The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), has commissioned a state-of-the-art IT Community Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, as part of efforts to deepen digital inclusion and empower women and young people across the country.
The facility, located at Oladipo Alayande School of Science, Oke-Bola, was named in honour of Mrs. Onikepo Akande, a prominent daughter of Oyo State. The centre is designed to offer comprehensive digital skills training, particularly for women and youth, to enhance their participation in the digital economy and provide them with a competitive edge in the global tech industry.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who delivered special remarks at the commissioning, stated that the centre aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic diversification through innovation, digitalisation, and industrialisation.
“This project is a major step towards our mission to empower Nigerians with the skills required to succeed in the digital age. We are not stopping here—ten more IT centres will soon be commissioned across the country,” the First Lady announced.
She also called on the host community to take full ownership of the project and ensure its sustainability, saying, “The success of this centre depends on your active participation and utilisation of the resources available.”
In a goodwill message, Oyo State Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, commended NITDA and RHI for bringing the initiative to the state. He assured of the state government’s support to ensure the centre’s long-term impact.
“Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence are the future, and I’m proud that under the Renewed Hope Initiative, this future is being brought to Oyo State,” he stated.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, described the centre as a platform for youths to acquire globally relevant skills, build startups, and create innovative solutions that can thrive internationally.
Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, in his welcome remarks, hailed the partnership with RHI as a strategic intervention to grow Nigeria’s digital talent pool. He noted that the centre is equipped with cutting-edge technologies to deliver a smart and personalised learning experience.
He also disclosed that NITDA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has developed a digital literacy curriculum to be integrated into the national education system.
“The IT Community Centre is open to all. We encourage both school administrators and community members to ensure its accessibility and long-term sustainability,” Inuwa said.
The Ibadan IT Community Centre is part of a broader national agenda to reduce unemployment, enhance digital literacy, and promote innovation-driven development across Nigeria.
