Nigeria Must Invest in Technology, Education and Defence to Secure Future — Jonathan, Lumumba

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Kenyan legal scholar Prof. PLO Lumumba have urged Nigeria and other African nations to prioritise education, technology and military development as essential tools for long-term growth and global relevance.

They made the call during the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Yenagoa Branch Law Week held over the weekend at the NCDMB Conference Hall in Bayelsa State.

Speaking on the conference theme, “Securing the Future,” Jonathan said Nigeria cannot continue relying on an outdated educational model inherited from colonial rule.

“Before we secure the future, education must be properly planned. In Nigeria, we need a robust restructuring of our educational system. We have not changed from the colonial education system that we inherited.”

He said meaningful national development begins with deliberate investment in education and human capital, citing India’s success in producing global business and technology leaders.

According to Jonathan, India’s achievements are the result of decades of planning and investment in strategic sectors.

“We cannot continue with the kind of educational system we have today. That was why, when I was President, I introduced the Presidential Scholarship for Innovation and Development.”

He explained that the programme targeted outstanding graduates in science and technology fields and sponsored them to top universities worldwide.

The former president also lamented Nigeria’s limited technological and defence capabilities.

“By now, we should be producing missiles, but we have not produced anything that can even travel 50 metres. Nobody respects a weak nation.”

Prof. Lumumba, in his keynote address, argued that Africa’s future depends on its ability to protect its resources, strengthen institutions and develop strategic influence in world affairs.

“If you are weak, nobody respects you. The reality of the world today is the survival of the fittest.”

He maintained that stronger military capabilities would significantly improve Africa’s bargaining power and international standing.

The pan-Africanist also advocated greater cooperation among African countries, calling for harmonised regulations and stronger regional institutions to safeguard economic interests.

“There is work to be done to secure our future, and that is where lawyers come in. Are the regulations in Nigeria harmonised with those of ECOWAS? Are they aligned with those of SADC and the East African Community?”

Lumumba further questioned why African financial transactions still depend heavily on foreign banking systems and challenged the continent to pursue deeper economic integration.

“Why should money transfers within Africa depend on correspondent banks in Europe or America? Why can’t Africa have a common currency?”

Earlier, NBA Yenagoa Branch Chairman Clement Kekemeke said the Law Week theme reflected pressing concerns about national security, infrastructure protection and economic stability.

He noted that critical assets such as oil pipelines, maritime zones and government infrastructure continue to face threats from piracy, oil theft and terrorism, making their protection a priority for governments across Africa.

The event attracted senior legal practitioners, judges, public officials and policymakers, including NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) and other members of the Bench and Bar.

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