The Director General, Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan, Prof. Antonia Simbine, has said for Nigeria to succeed and overcome its challenges, the country must embrace bold policy reforms, harness technological advancements, and foster inclusive governance.

Simbine stated this in a lead paper she presented at the Second Annual Ibadan International Social Science Conference (AIISSC), titled “Socioeconomic Adaptations and Resilience in a Changing World: Charting A Pathway For Nigeria.”

The conference, which took place at the Trenchard Hall of the University of Ibadan, had the theme: “Social Science in a Changing World: Challenges, Socioeconomic Adaptation And Resilience”.

The Director-General emphasised that the challenges of the 21st-century global economy, technological disruptions, climate change, and governance complexities demanded a forward-thinking, adaptable, and resilient strategy.

She said, “Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in history, where the choices made today will shape its future trajectory. The challenges of the 21st-century global economy, technological disruptions, climate change, and governance complexities demand a forward-thinking, adaptable, and resilient strategy.

“To succeed, Nigeria must embrace bold policy reforms, harness technological advancement, and foster inclusive governance. With political will, institutional integrity, and strategic partnerships, Nigeria can navigate the changing world and emerge as a global economic leader, a centre for innovation, and a model for resilient governance in Africa.”

The professor pointed out that the responsibility for Nigeria’s transformation did not rest solely with the government but required collective action from all stakeholders, including the government, the private sector, academic and research institutions, civil society, the media, and individuals.

“We can build a Nigeria that is economically vibrant, socially inclusive, politically stable, and globally competitive in a fast-changing world”, she said.

On his part, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Benjamin Ehigie, noted that the workshop is a forum to equip students of the faculty with the requisite contemporary skills needed to compete favourably with other academics and become world-class students and faculty.