Professor Mustapha Momoh urges investment in reliable databases

Professor Mustapha Momoh of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has cautioned that the abundance of digital information does not guarantee better decision-making. During his 43rd inaugural lecture in Abuja, Momoh highlighted the transition from information scarcity to information overload, noting that the primary challenge in the digital age is distinguishing trustworthy sources from misinformation and disinformation.

Momoh emphasized the distinction between being ‘information-rich’ and ‘information-wise,’ stating that access to vast data does not automatically translate into the capacity for wise usage. He urged the Nigerian federal government and organizational leaders to invest heavily in reliable databases, digital repositories, and robust information systems to facilitate effective governance.

Furthermore, the professor noted that sophisticated software alone is insufficient if management lacks goodwill or if employees lack the necessary skills and motivation. He called for the integration of digital technology developments into education and continuous information updates for managers to ensure that captured data produces actual value.