Brain Drain: Nigeria's Imperative for Indigenous Production of Laboratory Tools

Prof. Idris Bugaje, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), has emphasized the critical need for Nigeria to embrace indigenous production and fabrication of laboratory equipment, tools, and resources. Speaking at a workshop on the development of engineering laboratories for polytechnics organized by LiviaSoft in Abuja, Prof. Bugaje highlighted the opportunities inherent in such initiatives.

He underscored that fostering indigenous production not only conserves foreign exchange and mitigates brain drain but also enhances the availability of essential resources in polytechnics. Prof. Bugaje expressed concern over the current state of laboratories in polytechnics across the country, noting that it negatively impacts graduates' performance and hampers the nation's technical development.

Represented by Bello Abdulhakeem, the Chief Admin Officer (Liaison) at NBTE, Prof. Bugaje asserted, "Investing in education is investing in the future. Therefore, equipping our schools with the necessary laboratory tools and resources cannot be overemphasized. Our youth, who are the leaders of tomorrow, must be adequately prepared to undertake the roles, responsibilities, and challenges expected of them."

Dr. Bobga Danjuma, the Chief Executive Officer of LiviaSoft Technologies, called for a comprehensive review of the polytechnic curriculum. He stated that the workshop aimed to align polytechnic graduates with the demands of the labor market. Dr. Danjuma emphasized the importance of linking polytechnic students to industries, highlighting the workshop's goal to achieve this connection.

Amish Lad, the regional sales manager for Anritsu, addressed the broader issue of brain drain. He urged Nigeria to allocate funds to the education sector, emphasizing that prioritizing education is vital for increasing the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Lad expressed the belief that a well-developed education sector would position Nigeria as a leader in the African tech world.

Lad further stressed the significance of focusing on the communication field, urging Nigeria to equip tertiary institutions' labs with essential solutions. This, he noted, would enable engineers to receive training on utilizing advanced tools like spectrum analyzers, contributing to the nation's technological advancement.

The call for indigenous production of laboratory tools resonates as a crucial step in addressing brain drain and enhancing the educational landscape. Embracing such initiatives not only strengthens the local economy but also positions Nigeria as a key player in the global technological arena.