Nigeria’s Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has reaffirmed his commitment to advancing science, technology and innovation in Africa, calling on political leaders, philanthropists and the private sector to work closely with scientists to accelerate the continent’s development. Obasanjo gave the assurance while receiving the President and a delegation of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), led by Professor Friday Okonofua, during a courtesy visit at his Penthouse residence, within the OOPL, in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

The former President pledged to continue serving as an advocate for the Academy and promised to use his influence to mobilise support for its programmes across Africa.He stressed that Africa’s future depends largely on sustained investment in science and technology, saying political leadership remains indispensable in translating scientific discoveries into national development. “Scientists must broaden their horizons. The people who can help you achieve your goals are politicians. Whether they are good or bad, you have to engage them. You have to work with them,” Obasanjo said.

Obasanjo recounted how engaging political leaders helped secure funding to tackle the decline of tilapia in Lake Victoria. According to him, scientists initially questioned the relevance of involving political leaders in the conservation effort.

“I told them that the President had grown up around Lake Victoria and would care if he knew that tilapia was becoming extinct. Eventually, about five million dollars was secured to address the problem. Whatever we do, we must continue engaging political leaders,” he said.

The former President also urged the Academy to deepen its engagement with Africa’s growing community of successful entrepreneurs and philanthropists. He disclosed that during his administration, policies were deliberately designed to create a new generation of wealthy Nigerians capable of supporting national development. “We have to reach out to these people. If they understand what we are doing and what we need, they will support us to the best of their ability,” he said.

Obasanjo further emphasised that science, technology and innovation must occupy the centre of Africa’s development agenda. While acknowledging the importance of the humanities and social sciences, he maintained that Africa’s immediate priority should be technological advancement. “We need disciplines such as sociology and political science, but what is most important for us today is science, technology and innovation. That is what we should be promoting, advocating, selling and encouraging.”

He cited the establishment of his university of technology as part of his long-standing commitment to investing in the continent’s scientific future. Obasanjo also praised President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, for his investment in industrial technology, describing a recent visit to the Dangote Refinery as an eye-opening experience.

“I visited Aliko Dangote’s refinery about four weeks ago, and what I saw was remarkable. He truly appreciates technology. What I witnessed there, was mind-boggling. Aliko Dangote has done an outstanding job,” he said. He advised the Academy to keep its presentations concise when engaging influential stakeholders, saying clear communication would help attract wider support.The elder statesman further offered to facilitate introductions between the Academy and prominent African leaders and philanthropists, including former Presidents Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania and Sahle-Work Zewde of Ethiopia, as well as other influential personalities committed to Africa’s development.

Reiterating his commitment to the Academy, Obasanjo assured the delegation of his continued support. “You can always count on my support, my advocacy and my efforts to help secure whatever assistance is needed. We are not as incapable as people sometimes say we are. The solution is in our own hands; working together, supporting one another and moving forward together.” Earlier, President of the African Academy of Sciences, Professor Friday Okonofua, thanked Obasanjo for his enduring commitment to the Academy and described his support as pivotal to its growth over the past two decades. He recalled that Obasanjo’s donation of US$5 million in 2003 transformed the institution’s fortunes.

“Through prudent investment and careful stewardship, the principal has remained intact, while the investment income has enabled the Academy to build its magnificent headquarters in Nairobi, support the operational costs of the Secretariat and strengthen its long-term sustainability,” Okonofua said. He disclosed that the Academy now boasts more than 700 Fellows from across Africa and the African diaspora, including Nobel laureates and internationally acclaimed scientists dedicated to promoting scientific excellence and evidence-based policymaking on the continent.

Okonofua appealed to Obasanjo to continue serving as mentor, patron and chief advocate of the Academy, noting that his influence among African leaders and the international community remained invaluable. He also sought the former President’s assistance in connecting the Academy with leading African entrepreneurs and philanthropists, including Aliko Dangote and Tony Elumelu, to expand investments in scientific research and innovation.

The AAS President further invited Obasanjo to deliver the keynote address at the Academy’s Biennial General Meeting and Scientific Conference scheduled to hold in Tanzania from December 15 to 17, 2026, with the President of Tanzania expected to serve as Chief Host.

According to him, Obasanjo’s presence would inspire scientists, policymakers, young researchers and development partners from across the world while reinforcing the Academy’s mission of positioning science, technology and innovation at the heart of Africa’s development.

Other members of the delegation included Dr Stephen Muyiwa, Executive director, Prof. Olatunde Farombi, Emeritus Prof. Olukayode Amund and Professor Peace Chinedum Babalola.

Original article written by James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta and published in Vanguard.