Nigerian Academy of Engineering has renewed calls for greater investment in innovation, research and engineering talent as drivers of economic growth at its 2026 Annual Technology Dinner and Awards Night held on June 24, 2026, at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Ikeja, Lagos.
The event brought together industry leaders, innovators, academics and policymakers under the theme, “From Resource Wealth to Knowledge Wealth: The Science of Nation Building.”
Speaking at the event, President of the Academy, Engr. Prof. Rahamon A. Bello, said the Academy remains committed to identifying and supporting innovations capable of addressing national challenges.
He noted that the Academy’s Innovation Competition, now in its third edition, attracted 108 entries from across the country. “These innovators represent the promise of a brighter, technology-driven future, and we are proud to support and celebrate their achievements,” he said.
The event featured the presentation of awards to innovators whose solutions addressed challenges in renewable energy, agriculture, waste recycling, environmental sustainability and artificial intelligence.
Stakeholders expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between academia, industry and government would help move more local innovations from concept to market while strengthening Nigeria’s knowledge economy.
The Academy also recognised organisations supporting engineering and innovation development in Nigeria, including MTN Nigeria, for its partnership and support of the Academy’s initiatives.
It noted that such collaborations play a vital role in expanding opportunities for innovators and helping promising ideas attract industry support, investment and commercial adoption
Speaking on the theme of the event, Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer, ARCO Group Plc, Alfred Irabor Okoigun, urged Nigeria to invest more deliberately in education, research and engineering. “Resources can generate income, but knowledge creates wealth. Resources can be exhausted, knowledge compounds.
The future will belong to nations that can create, innovate and continuously generate value through knowledge,” he said. Stakeholders said stronger partnerships and sustained investment in innovation would be critical to unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential.
