Renowned Nigerian automotive designer, Jelani Aliyu, has urged students of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, to become fearless innovators and builders capable of transforming Nigeria into an advanced and globally competitive nation.
Aliyu, who spoke at the launch of ABU’s “Create Before You Graduate” programme, challenged the students to look beyond obtaining university certificates and develop the confidence, creativity and capacity to create solutions to the country’s challenges.
“You have to become fearless builders of fantastic empires. Builders of a society that becomes an integral part of human civilisation,” he told the students.
The renowned designer and former Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) said the university should serve as a platform for young Nigerians to discover their potential and translate their ideas into innovations that would benefit society.
Aliyu, who previously worked as a senior creative designer at General Motors in the United States, was the guest speaker at the event, where he shared his experiences, insights and vision with the students.
He said the Create Before You Graduate initiative provided an opportunity for students to bring out the best in themselves by applying their talents and determination to develop solutions to problems confronting Nigerians.
According to him, students must be prepared to compete globally, particularly with the availability of modern technological tools and the guidance and mentorship provided by their lecturers and industry experts.
“You must see yourselves not just as Nigerians, but as members of the global community, sharing constructive ideas, aspirations and coming up with solutions,” he said.
Aliyu also urged the students not to allow criticism or doubt to discourage them from pursuing their goals.
“Never allow anyone to discourage you, to convince you that you cannot complete your task. Never argue with them, but be determined in your goal,” he said.
The automotive designer further called for greater investment in local innovation and production, saying Nigeria must reduce its dependence on imported manufactured goods if it is to build a sustainable economy.
He described Nigeria’s reported high dependence on imported manufactured products as detrimental to the country’s economic growth and long-term development.
Aliyu said Nigeria possessed abundant natural resources as well as the human talent required to transform those resources into sophisticated products for domestic and international markets.
“So the monster in the house is the incredible gap between our natural and human resources and the sophisticated products necessary for modern life,” he said.
He maintained that innovation and industrialisation must be driven by Nigerians, arguing that no country could build a successful civilisation on an economy largely dependent on consumption.
“You can only do it through massive industrialisation, massive innovation, and a hunger and a passion for futuristic progress,” Aliyu said.
