E-Business

Knowledge Economy Can Improve Nigeria’s Development

Published

7 years ago

January 13, 2017

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Knowledge sharing economy is definitely one of the potent ways to improve our current ailing economy.

All that this entails is to start engaging those that have succeeded and established themselves in various fields of endeavor and tap from their wealth of experience. We can then apply these to also achieve success in any area of life.

Knowledge-based economy serves as catalyst for individuals, governments, private and public organizations, to engage in accessing and asking relevant and important questions most pressing to them and getting answers in real-time to assist them in making better decisions that will enhance more productivity and provide the necessary guidance to achievements and success.

Why Knowledge-Based Economy?
Of note, knowledge-based economy has taken roots in countries such as Britain and Russia in Europe; America in the American continent as well as Singapore, Japan, China, India, North, and South Korea in Asia. These powerful economies of the world are distinguished when it comes to knowledge-based economy.

All of these countries have started to reap the benefits, having successfully applied this strategy. They have been able to process convergence, aimed at integrating conventional strategies and leveraging ICT to mass produce and commodify information and their cultures for sale to local and foreign consumers at a profit. These have worked for them, and we should just start kicking off from the fundamentals here in Nigeria.

According to Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Science and Technology, it has become clear that nations that desire to develop, modernize her economy and remain competitive, must embrace knowledge, especially scientific and technological knowledge.

Apparently, scholars of various schools of thought agree with several political leaders in recognition of learning as an important instrument necessary to unlock the doors of underdevelopment.

He goes on to posit that the need to move from resource-based economy to knowledge-based economy is needed more than ever before, considering the recent near collapse in crude oil prices that exposed the vulnerability of the Nigerian economy. This has occasioned the important and urgent need for Nigeria to diversify her economy to help her withstand any future shocks arising from the decline in commodity prices in the international market”.

Meanwhile, If you take a critical look at the concept of globalization, the concentration and conglomeration of mass producing knowledge, you will agree with me that they have taken control of the international market, using mass media such as books, radio, television, newspapers and magazines, digital materials and the Internet to promote international trade and politics.

Knowledge-Based Economy, how do we start?
Nigeria needs to use its oil proceeds to develop other sectors of the economy while also building a knowledge-based economy.

This was the submission of the former Vice- President & Treasurer of the World Bank, Arunma Oteh in an interview with CNBC.

“The reason I am very keen for us to focus on us being a knowledge economy is that I do think that our greatest asset is our people. A knowledge economy has four key elements.

The first pillar is a kind of conducive environment; your institutions, macro-economy, regulatory framework, but the second one focuses on education and skills and it is focused on people.

The third pillar focuses on innovation which is based on investing in your people and the aspiration to introduce new industries and new ways of doing business. The fourth is leveraging technology.”

Apparently, we can only be citing instances and examples from other countries because we are yet to do what other developed countries are doing.

Studies have shown that the success in the knowledge driven economies of the UK, Singapore and the US have been due in large part to the skilled workforce and human resources.

Virtually across all the sectors of their economy, all of their workers are more highly educated than any other country. In the technology industry, for instance, where everything concerning innovation is happening, the value of a company or its intangible assets resides almost entirely in the knowledge and creativity embodied in its patent and its staff. We can start to heavily invest in our workforce.

More importantly, investing in knowledge, skills and learning for all Nigerians should be a top priority.

With the challenges in the state of our educational system in Nigeria, there is the need to come up with the right policies, so that all its people can have access to high-quality education.

Although, the government had introduced the Universal Compulsory Education (UCE), much more still needs to be done.

It is not an exaggeration to say that the Nigerian educational system had been plagued by issues ranging from perpetual strikes by university lecturers, due in part to the non-regular payment or underpayment of salaries and a lack of adequate funding.

In this regards, a complete overhaul of the higher education system and an acute injection of resources is necessary to ensure that Nigerian universities can produce high quality and well-trained graduates who will be capable of competing with their counterparts around the globe.

The Role of Experts
What should be the responsibility of academics, experts, and professionals in encouraging the knowledge-based economy which we are advocating for?

The truth is that in this information era, millions of people are always seeking the right sources of information to enable them make critical and informed decisions daily. We have seen many websites in developed countries where experts identify themselves and are always ready to render their services to the public sector, private sector, and the government.

Now beaming the searchlight to Nigeria, If, as an expert, you have developed the required proficiency in any field over the years, it is imperative that you start making yourself available on different platforms. This is a collective responsibility; the experts are essential if Nigeria must adopt the knowledge-based economy.

For instance, we have the Ask an Expert App (www.askanepxert.expert) which is a new initiative, solely focused on enhancing knowledge sharing amongst Africans with a view to driving value-driven productivity starting in Nigeria where all experts in diverse fields could register and conveniently share their insights, knowledge and expertise to discerning members of the general public, the government or private institutions.

This type of platform has been able to successfully combine current successful global technology trends like on-demand and private messaging services as well as micro-blogging and expert network directory to give more value to people via real-time mobile or web live chat sessions.

Just like in other developed countries, it has made it very easy for Nigerians to connect, using technology to start knowledge sharing among communities of novices to experts, experts to experts, people to institutions and breaking geographical boundaries of accessibility nationally to help people solve everyday issues.

Conclusion
Knowledge remains the tool to unlock the impediments associated with underdevelopment. All government agencies and private citizens must seek and promote knowledge. In the same vein, experts in different fields of endeavor must make themselves readily available to support others to also succeed.

CFA is the Founder, www.CFAtech.ng & Co-producer/Presenter,Tech Trends on Channels Television

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E-Business

FG to Fnalise National Intellectual Property Policy Soon– NCC Boss

Published

1 day ago

April 27, 2024

Comms Week

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Dr John Asein, director-general, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), has said that the federal government is taking steps to finalise its National Intellectual Property (IP) Policy and Strategy for the country.

Asein disclosed this on Friday while commemorating the 2024 World Intellectual Property Day with the theme “IP and the SDGs: Building Our Common Future with Innovation and Creativity’’ in Abuja.

The that the Day is observed every April 26 to celebrate the importance of intellectual property (IP) rights to encourage innovation and creativity.

The director-general was represented by Mr Emeka Ogbonna, director of Legal.

NCC boss said the policy would serve as a blueprint for a more efficient modern and responsive legal and administrative framework for the country to leverage on its creative and innovative potential.

He said that the day underscored the power of innovation and creativity in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for humanity.

According to him, the SDGs represent a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by the year 2030.

“IP rights play a pivotal role in fostering innovation, creativity, and technological advancements. They provide the framework that encourages men and women to develop new solutions that address global challenges.

“It is the lynchpin for incentivising the use of creative and innovative ideas to solve many of the challenges that confront humanity.

“This year’s World IP Day reminds us that intellectual property can be a powerful tool for social, economic, and environmental development.

“It encourages individuals, businesses, and governments to leverage IP rights to drive innovation, create jobs, and build resilient communities.

“By aligning our intellectual property policies and strategies with the objectives of the SDGs, we can accelerate their achievement,’’ NCC boss said.

He said in the spirit of the “Renewed Hope Agenda’’ of the present administration, government had also shown appreciable commitment to the creative industry as a major sector of the economy.

“As one of the agencies responsible for the wholesome development of the creative sector, the Nigerian Copyright Commission will continue to provide the needed institutional, legal and administrative support for the protection, promotion, regulation and enforcement of copyright.

“The commission will pay particular attention to using the copyright system to advance Goal 1 (No poverty); Goal 4 (Quality education); Goal 5 (Gender equality).

“And Goal 8 (Decent and economic growth); Goal 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure) and Goal 17 (Partnerships to achieve the goals).

“We are aware that the goals would have to be adapted to fit the peculiar needs of intellectual property which is an intangible asset.’ ’he added.

The director-general, who said that the commission focused on the 17 SDGs to address emerging challenges, called on authors, innovators, users, IP experts and other stakeholders to reflect on the vulnerability of the nation’s fragile knowledge and creative ecosystem.

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E-Business

NITDA, ICF Train 100 Schoolgirls in ICT Skills

Published

1 day ago

April 27, 2024

Chike Onwuegbuchi

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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Illmi Children’s Fund (ICF) have trained 100 schoolgirls in digital and Information and Communication Technology skills training.

Mrs. Maryam Augie-Abdulmumin, ICF Executive Director, confirmed this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

The graduation followed the training of the schoolgirls in ICF and NITDA’s DIGITGALS 2.0 programme, a collaborative initiative aimed to equip adolescent girls in Abuja with critical digital and ICT skills.

Augie-Abdukmumin said the DIGITGALS 2.0 centred around essential digital literacy, programming fundamentals, digital marketing and communication skills, and cybersecurity awareness.

She added that the girls were equipped with the confidence to compete and excel in a globalised digital economy. The graduation was in commemoration of the 2024 International Girls in ICT Day celebration on April 25.

DIGITGALS 2.0 is in its second phase and empowered 100 senior secondary school girls selected from five government schools in the Federal Capital Territory.

The girls aged between 15 and 18 years were equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the digital world and address the growing demand for ICT skills in the 21st century.

Augie-Abdulmumin reiterated the importance of bridging the digital gap in the country starting with the girl-child.

“This graduation ceremony on International Day of Girls in ICT is a powerful symbol of our commitment to closing the digital gender gap.

This programme made possible through our partnership with NITDA, and signifies a crucial step towards bridging the digital gender gap.

It also fostering a future where women are active leaders in the tech industry. This is also an opportunity for these girls to take charge of their own future,”.

Mr Kashifu Abdullahi, the Director-General of NITDA, commended the collaborative efforts of ICF in making the DIGITGALS 2.0 a reality.

According to him, building a diverse and inclusive digital workforce is critical for Nigeria’s success.

“We are proud to collaborate with ICF on DIGITGALS 2.0 to empower these young women to become active participants in the tech industry. This programme showcases the importance of collaborative efforts in bridging the digital gender gap.

These girls have been equipped with essential digital skills, and ICF and NITDA are confident they will become active contributors to Nigeria’s thriving tech landscape,”.

ICF is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children, from underprivileged backgrounds, through education, healthcare, technology and entrepreneurship initiatives.

NITDA is a public service institution established in 2007. It functions as the ICT policy implementing arm of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy.

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E-Business

Confronting the Google Monolith: Survival Strategies for Online Businesses

Published

3 days ago

April 25, 2024

Comms Week

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By Reuben Kalu.

In the vast expanse of the digital realm, Google looms large, an omnipresent force shaping the way we navigate, search, and conduct business online.

From its humble beginnings as a search engine to its current status as a multifaceted tech behemoth, Google has entrenched itself deeply into the fabric of the internet.

Its influence is undeniable, its reach unparalleled, and its ubiquity seemingly inescapable. But can you truly run an online business without Google?

The answer, in today’s digital landscape, is a resounding no. You have no choice.

Google’s dominance extends across multiple facets of the online world, making it virtually impossible for businesses to thrive without engaging with its ecosystem.

From search engine optimization (SEO) to online advertising, email services to analytics, Google’s suite of products and services permeates every aspect of the online business landscape.

Attempting to operate without Google is akin to swimming against a relentless tide, fighting an uphill battle fraught with obstacles and limitations.

At the heart of Google’s influence lies its search engine, the gateway through which billions of internet users navigate the vast expanse of online content. .

Google’s search algorithms wield immense power, determining which websites rank prominently in search results and which languish in obscurity.

For businesses seeking to attract organic traffic and expand their online presence, optimizing for Google’s search algorithms is not merely advisable—it’s imperative.

But Google’s influence extends far beyond search. Consider Google Ads, the company’s advertising platform that enables businesses to reach targeted audiences through paid search, display, and video advertising.

With billions of searches conducted on Google each day, Google Ads provides unparalleled reach and visibility, allowing businesses to target potential customers with pinpoint accuracy.

Attempting to compete in the online advertising arena without leveraging Google Ads is akin to entering a battle unarmed—a futile endeavor destined for failure.

Moreover, Google’s suite of productivity tools, including Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Workspace, has become indispensable for businesses seeking to streamline their operations and enhance collaboration.

With seamless integration across devices and platforms, Google’s productivity tools offer unparalleled convenience and efficiency, empowering businesses to work smarter, not harder.

Attempting to eschew Google’s productivity suite in favor of alternative solutions is not only impractical but also unwise, depriving businesses of the tools they need to succeed in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.

Furthermore, Google Analytics stands as the gold standard for web analytics, providing businesses with invaluable insights into their online performance and audience behavior.

From tracking website traffic and user engagement to analyzing conversion metrics and customer demographics, Google Analytics offers a comprehensive toolkit for optimizing online marketing strategies and driving business growth.

Attempting to gauge online performance without leveraging Google Analytics is akin to flying blind, devoid of the critical data needed to make informed decisions and drive meaningful results.

But perhaps the most formidable aspect of Google’s influence lies in its role as a gatekeeper of information and access.

With billions of users relying on Google’s platforms and services each day, the company wields immense control over the flow of online traffic and the dissemination of information.

For businesses seeking to connect with customers and expand their reach, Google’s dominance presents both a tremendous opportunity and a formidable challenge.

Attempting to circumvent Google’s influence and establish an online presence independent of its ecosystem is a Herculean task, fraught with uncertainty and risk.

In essence, attempting to run an online business without engaging with Google is akin to swimming against a relentless tide, fighting an uphill battle fraught with obstacles and limitations.

While alternative platforms and solutions exist, none possess the ubiquity, reach, and influence of Google’s ecosystem.

To thrive in today’s digital landscape, businesses must embrace Google’s dominance and leverage its suite of products and services to their advantage. You have no choice.

In conclusion, Google’s pervasive influence permeates every aspect of the online business landscape, making it virtually impossible to escape its grasp.

From search engine optimization to online advertising, productivity tools to web analytics, Google’s ecosystem encompasses a vast array of products and services that have become indispensable for businesses seeking to succeed in the digital age.

While alternative solutions may exist, none possess the ubiquity, reach, and influence of Google’s ecosystem.

To thrive in today’s digital landscape, businesses must embrace Google’s dominance and leverage its suite of products and services to their advantage.

You have no choice.

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