The Urgent Need for Ajaokuta Steel Company Revival, According to University Professor

University of Ilorin professor, Jamiu Kolawole Odusote, has underscored the pivotal importance of reviving the Ajaokuta Steel Company and other metal firms for the economic transformation of Nigeria. In his 246th Inaugural Lecture titled ‘Engineering Materials Development As A Catalyst For Innovation,’ Odusote urged stakeholders and researchers to concentrate on developing local raw materials and mineral resources to tackle the nation’s challenges.

Odusote stressed that revitalising the Ajaokuta Steel Company and other metal firms would alleviate the prevalent issues of energy, power, insecurity, unemployment, and economic downturn. He emphasized the necessity for technological advancement and called on the government and higher education institutions to provide sufficient facilities for training materials engineers at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Additionally, he urged the Federal Government to enact laws mandating manufacturing industries to finance research in engineering materials development.

Moreover, Odusote appealed to the government to bolster the development of the metal sector to decrease the country’s reliance on imported metal products. He also encouraged stakeholders to advocate for government ministries, departments, and parastatals to support research products from universities and research institutes. Odusote believes that this will advance the development of innovative materials for the improvement of human lives and the nation’s economy.

Furthermore, Odusote emphasized the importance of obtaining feedback from end-users to enhance locally developed products. He proposed that the government should allocate special funds for the training of materials, mining, and metallurgical engineers at all levels to diversify Nigeria’s economy and elevate the country to the League of Advanced Countries of the World.

It is evident from Odusote’s standpoint that the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the development of the metals industry are critical for Nigeria’s economic growth. His insights offer valuable recommendations for tackling the nation’s challenges and advancing the country’s economic and industrial sectors. As Nigeria strives towards progress and sustainable development, it is imperative that stakeholders and the government consider the urgent revitalisation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the broader metals industry.