FUTA Don Advocates Use of Software Industry to Drive Nigeria’s Global Competitiveness

Professor Oluwole Akinyokun of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) has called for strategic efforts to develop Nigeria's software industry, highlighting its potential to enhance the country's global competitiveness and generate significant employment opportunities for Nigerian youths. This was emphasized during his valedictory lecture titled, "Computer Software Industry: A Potential Source of Job and Wealth Creation for Youths in Nigeria," marking the end of his distinguished academic career upon reaching the retirement age of 70.

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Professor Akinyokun underscored the critical role of IT in driving the global economy, emphasizing that Nigeria's future development hinges on the inclusion of software professionals and the deployment of essential software infrastructure. He noted that leveraging these resources can address longstanding issues in national leadership, governance, and development across all government tiers.

Highlighting the cost-effectiveness of starting businesses within the software industry, Akinyokun pointed out the availability of cheap labor as an attractive incentive for both foreign and local investments. He mentioned the emergence of competitive Nigerian software products and services in global markets, suggesting that establishing software incubation, development, and deployment centers across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones could accelerate job and wealth creation for youths and empower women.

Professor Akinyokun also advised leveraging capacity-building programs funded by multilateral bodies to support software solutions in both public and private sectors. He advocated for the versatility and deepening of programs such as e-Government, e-Business initiatives, e-Payment, and national personnel and payroll management information systems.

Dispelling fears that IT could reduce job opportunities, Akinyokun asserted that IT creates new jobs, requiring domain staff to undergo retraining. He highlighted that software development has become a crucial component of modern infrastructure, driving the knowledge economy that powers countries worldwide.

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Throughout his tenure at FUTA, which began in September 1987, Akinyokun rose from Senior Lecturer to Professor in 1995. He served as the Endowed Professor of Computer Science of First Bank of Nigeria (2000-2002) and Acting Director of FUTA Computer Centre (1998-2000), during which the Centre was recognized by the National Universities Commission for its excellence in infrastructure and services.

Akinyokun held various significant roles, including Chairperson of the FUTA Sports Council and Member of the University Governing Council. He is a member of numerous learned bodies and has received multiple national and international awards. Throughout his career, he mentored and supervised over 51 Ph.D. theses and master's dissertations, contributing significantly to academic discourse and innovation in computer science and IT.

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The Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, praised Akinyokun as a mentor and a builder of the university, whose research and expertise have greatly impacted the institution's growth. She wished him a successful retirement and future endeavors.