Embrace Technology to Overcome Ethnicity, Insecurity, and Neglect in FG
A Call for Technological Merit Over Ethnicity in Nigeria’s Fight Against Insecurity
A professor of Comparative Politics, Strategic Studies, and Conflict Resolution at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nnaoma Iwu, has called on Nigeria to shift its focus from ethnic considerations to technology and merit in addressing the country's growing insecurity. His message is clear: if Nigeria continues to prioritize ethnicity over capability, it risks falling further behind in global competition.
Iwu made these remarks during the 61st inaugural lecture at his university, a presentation that was shared with The PUNCH. Titled “Killing the Gods of Ethnicity Inhibiting Nigeria’s Journey Towards Technological Innovation: Football Theory of Scientific Development to the Rescue,” the lecture emphasized the dual role of technology as both a tool of insecurity and a solution to it.
“Technology is indispensable in tackling insecurity because insecurity itself uses technology to attack man. So, as a counter, we need more sophisticated technology, intelligence-gathering systems, long-range precision-targeted capabilities, and even technology that can profile and identify people,” Iwu explained.
He warned that without adopting cutting-edge innovations, efforts to curb insecurity would remain ineffective and outdated. Central to his argument was what he called the “football theory.” This principle suggests that just as football rewards skill and talent regardless of a player’s background, Nigeria must apply the same logic to governance, science, and technology.
“It is only in football that ethnicity, colour, race, religion or background do not count. What counts is skill and talent. That is the same principle Nigeria must apply. We must scout for competence wherever it exists, across all ethnic nationalities,” he stated.
Iwu criticized the practice of appointing individuals based on ethnic affiliation rather than ability. He argued that bringing in someone who lacks competence simply to represent an ethnic group does little to benefit national development. “We should be thinking of Nigeria in relation to global competition, especially in technology,” he said.
Universities as Catalysts for National Transformation
Iwu also urged universities to move beyond their traditional roles and become active drivers of national transformation through talent discovery and innovation. He emphasized that universities must become centers for scouting and grooming individuals with exceptional skills, whether they are found within or outside the system, and prepare them for global competitiveness.
“Universities must become centres for scouting and grooming individuals with exceptional skills, whether they are found within or outside the system, and prepare them for global competitiveness,” he recommended.
His speech was well-received by the academic community. The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Professor Olugbenga Ige, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebisi Adaramola, praised the lecturer for a presentation he described as deeply insightful and solution-driven.
“That was a well-analysed presentation by a political scientist who has consistently shown interest in using technology to solve societal problems. He (Prof Iwu) has demonstrated mastery in his delivery,” the Vice Chancellor said.
The Escalating Security Crisis in Nigeria
Nigeria’s security crisis has deepened significantly over the past decade, with the country grappling simultaneously with Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgency in the North-East, banditry and mass kidnappings across the North-West and North-Central regions, separatist agitation and sit-at-home enforcement in the South-East, and cult-related violence and oil theft in the South-South.
The cumulative toll in lives, displacement, and economic losses runs into the hundreds of thousands, with millions of Nigerians living under daily threat. This ongoing crisis highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions that go beyond traditional approaches.
A Path Forward
Iwu’s call for a shift towards technological merit over ethnic considerations offers a compelling vision for Nigeria’s future. By embracing the principles of the “football theory” and investing in technology and talent, the nation can begin to address its security challenges more effectively. It is a call for a new era of leadership—one that values skill, innovation, and global competitiveness above all else.
