FUTA Don Advocates for Software Industry to Boost Nigeria’s Global Competitiveness
Professor Oluwole Akinyokun, a prominent software engineering professor at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), has emphasized the importance of developing Nigeria's software industry to enhance global competitiveness and create job opportunities for the nation's youth.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Professor Oluwole Akinyokun, a distinguished professor of software engineering at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), has emphasized the critical role of the software industry in driving Nigeria’s global competitiveness and creating job opportunities for the nation’s youth. This advocacy was part of his valedictory lecture titled, "Computer Software Industry, A Potential Source of Job and Wealth Creation for Youths in Nigeria," marking his retirement at the age of 70.
In his lecture, Professor Akinyokun highlighted the immense potential of the IT sector in fostering economic growth and addressing national challenges. He emphasized the necessity of integrating software professionals into Nigeria’s development strategies to ensure sustainable progress. “Financial and infrastructure development can be significantly enhanced through IT, which drives the global economy today,” Akinyokun stated. He also underscored the importance of deploying critical software infrastructure to tackle issues in leadership, governance, and development across Nigeria’s three tiers of government.
Professor Akinyokun pointed out the cost-effectiveness of starting a software business in Nigeria due to affordable labor, which can attract both local and foreign investments. He noted the emergence of competitive Nigerian software products, services, and markets on the global stage. To harness these opportunities, he advocated for the establishment of software incubation, development, and deployment centers in Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, aimed at accelerating job and wealth creation for youths and empowering women.
Additionally, Akinyokun recommended that Nigeria leverage capacity-building programs funded by multilateral bodies to develop and implement software solutions in both public and private sectors. He encouraged relevant government ministries, departments, and agencies to embrace and expand initiatives like e-Government, e-Business, and e-Payment systems to enhance national development.
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Dispelling fears that IT could eliminate jobs, Akinyokun argued that IT creates employment opportunities, provided workers undergo retraining to stay relevant. He stressed that software development is integral to modern infrastructure and the knowledge economy, which propels global economies.
Professor Akinyokun’s illustrious career at FUTA began in September 1987 as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Industrial Mathematics and Computer Science, culminating in his promotion to Professor in October 1995. His tenure included roles such as Endowed Professor of Computer Science at First Bank of Nigeria, Acting Director of FUTA Computer Centre, Chairperson of FUTA Sports Council, and member of the University Governing Council and Senate.
Renowned for his contributions to computer science, software engineering, and IT, Akinyokun has received numerous national and international awards and has supervised over 51 Ph.D. theses and master’s dissertations. He is also a respected member of various learned bodies and has participated in conferences worldwide.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Adenike Oladiji, who chaired the valedictory lecture, lauded Akinyokun as a mentor and a pillar of FUTA. She acknowledged his significant contributions to the university’s growth and intellectual advancements, wishing him a fulfilling retirement.
