Research as defined by federal regulations as “a systematic investigation, including research development, testing, and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge" is an interesting physical exercise in knowledge which I personally believe must be thought and deepen from a young age. It’s significant to both individual and communal development cannot be overemphasized, hence the present direct relationship between national development and poverty in climes of little or no known research contributions.
The importance of research is a no-brainer, doing research work is not just an imperative but a need for the continued survival of the human race in general. Where it not for research the beautiful things of life that we currently from medicine to technology to development will not have been possible. The requirement for research should in my view cut across the entire spectra of society not just for students but everybody, so that collectively we shall continue to expand the realm of knowledge and development through research.
Only last year, I was able to publish a collection of my research works in a book titled “Digital Transformation – Evolving a digitally enabled Nigeria Public Service” whose abstract I post below. The motivation for the research work was the on-going paradox of development and ending extreme poverty in developing countries using Nigeria as a case study and the need for digitalisation.
Book’s Motivation
Isn’t this a paradox? Throughout the developing world, governments and institutions have been trying to eliminate global poverty to no avail, yet the world of economic growth and technological innovation are moving faster than ever. Ending poverty is a complex challenge. It has many causes, and there is certainly no silver bullet but this complexity is solvable. There are a huge number of talented people in developing world, doing amazing work in business, technology and entrepreneurship. There is need to further leverage their skills and collective numbers for increased impact and visibility – hence the paper’s urgent call for public service digitalization throughout Nigeria’s states.
Book’s Abstract
The need for quality public services delivered faster, more integrated and more ecologically friendly cannot be over-emphasized in today’s Africa. This is attributable to many challenges, constraints and failed socio-political promises especially in Nigeria. Therefore the desire for change is apparent which means the drive for greater efficiency must be relentless. Public sector productivity has often been relatively stagnating when compared to the private sector in most Nigerian states. The need for economic sustainability implies that public works must become digitally enabled and transformed. Digitalization is placing unprecedented pressure on organisations and government institutions. That means managing our collective transition to a digitally-driven business model is crucial to Nigeria’s quest for sustainability in the 21st century. And since digital touches so many parts of our society and development, the need for change is more urgent than ever. The process of digital transformation encompasses two concepts: Digitalization and Transformation. While digitalisation is about making Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) integral to the government’s function; business process transformation applies to addressing the weaknesses that continually challenge public sector operations. A digital transformation of the Nigerian public service would enable it to embrace the much-needed change; including digital technologies and other innovative approaches to improve service delivery and redefine the value systems in the public service for a rewarding outcome. For Nigeria to embrace the UN Sustainable Development Goals, its Vision 2030, the aspirations of its young population and public servants, the governments of Nigeria states will need to embark on a general public sector digital transformation programme on a scale unprecedented on the continent. According to the Greeks, “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” Nigerian leaders are therefore invited to consider digitizing their public services as detailed in this book. Digitalization has come to stay.