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| Prof. Iwu |
A professor at Adekunle Ajasin University, Nnaoma Iwu, has canvassed a “football theory” approach to address Nigeria’s technological challenges, urging a shift from ethnicity-driven considerations to merit-based talent development.
Iwu made the proposal on Tuesday while delivering the institution’s 61st inaugural lecture titled, “Killing the ‘Gods’ of Ethnicity Inhibiting Nigeria’s Journey towards Technological Innovation: Football Theory of Scientific Development to the Rescue.”
The professor of Comparative Politics and Strategic Studies argued that Nigeria’s technological growth has been hindered by the misuse of ethnic considerations, warning that the trend would continue to undermine innovation if not urgently addressed.
He explained that the “football theory” draws from the merit-based selection system in sports, where players are chosen based on performance and skills rather than background, stressing that a similar model should be applied in science and technology sectors.
According to him, “Football unites people and prioritises competence. If we adopt the same principle in our innovation ecosystem, Nigeria can compete globally.”
Iwu maintained that the problem was not ethnic diversity itself, but how it is exploited to sideline competent individuals, thereby limiting productivity and innovation.
He identified tertiary institutions as critical drivers of the proposed model, likening them to teams where lecturers serve as coaches and students, alongside members of the wider community, act as players whose talents must be discovered and nurtured.
The don urged academic institutions to focus on identifying practical skills and fostering partnerships that would translate local innovations into commercially viable products.
He also recommended that practical outputs should form the basis for awarding certificates in science and technical disciplines, while employment into research institutions should prioritise proven skills over formal qualifications.
In a controversial suggestion, Iwu proposed that English Language and Mathematics should not be compulsory for candidates with exceptional technical abilities seeking admission into higher institutions, noting that such a policy would widen access for skilled individuals.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Olugbenga Ige, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Adebisi Daramola, commended the lecturer for offering bold ideas capable of stimulating public discourse and policy direction.
He noted that inaugural lectures serve as platforms for intellectual engagement and societal reflection, adding that Iwu’s contribution underscored the university’s commitment to addressing national challenges through research.
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