An appeal has been made to leaders and other critical players in the Nigerian economy for increased investment in technology as a critical driver of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Head, IT Infrastructure, Totalenergies Exploration and Production, Nigeria, Dr.Yaya Johnson , made the call while delivering the 1st Annual Lecture of the School of Computing, Federal University of Technology Akure ,FUTA on Thursday October 17,2024. Johnson who spoke on the ”The Role of Information Technology in Driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)” said Nigeria must position itself to reap abundantly from the Digital revolution through deliberate planning and need driven investment.
Dr. Johnson, a renowned IT expert, and the best graduating student of the University in 2001, emphasized that advanced technologies such as Data Analysis, the Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G Connectivity, Cloud Computing, and Virtual Reality (VR) are at the forefront of transforming industries and economies. He urged stakeholders to invest in research, infrastructure, and talent development to fully harness the potential of these technologies. “The Fourth Industrial Revolution is fundamentally changing the way we live, work, and interact. Information technology is not just an enabler but the very core of this transformation. Governments, businesses, and academia must collaborate to maximize the benefits of these technologies or risk being left behind,” Dr. Johnson stated.
In his lecture, Dr. Johnson provided an in-depth insight on the key technological areas driving 4IR. He explained that data analysis is the foundation of decision-making in the digital age, as it allows businesses and organizations to process vast amounts of information, enabling them to make informed decisions, identify trends, and enhance operational efficiency. He pointed out that advanced data analytics is set to revolutionize sectors like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing by predicting consumer behavior and optimizing supply chains.
Speaking on the Internet of Things (IoT), Dr. Johnson described it as a network of interconnected devices that communicate with each other to automate processes and improve efficiency. He highlighted its applications in smart cities, agriculture, and industrial automation, where sensors are used to collect and transmit data in real-time, optimizing resources, reducing costs, and improving security.
On Artificial Intelligence (AI), Dr. Johnson, noted that machines are being powered with the ability to learn, reason, and make decisions, which is leading to groundbreaking innovations across multiple sectors. From self-driving cars to virtual assistants, AI is improving customer service, healthcare diagnostics, and overall business operations he explained.
The guest Lecturer who noted that the world is moving towards faster and more reliable connectivity spoke about 5G technologies, noting that it promises faster data speeds, low latency, and enhanced connectivity. He stated that 5G will unlock new possibilities in fields such as telemedicine, smart cities, and autonomous vehicles, transforming how businesses and individuals interact with technology. He further added that Cloud Computing, being one of the latest technologies is a transformative tool that allows businesses to store and process data remotely, providing flexibility, scalability, and cost savings, noting that cloud services enable companies to innovate without the burden of heavy infrastructure costs, improving collaboration and access to innovative tools.
Discussing Virtual Reality (VR), he highlighted the game-changing technology that is creating immersive experiences across industries such as education, entertainment, and real estate, stating that in education VR can provide students with interactive, hands-on learning environments, while in entertainment, it offers users lifelike simulations.
He therefore recommended ways on how society and businesses can adapt to and thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He emphasized the need for investment in education and skill development, noting that educational institutions must prepare students with relevant IT, engineering, and data science skills to meet new technological demands. Businesses, he suggested, should also focus on up skilling their workforce to remain competitive in the evolving digital landscape.
He said that public-private partnerships should be considered as essential for driving innovation and ensuring that the benefits of technological advancements are shared across society, stressing the importance of collaboration between governments, private enterprises, and academic institutions to fund research and development in cutting-edge technologies.
Dr Johnson also called attention to the ethical use of technology, particularly AI and data collection. He noted the need for regulations that ensure the responsible use of technology and address concerns such as privacy, job displacement, and security while urging businesses to leverage technologies like IoT and AI to reduce their environmental impact noting that sustainability should be a priority in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
In her address at the event, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, emphasized the critical role that Universities play in driving innovation and technological advancement. She highlighted FUTA’s commitment to nurturing a generation of forward-thinking graduates who will not only adapt to but also shape the rapidly evolving landscape of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. She said “at FUTA, we are not just imparting knowledge; we are cultivating innovators and leaders who will harness the power of emerging technologies to solve real-world problems. Our goal is to ensure that our students are equipped with the skills and mindset to become global leaders in IT and other fields, contributing to both national development and global progress”. Professor Oladiji also reaffirmed the University’s dedication to research, collaboration with industry, and providing a conducive environment for technological breakthroughs.
In his address, the Dean of the School of Computing, Professor Kayode Alese expressed pride in the strides the school has made in preparing students to navigate the complex challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He noted that the School of Computing at FUTA has consistently prioritized staying at the forefront of technological advancements by incorporating emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, and data science into its curriculum. He disclosed that the goal of the School was not just to produce graduates who can fill roles in the industry but to nurture innovators who will disrupt and lead in the global tech space by embracing the newest trends in information technology and equipping students with the necessary tools to solve tomorrow’s problems.
He also emphasized the importance of industry-academic partnerships in fostering innovation and practical learning experiences for students. Professor Alese pointed out that the School is actively pursuing collaborations with tech companies, research institutions, and government bodies to ensure that students gain hands-on experience with the technologies driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He said “we are committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry. Our students engage in internships, research projects, and industrial attachments that allow them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. This, in turn, strengthens their skills and makes them globally competitive.” He reiterated the School’s commitment to continuous development and urged the alumni, stakeholders, and the government to support FUTA in its pursuit of excellence in Computing and Technology.
The event, driven by the School of Computing Annual Lecture Organizing Committee headed by Professor Olumide Obe, concluded with an award presentation to individuals who had passed through the School of Computing as students, staff and stakeholders and are making indelible marks in their areas of specialization, recognizing outstanding contributions to the field of Computing, particularly with regards to the growth of FUTA’s Department of Computing and the University at large.
