Stronger Collaboration Needed to Drive Nigeria’s Industry 4.0 Growth – Onwualu

The President of the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Professor Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, has called for stronger collaboration among universities, research institutions, government and the private sector to accelerate Nigeria’s transition into the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Onwualu made the call while delivering the keynote address at a two-day workshop on Scientific and Technological Capacity Development for Industry 4.0 in Nigeria, held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) headquarters in Abuja.

He said Nigeria must move beyond consuming technologies developed elsewhere and develop the capacity to research, adapt, produce and apply technologies that address local challenges.

According to him, effective collaboration would help Nigeria become a creator and developer of technology, while also building the human capacity required to operate, maintain and adapt advanced technologies.

Speaking earlier, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, stressed the need to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to develop and apply homegrown technologies to drive industrial growth, create jobs and promote sustainable economic development.

Represented by NASENI’s Coordinating Director, Planning and Business Development, Dr. Mrs. Nonyem Onyechi, Halilu said the Fourth Industrial Revolution presents Nigeria with opportunities to improve productivity, build new industries and tackle national development challenges.

He said Nigeria must embrace emerging technologies and increase investment in research, development, adaptation, production and application.

The NASENI boss also highlighted the agency’s commitment to strengthening the innovation pathway from research and design to prototyping, technology development, production, commercialisation and industrial application.

Onwualu identified renewable energy, electronics, advanced materials, precision engineering, agricultural mechanisation and clean mobility as priority areas capable of supporting Nigeria’s industrial transformation.

He also called for practical training and continuous learning for scientists, engineers, researchers, technicians and young professionals, urging stronger partnerships that would move research findings from laboratories into factories, farms, businesses and communities.

The Director of the Nanoscience Department, NASENI, Dr. Chika S. Ezeanyanaso, said Industry 4.0 was transforming production through artificial intelligence, automation, big data analytics, advanced materials and modern manufacturing.

She stressed the need for Nigeria to strengthen its scientific and technical capacity, digital competence and human capital to harness emerging technologies for sustainable industrial development.

The Chairman of the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad, also emphasised the importance of relevant skills, stronger links between research and enterprise, and inclusive digital transformation.