Nigerian universities must invest in satellite technology – Prof Talabi tells FG

Professor of Journalism and Media Studies at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Felix Olajide Talabi, has called on the Federal Government to increase investment in space and satellite technology to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide and support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs.

Prof Talabi made the call while delivering the university’s 26th Inaugural Lecture, titled “Episcopacy of Journalism in Academia: From Millennium Development to Sustainable Development Goals in Humanus Directio,” on Thursday in Ede.

He said inadequate investment in satellite technology, high broadband costs and dependence on foreign technical experts were among the major obstacles affecting Nigeria’s technological development and access to information.

According to him, "the country must develop local expertise in satellite technology instead of relying heavily on foreign engineers to manage critical communication infrastructure.

“We will want to see an army of satellite experts in this country to make sure that people understand the role of satellite technology in the future of Nigeria."

The professor also identified political interference, economic constraints and frequent changes in government policies as factors slowing down technological advancement.

He said appointments to sensitive positions were sometimes influenced by political considerations rather than merit, while inadequate funding affected the sustainability of major technological projects.

Talabi warned that the misuse of emerging technologies, particularly social media and artificial intelligence, could undermine the relationship between journalism and sustainable development.

He stressed the need for responsible information dissemination, accuracy and fairness in media practice.

Explaining the relationship between journalism and development, he said the media remained central to informing citizens, promoting accountability and encouraging participation in governance.

“Fairness, accuracy and balance are essential for journalism. The pursuit of truth remained fundamental to the profession," he said.

He maintained that investigative journalism could strengthen good governance by exposing wrongdoing and placing important issues before the public.

According to him, "the media also provides a platform through which communities, particularly those in rural areas, can draw attention to their development challenges and demand appropriate government intervention."

The lecturer highlighted the contributions of journalism to several SDGs, including good health, quality education, gender equality, economic growth and reduced inequalities.

He explained that media reports on diseases such as Lassa fever and COVID-19 had helped raise public awareness, while research into social media advocacy showed its potential to address misinformation surrounding vaccination.

On education, Talabi said research had demonstrated the importance of radio, television and other communication platforms in providing learning opportunities for people who could not access conventional formal education.

He also discussed how media campaigns and development-focused reporting could promote public understanding of economic diversification, innovation and environmental sustainability.

He stressed that press freedom and access to public information were essential to protecting human rights and achieving sustainable development.

Citing the importance of freedom of information laws, he said citizens needed access to relevant government information to participate effectively in social, economic and political activities.

Quoting former United States Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black, who said: "The press is to serve the governed, not the governors", Talabi recommended sustained investment in technological infrastructure, research and training, alongside policies that would encourage local expertise and reduce dependence on foreign technology.

He also called for responsible journalism, protection of press freedom and stronger collaboration between academic institutions and media organisations, maintaining that “Sustainable Development Goals cannot be achieved in the absence of a free press.”

Nigerian universities must invest in satellite technology – Prof Talabi tells FG