Africa needs integrated learning to achieve industrial growth – Professor

*… urges Fed Govt to prioritise industrialisation, integrated learning

By Etunim Ogunde

A Research Professor of Technology Management, Francis Ogbimi, has identified inadequate industrialisation as a major factor contributing to Africa’s persistent poverty, unemployment and economic underdevelopment.
Ogbimi spoke yesterday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Asaba, Delta State, during the presentation of research findings aimed at addressing economic stagnation, mass unemployment, low productivity, poverty and insecurity in Nigeria.
He argued that African governments need to give greater attention to industrial development rather than concentrating largely on physical infrastructure and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.
According to him, investments in buildings and other physical structures, while important, cannot independently drive sustainable economic development without the knowledge, skills and technological capacity required for industrial production.
The professor urged the Federal Government to prioritise the mobilisation of Nigerians for integrated learning and accelerated industrialisation, describing the approach as essential to addressing the country’s economic and security challenges.
He cited Japan, China and Singapore as examples of countries that had made significant economic progress through deliberate investments in human capacity development, technological advancement and industrial production.
Ogbimi disclosed that the research findings were the outcome of 40 years of curiosity-driven research undertaken by him and his wife, also a professor.
He said the findings had been documented in nine books and presented to the country.
Recounting his experience during more than six years of academic studies in the United States, Ogbimi said he became interested in understanding why Western and Asian countries were able to manufacture sophisticated scientific products while many African countries remained dependent on imported technology.
He said the experience raised questions about Africa’s capacity to develop its own technology and compete in the global industrial economy.
Ogbimi noted that although the United Nations recognised about 195 countries globally, only between 60 and 70 could be described as industrialised, productive and wealthy.
He observed that none of Africa’s 54 countries had attained the level of industrial development needed to guarantee sustainable economic prosperity.
According to him, industrialisation should become a major national priority if Nigeria and other African countries are to overcome poverty and improve their economic fortunes.
“Every nation on earth began as an agricultural/artisan nation. The task of every society is to learn and acquire, especially scientific, knowledge, skills and competences/capabilities and achieve industrialisation,” he said.
The professor, however, expressed optimism that Africa could overcome its industrial development challenges, arguing that the continent’s limited capacity to manufacture sophisticated products was largely connected to gaps in scientific knowledge, technical skills and technological capabilities.
He maintained that equipping Africans with the necessary knowledge, practical skills and competencies would strengthen their ability to manufacture scientific products and compete more effectively in the global economy.
Ogbimi also stressed that conventional education alone is insufficient to drive rapid industrial development, calling for a system that integrates education, practical training, employment and research.
He explained that young people need opportunities to acquire theoretical knowledge, develop practical competencies, gain work experience and participate in research to contribute meaningfully to industrial growth.
“Learning encompasses education, training, employment and research. For rapid growth in industrialisation, youths should have education, training, employment and research. Mere education does not promote rapid industrialisation,” he said.
End.