Why Run Before Learning To walk: Reflections On High Technology As A Strategic Tool For Development In Nigeria

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“Thomas Kuhn, a plyslclst and philosopher of sclence who coined the term “paradigm shit; observed that progress in sclence is not necessarily linear nor evolutionary, and deseribed sclentifle revolutlons as destructive or catastrophie Innovations” The best recent example in Nigerla is the impact of the mobile GSM telephone revolution on the fxed telephone landlne technology The eritical lesson is that Nigerlans do not need to master obsolete seence and technology before going straight to the cuttin gedge”

“The acqutsition of space technologles cannot be deferred because Nigerla must share in the acquisition of the broad spectrum of space technology-based knowledge applications and more importantly, because if Nigeria is to protect its interests in global equity and peace, it must be in a position to contribute fully to international discussions about the future management and exploitation ofspace.”

“A huge concern is, however, that Afrlca has sufficient resources to fund sclentific research and development, but what may not be available in suffmcient amounts could be sufficient poltical will, commitment and conviction”