Varsity don proposes ‘football theory’ to solve Nigeria’s technological woes

By Boye Oyeyemi

A professor at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nnaoma Iwu, has canvassed a football-style approach to addressing ethnicity-related setbacks affecting Nigeria’s technological growth.

Iwu said the country must begin to place greater value on skills, competence and talent rather than ethnic background, religion or paper qualifications.

He cautioned that Nigeria’s progress in science and innovation would remain slow if merit is continually sacrificed for sectional interests. “We must deliberately promote those with the right abilities,” he said.

The scholar presented his position on Tuesday while delivering the university’s 61st inaugural lecture, themed around dismantling ethnic barriers to innovation.

Using football as an example, he explained that the sport thrives on performance-based selection, a model he believes can be replicated in the science and technology sectors.

He stressed that ethnicity is not the core issue, but rather how it is manipulated to exclude capable individuals from opportunities they deserve.

Iwu also described universities as centres for talent discovery, noting that lecturers should act as coaches, while students and other skilled individuals serve as key players in national development. He equally pushed for reforms in education, including skill-based evaluation and flexible admission policies.

Reacting, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, represented by Prof. Adebisi Daramola, commended the lecture as insightful and relevant.