NASME Calls for Technology Think-Tank

Blessing Nwobodo-

The Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) have called for a technology think-tank in Nigeria.

This call was made during a conference organized by NASME recently, which held at the Yaba College of Education, Lagos State. Speaking on the theme: “Empowering the Vulnerable Groups with Technological Skills: Antidote for Global Economic Crisis”, the Head, Public Relations and Membership services, NASME, Nerus Ekezie, says the strength and competitiveness of all advanced economies lie in the capacity of acquiring and deploying appropriate and superior technology.

According to him the slow rate at which the county’s economy is growing is as a result of inefficiency arising from lack of technology know how. Ekezie says there is a need for the formulation of a special technology think-tank, similar to the vision 20:20:20 Committee, comprising experts from industries, academics and the civil society, among other relevant stakeholders, who will draw a comprehensive and feasible technological and technical skill road map for the nation. “Technology is vital. It drives every aspect of life. A properly constituted technology think-tank will definitely aid government provide appropriate technology-driven solution to the ongoing economic meltdown and set the pace for industrial revolution through total mobilization of the vulnerable groups and their eventual empowerment with technical skills to become great entrepreneurs that will shape the future of our economy for sustainable growth,” he states.