Nigeria has been urged to urgently establish a National Database of Global Technocrats of Nigerian origin as part of a broader strategy to strengthen governance, drive innovation, and position the country for sustainable development in an increasingly knowledge-driven global economy.
The call comes at a time when nations that prioritise expertise, innovation, and merit-based leadership are gaining competitive advantage.
Proponent of the initiative argues that creating a structured database of highly skilled Nigerians across the globe is no longer optional but a strategic national imperative.
According to advocate, the proposed database would enable the Federal Government to systematically access world-class Nigerian expertise in critical sectors such as technology, cybersecurity, governance, science, security, economics, and innovation.
By doing so, Nigeria can more effectively harness the intellectual capital of its citizens who are excelling internationally and contributing to global advancement.
Beyond talent identification, the initiative is expected to institutionalise merit-based appointments in public service.
Supporters believe it would help shift the country away from patronage-driven selections towards a system anchored on competence, integrity, and proven professional impact, thereby strengthening public trust and governance outcomes.
The database is also projected to accelerate national transformation by ensuring that strategic sectors are led by individuals with the technical capacity and global exposure required to deliver measurable results.
In addition, it would enhance Nigeria’s international profile by showcasing the depth of its global talent pool, while attracting high-value partnerships, investments, and collaborations that support economic growth and technological advancement.
This position was strongly articulated by Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola, Africa’s first Professor of Cybersecurity and Information Technology Management, during an online workshop titled “Technocrats Now”, organised by the Professor Ademola Ojo Emmanuel Foundation in London.
The workshop focused on the urgent need to harness Nigeria’s global talent base as a catalyst for innovation, governance reform, and long-term development.
Speaking at the event, Professor Ademola stressed that Nigeria could no longer afford to overlook its vast intellectual capital spread across the world.
“Nigeria cannot afford to ignore its intellectual capital scattered across the globe. A national database of technocrats will not only ensure fairness in appointments but will also position our nation for transformative growth. This is about building a future-ready Nigeria where competence leads the way,” he said.
Participants at the workshop noted that the proposed initiative goes beyond compiling a list of names. Rather, it represents a fundamental shift towards re-engineering governance structures, restoring meritocracy, and embedding excellence at the core of national decision-making.
As Nigeria navigates complex economic, security, and development challenges, stakeholders insist that decisive action is required.
Establishing a National Database of Global Technocrats, he argued, would be a critical step towards building a future-ready nation that values knowledge, rewards merit, and competes effectively on the global stage.
