Olatunbosun Alake, a prominent public sector technology specialist, has issued a compelling call for a major boost in education funding across Nigeria, asserting that it is the most critical pillar for establishing a truly resilient and enduring national technology system. He stressed in a recent media release that sustained investment in education is the bedrock upon which genuine innovation is built.
For Nigeria to cultivate a truly effective innovation ecosystem, Alake argues that the nation must look beyond simply replicating foreign models. The goal, he said, must be the consistent, homegrown development of “unique solutions, products, and services that drive economic growth.” This capacity for original creation, he noted, is the defining characteristic of leading global economies. “A robust science and technology ecosystem that not only depends on conventional recreations of already established models, but is capable of consistently creating unique solutions, products, and services that drive economic growth; is a pillar of modern economies across the globe,” Alake stated.
While Nigeria’s technology space has certainly seen success, particularly with pioneering companies in fintech, agritech, and education technology, Alake pointed out a worrying reliance on foreign-developed infrastructure. Much of the value being created by these Nigerian companies still rests upon foundational technologies—like advanced chip designs and cloud computing frameworks—that were developed elsewhere. He described these core technical innovations as the “picks and shovels of the gold rush of cloud computing,” where the original creators inevitably reap value from every subsequent innovation built on their base.
This dependency, the expert warned, introduces significant vulnerability to the country’s digital future. Many of the fundamental systems driving Nigeria’s technological progress are managed and owned by entities outside the country. “The danger is that these taps can be turned off at any time leaving many so-called technology ecosystems facing an existential crisis,” he cautioned, highlighting a serious threat to national digital progress.
The remedy for this critical gap, Alake emphasised, is deeply rooted in education. He pointed to a stark contrast in national priorities, noting the steady decline in Nigeria’s federal budget allocated to the sector, which slipped from 7.9% in 2016 to a low of 5.6% in 2021. This domestic trend pales in comparison to other nations: Germany, despite a similar federal structure, committed over 11% of its budget in 2018, while South Africa dedicated a significant 15–20% in 2021.
The conclusion, according to Alake, is straightforward: “It is a foregone conclusion that the Government must increase spending on education. This by far is one of the most important determinants of a robust innovation and technology system.”
However, he acknowledged that government spending alone cannot solve a challenge of this magnitude. For a significant shift in educational output and to future-proof the workforce, Alake strongly urged the private sector to step up. He concluded his statement by stressing the need for collective action: “For tectonic movements in education output, spending by the Government must be significantly complemented by investments in skills and training by the private sector.” The statement underscores the message that public investment, coupled with private sector training, is non-negotiable for securing Nigeria’s place as a genuine technology creator.
