Technology Transfer, A Panacea for National Development: A reflection of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi

There is global awareness of the tremendous impact technology transfer can make on economic development. Successive Nigerian governments being fully aware of this, have made concerted efforts over the years towards transferring foreign and locally developed technologies to user-industries. Unfortunately, these efforts have not yielded the desired results. This study investigates the efforts of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO) in its bid to transfer locally developed technologies to user industries since the 1980s and why those efforts have not been effective. The study reveals that strategies employed by the Institute include training workshops, technical assistance services, licensing and sponsored research. The study also showed that factors impeding Nigeria’s efforts in technology transfer include inadequate infrastructural support and funding of government research/allied institutions, stiff competition from foreign goods, lack of adequate political will and support by government, and poor remuneration of R&D and academic personnel among others. The study recommends adequate funding of technology transfer processes from the laboratory to the market and the protection of local industries from foreign competition among others.