Communication and Perception of Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation in Nigeria: Implications for Development

Abstract

There is a paucity of empirical research on emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) communication in Nigeria, and the impact on national development. This study sought answers to: what are the perceptions of emerging STI among Nigerian citizens and academics, and to what extent do emerging STIs contribute to national development? Based on the science-technology-society theory, the study conducted a survey of 2400 Nigerians in 12 states and an interview of select STI experts in 12 Nigerian universities. The study focused on synthetic biology, nanoscience and technology, robotics and artificial intelligence, drones, etc. The findings showed that a greater majority of the respondents perceived agricultural drones as the most necessary emerging STI in Nigeria while neuroparasitology was seen as the least necessary to the country’s development. Respondents also agreed that emerging STI had the more impact on ICTs and the least on security, economy and the environment. Also, large segment of respondents perceived that the new/ mass media were the predominant sources of emerging STI information. Also, STI experts perceived emerging STIs to be in their infancy in Nigeria, communication of STIs was concentrated within the scientific community, and collaboration was lacking between the STI community and other stakeholders.