Scholars and education stakeholders have identified technology, innovation and entrepreneurship as the three critical pillars required to drive Nigeria’s sustainable development and economic transformation.
The position was canvassed at the 7th International Conference of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), held at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos.
Presenting the lead paper, Professor Sunday Adebisi of the University of Lagos said technology, innovation and entrepreneurship are not optional components of economic development but fundamental drivers of national progress.
Adebisi, who also serves as Executive Director of the University of Lagos Business School, stressed that meaningful transformation occurs when technological advancements are combined with innovative business models and scaled through entrepreneurship. He cited the success of Interswitch, Andela and Chowdeck as examples of businesses that demonstrate the economic impact of integrating the three pillars.
The professor called for a comprehensive review of higher education curricula to ensure that technology, innovation and entrepreneurship are embedded across disciplines. He also urged polytechnics to establish local incubation hubs, strengthen practical research and support the commercialization of ideas.
According to him, the Federal Government should enact a National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Act and require technical institutions to dedicate 15 per cent of their TETFund allocations to entrepreneurship centres capable of nurturing viable ventures.
In a keynote address, Dr. Solakunmi Oluwajoba of the Department of Biological Science, Yaba College of Technology, advised technology developers to prioritize solutions that address the practical needs of end-users, particularly those in underserved communities.
She also encouraged closer collaboration between researchers and entrepreneurs, recommending that innovators involve business experts from the early stages of research to improve the chances of commercial success.
The conference concluded with participants emphasizing that Nigeria’s development agenda depends on the seamless integration of technology, innovation and entrepreneurship to create sustainable socio-economic solutions.
Held from June 17 to 18, 2026, the 7th ASUP International Conference served as a platform for researchers, policymakers and technology leaders to discuss strategies for strengthening technical education and promoting national development through innovation.
