The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has challenged Nigerian students to take the lead in driving the nation’s technological advancement, urged them to harness innovation to build a thriving digital economy.
Dr. Tijani made the call during the commissioning and handover of the Renewed Hope–NITDA Innovation Hub at Obafemi Awolowo University, a state-of-the-art facility established to transform academic knowledge into practical technological solutions.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Ile-Ife, Osun State, the Minister described the innovation hub as more than a physical structure equipped with modern technology, stressing that it represents a strategic investment in the creativity, talent and potential of Nigerian youths.
The facility, established by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative, is equipped with advanced laboratories dedicated to Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Additive Manufacturing and the Internet of Things (IoT).
According to Dr. Tijani, the innovation hub is a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the rapidly evolving demands of the global technology industry.
He noted that while the facility will be accessible to members of the wider community, its primary objective is to serve as a platform for students to develop innovative ideas, acquire practical skills and create solutions capable of addressing societal challenges.
The Minister encouraged students and members of the university community to maximise the opportunities provided by the hub, emphasizing the need to develop homegrown technologies that will strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy and position the country as a global technology powerhouse.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor A. S. Bamire, expressed profound appreciation to the Minister and the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, for their sustained support and strategic investments in the university’s digital transformation journey.
Professor Bamire highlighted several contributions made by the Minister, including the donation of 50 laptops to students, a $1,000 support fund for student innovators, and a commitment to provide a 30-kilometre fibre-optic network to improve internet connectivity across the institution. He described Dr. Tijani as a valued stakeholder whose commitment continues to positively impact the university community.
The Vice-Chancellor also commended the NITDA Director-General for the agency’s consistent support through the provision of critical digital infrastructure and innovation facilities. According to him, these interventions have significantly strengthened the university’s capacity to adopt information technology, enhanced students’ digital literacy and skills, and created greater opportunities for innovation, research and technology-driven learning.
He noted that the longstanding partnership between NITDA and the university has played a pivotal role in preparing students to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Professor Bamire said the Renewed Hope–NITDA Innovation Hub would further deepen innovation and entrepreneurship within the institution, providing students and researchers with access to cutting-edge technologies and practical learning opportunities.
The Renewed Hope–NITDA Innovation Hub forms part of ongoing efforts by NITDA to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, promote digital skills development and equip young Nigerians with the tools required to compete in the global digital economy.
By providing access to advanced technologies and hands-on learning opportunities, the initiative is expected to empower students with the skills, creativity and entrepreneurial mindset needed to drive technological advancement and support Nigeria’s journey towards a thriving digital future.
The commissioning of the facility underscored NITDA’s commitment to fostering innovation, research and technological development among young Nigerians, while supporting the Federal Government’s vision of building a knowledge-driven and digitally empowered nation.
