David Olowola Advocates Capacity Building as Catalyst for Nigeria’s Development, Bags ICAD Fellowship
By Genesis ogiri
ABUJA - David Olowola, Special Assistant to Margaret Lawrence University and former Registrar of Nile University, has called for a holistic approach to capacity development in Nigeria, describing it as an indispensable prerequisite for national advancement, institutional growth and sustainable development.
Olowola made this call in an interview with Newsway Reporters on Saturday at a conference organised by the Institute of Corporate Administration (ICAD) at Green Minds Hotel, Abuja, where he was also conferred with the fellowship of the institute.
The conference, which brought together administrators and other stakeholders, was held under the theme “Developing Strategic Competencies for Excelling in a Depressed Economy,” providing a platform for deliberations on professional development, strategic leadership and the enhancement of administrative competencies amid prevailing economic challenges.
Speaking on the significance of capacity development, Olowola stressed that Nigeria must deliberately prioritise the continuous development of its human capital, noting that the country's aspiration for meaningful progress would remain difficult to realise without sustained investment in the intellectual capabilities, practical skills and professional expertise of its citizens.
According to him, capacity building is fundamental to national transformation, as it equips individuals with the requisite knowledge and competencies to contribute meaningfully to the country's advancement. He maintained that without deliberate efforts to strengthen capacity across different sectors, Nigeria's development aspirations could be difficult to achieve.
Olowola further emphasised that national advancement goes beyond the acquisition of university degrees, explaining that formal education must be complemented by quality ideas, innovative thinking and the ability to channel knowledge effectively towards addressing societal challenges and advancing the country's development agenda.
He noted that the ability to generate constructive ideas and translate them into practical solutions was essential to building effective institutions, improving productivity and creating opportunities for sustainable national growth.
The former Registrar of Nile University also encouraged ICAD to sustain its commitment to professional development, capacity building and administrative excellence. He expressed optimism about the institute's future, urging its leadership and members to continue striving for greater achievements, adding that there remained considerable room for improvement and further progress.
Olowola's conferment as a Fellow of ICAD marked a significant milestone in his professional journey, coming at an event dedicated to strengthening strategic competencies and promoting professional excellence. The recognition also highlighted the importance of continuous learning and institutional engagement in developing professionals capable of responding to contemporary administrative and economic realities.
The conference underscored the need for sustained investment in human capital, strategic thinking and professional competence as critical instruments for improving institutional effectiveness and advancing national development. Olowola's remarks reinforced the view that Nigeria's progress depends not only on educational attainment but also on the quality of ideas, practical knowledge and innovative solutions its citizens bring to bear on the country's challenges.
