From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Ten Nigerian universities have been awarded $40m to strengthen ICT infrastructures in their universities, thus digitising academic and non-academic activities.
The fund, which was provided by the French Government through the French Development Agency (AFD), was designed to drive digital transformation in the 10 selected federal universities across the country.
The beneficiary universities include the University of Calabar, University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Ibadan, Federal University of Technology Minna, and University of Maiduguri. Others are Bayero University Kano, Modibbo Adama University Yola, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka and the University of Jos
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, in his remarks at the award ceremony in Abuja, noted that the project underscored a renewed national commitment to human capital development, digital transformation, and inclusive education.
“This project, Blueprint-ICT-Development (Blueprint-ICT-Dev) is not just a technological upgrade. It is a strategic investment in the future of Nigerian education, supporting the agenda of the government on education.
“This project is a strategic investment in the future of Nigerian education. It’s about building smart campuses, empowering smart people, and nurturing smart ideas.”
Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu expressed optimism that the funding initiatives would be expanded to more universities.
He urge all universities, both those participating in the Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project and those awaiting future phases to begin the automation of institutional processes including but not limited to staff and student data management, online processing of academic results and transcripts, digitised governance and administration workflows.
He also urges all vice chancellors to view the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN) as more than just a broadband network, but rather as the digital lifeline of our academic community
Dr. Joshua Atah, coordinator of Special Projects at the NUC, described the project as a landmark investment to catalyse the digital transformation of the Nigerian University System (NUS).
“Component One of the project has a $38 million allocation to support ICT development in the 10 selected universities.
“This includes renovating digital infrastructure, improving connectivity, training academic staff in modern teaching methods, and providing digital resources for students, while Component Two was allocated $2 million for the creation of a National STEM Transformation Strategy,” he explained.
French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, said the gesture was designed to promote an inclusive and innovative education system, producing graduates that would easily adapt to the global changes.
Xavier Muron, country director, AFD said: “This is more than a project. It’s a reflection of our shared commitment to developing ICT infrastructures in Nigerian universities.”
He highlighted the strategic connection between the Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project and the education agenda of the government.
