The former Principal Advisor on Information and Communication Technology to the Ondo State Government, Engineer Olatunji Ariyomo, has urged the Federal Government to enact legislation and provide dedicated funding for innovation and research in tertiary institutions to enhance their contributions to national development.
Ariyomo made the call while delivering a lecture titled “Science, Technology and Innovation as Mandatory Prerequisites for Nigerian Complexity Development” at the 5th edition of More than Certificate 5.0, organized by the Technology Park (Techpic) of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA).
He emphasized that Nigeria must passionately embrace science, innovation, and technology to unlock its full potential. He also advocated increased interdisciplinary research collaboration among students to foster innovation through cross-disciplinary mobility.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development), Professor Sunday Oluyamo, reminded participants that the programme seeks to harness knowledge for practical impact. He noted that certificates alone no longer guarantee employment, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptability.
Director of Techpic, Professor Obafemi Olubanjo, stressed the university’s commitment to an innovation-driven economy. He explained that the More than Certificate initiative was designed to challenge the notion that academic achievement alone guarantees success, highlighting the importance of creativity, resilience, and real-world problem solving.
A key sponsor of the event, Ayomide Olugbode, Component Manager at GIZ–Centre for Migration and Development (German Development Cooperation), announced the agency’s willingness to partner with students for skill development and possible placement opportunities. He noted that GIZ supports upskilling Nigerians in Information Technology and other sectors for international mobility.
Also speaking, Chinenye Chimweuba, representative of the Head of Migrant Resource Centre, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, outlined the Centre’s roles, including workplace rights advocacy, pension monitoring, skill certification, and free vocational training.
Highlighting youth innovation, eight FUTA students pitched business ideas such as Campus Connect, Edu Note, Finzefy, Medport, Varia, Viidii, Nexa Health, and Digital Twin.
In a parallel exhibition, secondary school students from Saint Thomas Aquinas College (AACA), Christ Apostolic Grammar School (CAC), and Lifespring College showcased science projects. Saint Aquinas emerged winner with a fire-suppression machine for gas leaks, followed by CAC and Lifespring College with a functional washing machine and a cardboard-based ATM prototype, respectively.
The event concluded with awards of excellence presented to key contributors, including FUTA Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adenike Oladiji; Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Oluyamo; guest lecturer Engr. Olatunji Ariyomo; Hive Incubation Centre representatives; and GIZ’s Ayomide Olugbode.
