The Development of Technology Parks around Engineering Faculties Managed by Professionals, Lecturers and Students: Enhancing Engineering Skills, Innovation, and Self-Reliance to Drive Rapid Industrialization in Nigeria
Downloads
Nigerian has been faced with a lot of challenges like insecurity, high rate of inflations and continual devaluation of Naira. These issues have greatly affected different multinational companies operating in Nigeria as high inflation and insecurity have resulted in these companies continuing to incur losses every year. Most of the companies have moved their production to other African countries that have favorable policies and a safe environment. Nigeria is gradually transforming into a consumer nation, totally dependent on imports of different commodities, with the Naira continuously depreciating and inflation rising, leading to high unemployment among Nigerian engineering graduates. This paper explores the establishment of technology parks around engineering faculties in Nigerian universities, managed by professionals, lecturers and students, as a strategy to enhance engineering skills, foster innovation, promote self-reliance among graduates and increase the entrepreneurship skills of engineering students to help in technological advancement of Nigeria. By reviewing existing literature, analyzing case studies, and conducting interviews with key stakeholders, the study identifies the potential benefits and challenges associated with this approach. Pareto Analysis prioritize the factors necessary to set up technology part and the results show that. Funding and Investment (13%), Government Support (12%), Infrastructure Development (12%), Industry Collaboration (11%), Skill Development (10%), Management and Governance (10%), Research and Innovation (9%) have an overall impact of 77.89% in developing and managing technology park around engineering faculties. Again, the proposed model integrates practical training, research, and entrepreneurship in technology parks to create a conducive environment for innovation and skill development. The findings highlight the critical role of government support, industry partnerships, and academic leadership in the successful implementation of technology parks. This paper concludes with recommendations for policy makers, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders to collaborate in driving Nigeria’s industrialization through enhanced engineering education and innovation.
Adesina, O. S. (2018). Challenges of University-Based Technology Parks in Nigeria: The Role of Funding and Infrastructure. Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 7(1), 25-36.
Adesina, O. (2018). Funding and Infrastructure in Nigerian Universities. Journal of Educational Management.
Bako, A. (2020). Industry Collaboration in Nigerian Academia. Nigerian Journal of Industrial Relations
Bako, S. (2020). Bridging the Gap: Academia-Industry Collaboration in Nigerian Universities. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 12(2), 123-133.
Ezeokoli, F., & Nwachukwu, C. (2019). Government Support for Innovation in Nigeria. Journal of Public Policy and Administration
Ezeokoli, N. A., & Nwachukwu, A. E. (2019). Government Policies and Innovation in Nigerian Universities: An Empirical Study. Journal of Policy and Development Studies, 9(3), 45-60.
Jackson, D. J. (2011). What is an Innovation Ecosystem?. National Science Foundation
Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development. Prentice Hall.
Kano, M. (2000). Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Japan: Tsukuba Science City and Beyond. Routledge
Kuratko, D. F. (2005). The Emergence of Entrepreneurship Education: Development, Trends, and Challenges. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 29(5), 577-598.
Khalil, M. A. (2000). Technopolis: Science and Technology Parks as New Engines for Development. World Bank Institute.
Kaplan, D. (2010). The Innovation Hub: Creating a Technology Park in South Africa. Development Southern Africa, 27(5), 613-628.
Kano, K. (2000). Tsukuba Science City. Science and Technology in Japan.
Kaplan, D. (2010). Innovation Hub, South Africa. Technology Management Review.
Khalil, M. (2000). Technopolis, Malaysia. Journal of Information Technology.
Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development. Prentice-Hall.
Kuratko, D. F. (2005). The Emergence of Entrepreneurship Education: Development, Trends, and Challenges. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice
Kano, M. (2000). Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Japan: Tsukuba Science City and Beyond. Routledge.
Saxenian, A. (1994). Regional Advantage: Culture and Competition in Silicon Valley and Route 128. Harvard University Press.
Segal Quince Wicksteed (2000). Cambridge Technopole Report. Cambridge Technopole
Saxenian, A. (1994). Regional Advantage: Culture and Competition in Silicon Valley and Route 128. Harvard University Press.
Segal Quince Wicksteed Ltd. (2000). Cambridge Science Park. Technology Parks and Innovation Centres in the UK.
