TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER: THE GOVERNOR UMAHI’S EXAMPLE

Technology transfer, also called transfer of technology, is the process of transferring technology from the person or organization that owns or holds it to another person or organization.

Often, it occurs by concerted effort to share skills, knowledge, technologies, manufacturing methods, samples, and facilities among the participants.

In advanced Nations of the World, there is an ardent practice of technology transfer between the benefitting nation and the Country that is originating the technology which ensures that they both share their ideas for the good of all.

In an ideal democracy like Nigeria, purposeful leaders periodically travel outside the shores of the Country either for conferences or vacations.

During such travels, the travelers cum leaders come back home to translate whatever good ideas, services and skills they come across in the course of the travel into concrete reality.

But regrettably, most Nigerian leaders embark on such travels just for fun with no hope of bringing home any goodies.

Governor David Nweze Umahi of Ebonyi State is certainly one in a million Nigerian leaders whose travel mission outside Nigeria is most times to invent trending skills, services and ideas for rapid development of Ebonyi State and the wellbeing of citizens.

For instance, the most edifying shopping mall in Nigeria being the Ebonyi State International Shopping mall is one of such inventions of Governor David Nweze Umahi modeled after the Dubai mall in United Arab Emirate which is billed to provide thousands of jobs for Ebonyi Youth and stimulate the State’s economy when fully completed.

The Ebonyi International Airport situated along Abakaliki-Afikpo Highway is another landmark invention designed to bring the world to Ebonyi State on completion. The sophistry of the runway, the tarmac and the entire structures in the airport are simply the best in Africa, an indication that Governor David Nweze Umahi has an eye for quality.

The Ebonyi flyovers are verily glamorous and distinct from the kind of flyovers normally seen in various places in Nigeria and beyond, they are simply European standard with every touch of immaculate finishing.

The “Umahi rigid” Governor Umahi’s standard road construction technology on 8 inches rigid pavement with a lifespan of over 50 years is yet another groundbreaking invention that has continued to cut cost in road construction and attract National admiration and as well durable.

The mother of Technology transfer in Ebonyi State is the state of the art Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital Uburu with all the design and provision for kidney transplant, cancer treatment, eye treatment and other groundbreaking Medical interventions meant to curb Medical tourism among Nigerians.

The ultra-modern Centre would no doubt provide unending employment opportunities to Ebonyi Youths and contribute significantly to the growth of the State’s Gross Domestic Product.

The Muhammadu Buhari Glass tunnel is also an avant-garde invention of His Excellency which illuminates the Akanu Ibiam flyover area and environs at night thereby further enhancing the beauty of the Abakaliki Capital City and promoting nightlife within the vicinity.

Overall, the contributions of technology transfer to societal development cannot be overemphasized.

First, technology transfer has improved the aesthetics of the city of Ebonyi, making it rank among the cleanest and most serene in contemporary States in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Technology transfer has brought immeasurable job opportunities to Ebonyi Youths and contributed immensely to the State’s economy through industrialization.

Governor Umahi has no doubt become a reliable example of the efficacy of technology transfer in societal development and as such should be copied and replicated to ensure holistic transformation.

Francis Nwaze

Special Assistant to the Governor