Roseline Ilori: Government investment in tech will stop Nigerians from japa

A technology enthusiast, Roseline Ilori has urged the federal and state governments to invest massively in technology.

llori said funding software development, robotics, artificial intelligence, bio-medicine, voice biometrics and other technology spectra would curb brain drain.

A statement on Saturday by the Founder/CEO of Bridge57 Solutions Ltd said making tech a priority will check the syndrome of Japa.

Japa is a trending Yoruba slang which means relocation to a foreign country.

A high number of youths have left Nigeria in recent years for studies, in search of better living and a working system.

Ilori said investment will shore up manufacturing competitiveness via authentication and traceability of goods and services, improved physical security and cyber security.

The expert charged the authorities to be more proactive in making the technology environment more friendly to attract young people.

She regrets Nigeria is losing its own techies, who are among the most sought-after in developed economies.

“The fact is that the environment we are in is not conducive enough for technology to thrive, so the government has to do more.

“The ‘Japa Syndrome’ has been a major challenge affecting our human capital potential.”

The CEO called for the raising of more professionals so that when some leave, the rest would be around.

Ilori said Nigeria was yet to be a force in terms of innovation, adding that, unlike the notion many have, technology is different from innovation.

“For technology, we are doing well. But for innovation as a practice itself, we still lag behind.

“Innovation can be applied to processes, products, marketing and to different areas of business models.

“But technology can use innovation…They both need each other in a way to flourish.”

Ilori advised the government to engender early introduction to technology and innovation and remodel the educational curriculum to accommodate practical aspects.

The expert stressed the need to expose, encourage and sensitise young Nigerians, and explore the huge economic potential of technology.