa to continue the good work.
Responding, Mr Inuwa expressed NITDA’s commitment to intervene in the institution, commending them for the inclusion of agriculture, Information and Communication Technology, Innovations and Entrepreneurship in its programmes.
According to him, the institution has potentials that can facilitate the nation’s drive towards digital economy.
“We are already in partnership with the Jigawa state government on digital transformation and smart initiatives.
“We can also partner with you to do some research for us on how we can enhance these projects we are doing,” he said.
