{
  "id": 19666955,
  "title": "Nigerian universities must invest in satellite technology – Prof Talabi tells FG",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/nigerian-universities-must-invest-in-satellite-technology-prof-talabi",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-12T14:19:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/11/12/nigerian-universities-must-invest-in-satellite-technology-prof-talabi-tells-fg/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Felix Olajide Talabi, a professor of Journalism and Media Studies at Redeemer’s University in Osun State, Nigeria, has urged the federal government to boost funding for space and satellite technology. Delivering his 26th Inaugural Lecture, titled \"Episcopacy of Journalism in Academia: From Millennium Development to Sustainable Development Goals in Humanus Directio,\" Talabi argued that Nigeria's lag in technological development stems from insufficient investment in satellite technology, exorbitant broadband costs, and reliance on foreign technical expertise. He emphasized that Nigeria must cultivate its own satellite experts to ensure robust communication infrastructure and bridge its digital divide. Political interference, economic constraints, and frequent shifts in government policies also hinder technological progress, Talabi noted, adding that appointments to crucial roles are often based on political considerations rather than merit, and inadequate funding jeopardizes the sustainability of significant technological projects. Concerning the misuse of emerging technologies like social media and artificial intelligence, Talabi stressed the importance of responsible information dissemination, accuracy, and fairness in journalism. He underscored the central role of the media in informing citizens, promoting accountability, and encouraging participation in governance. Fairness, accuracy, and balance are vital to journalism, and investigative journalism can strengthen good governance by exposing misconduct and highlighting critical issues. The media also offers a platform for rural communities to voice their development challenges and seek government intervention. Journalism has contributed to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including health, quality education, gender equality, economic growth, and reduced inequalities. Talabi explained that media reports on diseases like Lassa fever and COVID-19 have raised public awareness, while research into social media advocacy has demonstrated its potential to counter misinformation surrounding vaccination. In education, research shows the importance of radio, television, and other communication platforms in providing learning opportunities for those who lack access to conventional formal education. Media campaigns and development-focused reporting can promote public understanding of economic diversification, innovation, and environmental sustainability. Press freedom and access to public information are essential for protecting human rights and achieving sustainable development, Talabi maintained. Citing former US Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black, who stated, \"The press is to serve the governed, not the governors,\" Talabi called for sustained investment in technological infrastructure, research, and training, alongside policies that encourage local expertise and lessen dependence on foreign technology. He stressed that \"Sustainable Development Goals cannot be achieved in the absence of a free press.\"",
  "summary": "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 […] Nigerian…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}