Reflections on Transfer of Technology and Nigeria’s Indigenous Technology
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2014
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of History and International Studies, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
Abstract
Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. It is sine qua non in transforming human society because it facilitates man’s ability to conquer his environment, thereby promoting progress in economic, social and political life. Every society is endowed with one form of technology or another. Nigeria demonstrated a strong capability in technology as orchestrated by the prevalence of indigenous industries in different parts of the country during the Pre-colonial period, some of which have survived till the present time. However, in an ardent desire to achieve modern know-how, the country has paid much attention to technology transfer through Multi-national Corporations, importation of sophisticated machinery, and over-reliance on foreign expertise, all as vehicles for transferring already developed technology into her society. These moves have largely been unsuccessful, because, rather than stimulating technology development, they have had negative impacts on the country. Some of the adverse effects of technology transfer are: gradual eroding of local initiatives, hijacking of local market and economy, and promotion of economic dependence, thereby turning Nigeria to a consumer economy. Thus, indigenous technology needs to be invigorated as a precondition for achieving technology breakthrough. Even societies which achieved successful technology transfer, like Japan, China, India and Singapore, first prepared the ground for its reception through their local technologies.
Description
Keywords
Technology Transfer,, Indigenous Technology, Human Society, Nigeria