Ex-Health Minister, Adewole Urges IUO Students Develop Innovation Skills

Former Federal Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has called on Nigerians to be more innovative in their endeavours.
Adewole, who was the guest speaker at Igbinedion University, Okada Innovation Day, with the topic, “The Place of Innovation in Pioneering Excellence,” in Benin city, described innovation as the process of translating new ideas into reality.
He said with innovation there is no limit in breaking new grounds, and added that innovation’s ultimate success is to make money through new ideas by introducing new products into the markets.
“The future of innovation in Nigeria is bright. With a burgeoning youth population, increasing technological adoption, and a growing number of success stories, the country is well-positioned to become a leading hub of innovation in Africa and beyond.
“By leveraging its strengths in sectors like ICT, fintech, agritech, and renewable energy, Nigeria can pioneer excellence through innovation,” he said.
“The prediction that 85% of the jobs in 2030 haven’t been invented yet highlights the rapid pace at which technology evolves. From the startups that are guiding the world into a new era of innovation to the innovations transforming the future of transportation, the potential for groundbreaking developments is immense,” he added.
He said in embracing the future, Nigeria must continue to invest in its human capital, encourage entrepreneurial mindsets, and foster an inclusive culture that values diversity in innovation processes.
“The role of institutions like Igbinedion University in promoting innovation cannot be overstated, as they are the breeding grounds for the next generation of innovators.”
The Vice Chancellor of the Igbinedion University, Okada, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, said the innovation Day was geared towards showcasing the research and innovation adventures of IUO.
Ezemonye said,” The institution of the IUO Innovation Day is a deliberate effort to recognize the symbiotic relationship between innovation and research excellence underpinning the founding of Igbinedion University, both of which are crucial for national development.
“The Innovation Day is therefore geared towards showcasing the research and innovation adventures of our great University. IUO Innovation Day provides a platform for corporate bodies and individuals to exhibit their products and innovations to the audience.
“Innovation is thus at the core of everything we do here at Igbinedion University. It fuels our research endeavors, inspires our teaching methodologies, and empowers our students to be future ready in their respective fields.
“From groundbreaking discoveries in science and technology to revolutionary advancements in the arts and humanities, our university community continues to push the boundaries of knowledge and imagination,” he added.