Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma has called for a comprehensive transformation of Nigerian Universities of technology into innovation driven Institutions capable of powering national economic development, warning that failure to act urgently could deepen economic stagnation and worsen brain drain.

Uzodimma made the call while delivering the 38th Convocation Lecture of the Federal University of Technology Owerri, where he outlined a vision for repositioning higher education to meet the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The governor said Nigerian universities must move beyond awarding degrees and instead become "entrepreneurial engines" that produce technologies, enterprises, and solutions to national and global challenges. He stressed the need for stronger integration between academia, industry, and government, noting that countries that have successfully aligned universities with innovation ecosystems have become global leaders in technology and economic development.

Referencing Stanford University, MIT, Carnegie Mellon University Africa, and the Indian Institutes of Technology, Uzodimma urged Nigeria to adopt models that prioritise research commercialisation, industry collaboration, and innovation based learning.

He expressed concern that despite being established decades ago, Nigerian universities of technology remain globally uncompetitive due to outdated curricula, weak industry engagement, and limited research to market pathways.

The governor acknowledged progress at FUTO, citing ongoing digital initiatives, infrastructure expansion, and emerging partnerships. He announced plans to deepen collaboration with the institution through the expansion of Imo Digital City, the establishment of a dedicated technology park, and support for startup incubation and seed funding systems.

Uzodimma proposed five reform principles for universities of technology: curriculum currency, industry based faculty engagement, translational research, entrepreneurial development pipelines, and long term institutional partnerships.

FUTO Vice Chancellor Nnenna Otti described the governor as a strategic leader whose experience aligns with the demands of modern technological education. She stated that the convocation theme was timely and critical to Nigeria's development, adding that the university remains committed to advancing innovation and competitiveness in the digital age.

The lecture concluded with a call for sustained collaboration among government, universities, and the private sector to ensure Nigerian technology institutions become true engines of national transformation.