In a move aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation and strengthening the bridge between academia and government, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has initiated strategic collaboration talks with Wigwe University to advance innovation, research, and talent development in emerging technologies.
The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, hosted the Vice-Chancellor of Wigwe University, Professor Marwan Al-Ateidi, at the agency’s headquarters for high-level discussions focused on fostering synergy in critical technology domains.
Representing the Director General, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships, welcomed the Vice-Chancellor and described NITDA as Nigeria’s foremost technology development agency, mandated to drive IT policy implementation, regulation, innovation, research, and digital inclusion across the country.
Dr. Onumo emphasised the strong alignment between NITDA’s strategic initiatives and Wigwe University’s academic vision, identifying key areas of collaboration including artificial intelligence, robotics, smart agriculture, and virtualised education. He noted that such partnerships are essential to building a robust innovation ecosystem capable of positioning Nigeria as a competitive digital economy.
Highlighting some of the agency’s flagship programmes, Dr. Onumo referenced the National Centre for AI and Robotics, the National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA), and the National AI Strategy, as well as ongoing efforts to improve Nigeria’s global standing in technology research and innovation. According to him, collaboration with forward-thinking institutions like Wigwe University will further strengthen these initiatives and create sustainable impact.
In his remarks, Professor Al-Ateidi reiterated Wigwe University’s vision established in honour of the late Herbert Wigwe, founder of Access Bank to become “the university of Africa.” He underscored the institution’s commitment to delivering innovation-driven education, cutting-edge research, and strategic partnerships that will equip young Nigerians with globally competitive skills.
Both organisations expressed a shared resolve to translate discussions into concrete, measurable outcomes. The meeting concluded with optimism that the partnership will accelerate technological innovation, expand opportunities for youth empowerment, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s national development objectives and digital economy aspirations.
