NITDA, Northwest University Kano Move to Deepen Digital Transformation Partnership

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has expressed readiness to strengthen its collaboration with Northwest University Kano as both institutions seek to advance digital education, skills development and technology-driven research in Nigeria’s higher education sector.

The development followed an official visit by the Vice-Chancellor of Northwest University Kano, Prof. Amina Salihi Bayero, who led a university delegation to NITDA’s Abuja headquarters for discussions with the agency’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa.

During the meeting, Prof. Salihi Bayero highlighted the university’s recent progress and appealed for NITDA’s support in strengthening its information technology infrastructure and broader digital transformation agenda.

Responding, Inuwa commended the university’s efforts but stressed that investment in physical infrastructure must be matched with relevant skills development and a supportive digital ecosystem to achieve sustainable results.

He proposed the integration of digital literacy into the university’s foundational curriculum, alongside the introduction of specialised degree programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Cloud Computing.

The NITDA Director-General also advocated collaboration on applied research aimed at developing technology solutions to challenges in key sectors, including healthcare, agriculture and commerce.

Prof. Salihi Bayero welcomed the proposals, noting that the university has the flexibility to incorporate the proposed digital courses through its 30 per cent curriculum autonomy.

As part of efforts to translate the discussions into concrete initiatives, NITDA and Northwest University Kano agreed to establish a joint working committee. The committee is expected to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), develop terms of reference and prepare an implementation framework for the establishment of a dedicated Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Centre at the university.

The proposed partnership is expected to strengthen industry-relevant skills among students, promote technology-focused research and contribute to Nigeria’s broader digital economy ambitions.