Oluremi Tinubu Launches ICT Centre at Kwara State University to Boost Digital Skills

In a significant move to enhance digital education, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu inaugurated an ICT Experience Centre at Kwara State University (KWASU) in Malete. This initiative is part of the Federal Government's broader effort to expand digital skills development across 15 tertiary institutions nationwide.

Represented by the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, Tinubu highlighted the ongoing construction of similar centres in various states including Adamawa, Bayelsa, and Edo, among others. The initiative aims to equip Nigerian youths with essential digital competencies in a rapidly evolving job market influenced by technology.

Speaking at the commissioning, Tinubu emphasized that the centre represents an opportunity for innovation and knowledge, crucial for the future of young people in Kwara and beyond. “This initiative aligns with our Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on youth empowerment and technological advancement,” she remarked.

Equipped with laboratories, interactive displays, and conference facilities, the KWASU centre will promote creativity, research, and technological growth. It is one of six centres established during the pilot phase of the programme, each representing a different geopolitical zone.

The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, conveyed the organization's commitment to aligning Nigeria's educational framework with global technology standards. He announced that each ICT centre costs approximately ₦1 billion and aims to enhance employability through practical digital skills training.

Echono underscored the importance of these centres in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and robotics, stating that they will expose students to contemporary technologies applicable in various sectors, including agriculture and healthcare.

The Vice-Chancellor of KWASU, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, praised the centre as a strategic investment in human capital and innovation. He assured the community that the facility would be fully utilized for the benefit of students and researchers alike.

Tinubu encouraged students to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the new centre, urging them to use technology to transform their lives and communities. “This centre is established for you; innovate and unlock your full potential,” she said.

The launch of the ICT Experience Centre at KWASU marks a significant step forward in equipping Nigerian youth for a technology-driven economy, emphasizing the government's commitment to educational reform and innovation.