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Lehigh University Speech

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Nigerian higher education leader Babs Omotowa shared his vision for building a world-class university in Africa that empowers the continent’s next generation of innovators and leaders during a talk at Lehigh University’s Iacocca Global Leaders Speaker Series. When Babs Omotowa took the stage at  Lehigh University   this week, he shared a bold vision for the future of higher education in Africa: one grounded in innovation and leadership, aimed at equipping graduates with globally competitive skills to reverse the continent’s migration of talent and spur economic transformation. Babs Omotowa speaking at Lehigh University. “Our goal is to build a Top 50 worldwide university in Africa,” Omotowa said. “That’s quite a huge ambition, but that’s the quality of what we’re seeking to build.” Babs Omotowa, founding president of the  Nigerian University of Technology and Management (NUTM), spoke at Lehigh on Nov. 10 as part of the Iacocca Global Leaders Speaker Series, hosted by the...
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The Principle of a Problem as an Opportunity

There are countless problems in Nigeria—and worldwide—and many people today are frustrated, complaining about issues ranging from high living costs to poor infrastructure and governance. While it is true that numerous aspects of our country need improvement and that our leaders have significant work to do, having the right perspective is crucial. Many see problems as obstacles hindering their progress, leading to frustration and endless complaints about the government and society. However, a more productive approach is to view problems as opportunities for growth and wealth creation. Those who solve problems, drive positive change, and act as catalysts for transformation often benefit financially and socially. For instance, when analogue phones were limited by their lack of mobility, some saw this as an opportunity rather than a drawback. The creation of the mobile phone revolutionized communication, and today, companies like Apple are valued at over three trillion dollars. Similar...
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Town and Gown in Sync: Transforming the Nation!

Speech by Babs Omotowa at Rivers State University on Friday, 8th November 2024 -------------------------------- Salutation The Executive Governor of River State, HE Sir Siminlayi Fubara, GSSRS Deputy Governor, River State, Prof Ngozi Odu, DSSRS Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, RSU, Hon Justice Mary Ukaego Peter Odilli, CFR, DSSRS, JSC (Rtd) The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nlerum Sunday Okogbule, DSSRS, FCIArb The Special Guest of Honour, HRM Dr Edmund Dakoru, King of Nembe Kingdom Principal Staff Officers of the University Distinguished ladies and Gentlemen, Please permit me to follow the established protocol. It is an honor and a privilege to be a Special Guest Speaker today. This is my first visit to Rivers State University (RSU), and I want to commend the State Government and the university staff for their dedication since the institution's founding in 1980, recognizing that its origins trace back to the Rivers State College of Technology, established i...
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Thirsty in a River!

Nigeria's debt stood at $91.46bn in Q1 2024. This includes $42.12bn external debts of $15.12bn Eurobond; $15.10bn World Bank, $5.05bn China Exim Bank; $2.03bn IMF, $1.63bn AfDB; $0.993bn African Development Fund; $0.65m France AFD, and $1.55bn International Bank for Reconstruction. Islamic Development Bank, etc. Whilst most of the debts have accumulated since 2006 Paris Club $30bn debt relief, the House of Reps recently reported that the government has borrowed $6.45bn in the last year, mainly from the World Bank. In addition, Afreximbank disbursed a $3.175 bn loan by June 2024 under an NNPC syndicated $3.3bn crude repayment facility. Yet during the last year, crude oil prices have averaged $76pb, Henry Hub gas prices at $3/MMBtu, and Asia LNG prices above $10/MMBtu since January 2021. They peak at $54/MMBtu in August 2022, well above the previous historical peak of $19/MMBtu in May 2012. In the same year, Nigeria's crude oil production averaged 1.5mbopd against a capacit...
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