First Lady Commissions ICT Centre at Kwara Varsity, Plans Expansion to 15 Institutions

First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned a TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative ICT Experience Centre at Kwara State University, Malete, as part of efforts to expand digital learning and equip Nigerian youths with emerging technology skills.

The centre was commissioned on Tuesday, September 15, on behalf of the First Lady by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima.

The facility is one of six ICT Experience Centres selected for the pilot phase of the initiative, with one institution representing each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Similar centres have already been commissioned at Ekiti State University, the University of Cross River State and Anambra State Polytechnic, while centres at Kaduna State University and Taraba State University are also ready for commissioning.

Tinubu also announced plans to extend the programme to 15 additional tertiary institutions across Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Katsina, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Yobe and Zamfara states.

The centres are equipped with ICT laboratories, interactive digital displays, conference facilities and exhibition spaces to support learning, research, creativity and technological development.

The First Lady described the initiative as an opportunity for young Nigerians to gain knowledge and develop innovative solutions, urging students to use the facilities responsibly to improve their communities and the country.

The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, represented by Olajide Babatunde, said the centres would help equip young Nigerians with skills in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics and other emerging technologies.

He added that the intervention would contribute to reducing the digital skills gap and improving the employability of Nigerian graduates.

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, urged the university to maximise the facility by promoting innovation, creating employment opportunities and developing practical solutions to societal challenges.

The Vice-Chancellor of KWASU, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Alade Jimoh, described the centre as an investment in Nigeria’s future, saying it would strengthen research, entrepreneurship and engagement between the university and its host community.