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Sections News Editorial/Opinion Cover Choice Arts & Life Business Politics Sports   Subscription Form Click here       Daily Independent Online.         * Monday, July 26, 2004. Why Nigeria remains backward, by Obi of Onitsha By Chukwudi Achife Bureau Chief, Enugu From an unusual source came a scathing appraisal of intellectuals in the country who were accused of failing to apply their knowledge to advance the nation’s development. The hard knocks came from a traditional ruler, who said they have not applied their knowledge to practical life situations, hence the nation’s continued backwardness in scientific, technological and socio-economic development. The Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, spoke at the 11th Herbert Maculay yearly lecture at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State. He said though Nigerian intellectuals often surpassed their counterparts elsewhere in the world, the country has continued to lag behind others due to the intellectuals’ inability to apply their knowledge for the benefit of the society. He however blamed this on lack of an effective tripartite partnership between universities, the government and the private sector to create the right environment to foster creativity and application of scientific knowledge for the rapid advancement of the country. He said while government has a duty to make effective policies, develop infrastructure and promote research, the private sector should invest in research on a venture basis and for endowment, adding that the universities are to build the vital linkages and develop the professional and managerial framework for the applications and adaptation of knowledge. According to him, the advantages of having knowledge-based industries in close proximity with universities and research centres include the achievement of cost effectiveness through sharing of burdens and proceeds of research as well as the significant reduction in the turn-around time for projects. Achebe said despite its enormous resources and potentials, the country was yet to feel the full impact of both the agricultural and industrial revolutions that formed the backbone of the advanced nations and expressed fears that with the current situation of things, the country may be ill-equipped to cope with the speed and impact of the new computer and information technology revolution.       Copyright� 2002. All Rights Reserved Independent Newspapers Limited Block5, Plot 7D, Wempco Road, Ogba, P.M.B. 21777, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria. www.independentng.com e-mail: [email protected]

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