In this riveting analysis, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, without exaggeration by Dr. Patricks Oghuma, has been described as a visionary leader, imbued with focused mindset driving Nigeria’s STI transformation to deliver the Renewed Hope Agenda’s democratic dividend as encapsulated in President Bola Tinubu Administration.
Excerpt:
Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, within this last two years (2023-2025) epitomizes progressive leadership, fueled by President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Since assuming office he has led a bold transformation in Nigeria’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) sector—restoring efficiency, fostering commercialization, and deepening global partnerships.
Governance With Transparency & Accessibility: A hallmark of Nnaji’s leadership is his open-door governance style, which promotes stakeholders engagement and ensures accessibility. This approach has made the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology a convergence for impactful policy implementation and collaboration.
Driving Innovation & Commercialization: Under his leadership, the Ministry has shifted beyond research to focus on commercialization, turning discoveries into viable solutions for national growth.
Notable strides include: The establishment of PROD-ME (Project Delivery, Monitoring, and Evaluation Team)—streamlining ministry operations and ensuring strategic alignment with presidential objectives.
– A shift from bureaucracy to inclusive decision-making, guaranteeing that STI investments yield measurable results.
– Strengthened collaboration with private-sector stakeholders accelerating indigenous technological growth and entrepreneurship.
AI Adoption & Global STI Partnerships: Nnaji is positioning Nigeria as a key player in Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption and global technological advancements, ensuring alignment with international standards. His leadership has achieved:
– Engagement with the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy to secure AI integration that meets evolving global trends.
– Establishment of the Nigeria-Brazil Science & Innovation Dialogue to enhance high-level commitment and co-develop flagship projects.
– Revamping of Nigeria-Cuba STI agreements, with plans to launch a Biotechnology & Innovation Working Group and host a Bilateral Science & Technology Summit.
From Raw Materials to Value-Driven Transformation: For too long, Africa has exported raw materials while importing dependency. The Minister is rewriting that narrative through local content policies, digital traceability systems, and commercialization frameworks. Under his leadership:
– Nigeria is shifting from raw material extraction to strategic transformation* ensuring scientific advancements fuel national progress. – The Ministry is championing industrial self-sufficiency ensuring Africa’s resources serve Africa first.
Strengthening Oversight on National Projects: Nnaji’s focus on accountability and policy enforcement has prompted key engagements with the National Assembly, including: – Implementation of local content provisions in the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.
– Advocacy for legislative and executive planning, ensuring long-term sustainability of national STI initiatives.
The innovative Minister is not just overseeing a ministry—he is leading a national transformation. His commitment to commercialization, innovation, and global partnerships is laying the foundation for a technologically advanced Nigeria.
To sustain this momentum, stakeholders must rally behind the Minister. Let’s rise above the distractions of social media cynicism and pay attention to the bigger picture of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the STI sector.
Nnaji is truly walking the talk for prosperity, science, and future generations. The time to support and accelerate this revolution is now.
Dr. Patricks Oghuma, is the Special Assistant to the Minister (Technical Administration) Deputy Lead, PROD-ME.
