The commissioning of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund)-sponsored Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Experience Centre under the auspices of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), at the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, was a promise kept.
 
The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono on assumption of office three years ago, expressed need to strengthen capacity of public institutions to produce graduates that compete with their counterparts across the globe. 
  
Since then, the Fund under his leadership has invested heavily in both human development and facility upgrade.
 
The inaugurated ICT Centre in KWASU early in the week was one of six tertiary institutions selected for the pilot phase of the strategic intervention under the Year 2024 activities of the Fund, each institution representing the country’s six geo-political zones.
 
Already, the centre at Ekiti State University was commissioned on May 30, that of the University of Cross River State on September 4, Anambra State Polytechnic on September 10 while those of Kaduna State University and Taraba State University are expected to be commissioned soon.
 
Unrelated in his resolve towards innovation, Echono and his team are working towards the next phase of the intervention, which is expected to cover 15 institutions in Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Katsina and Nasarawa States. Others are, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Yobe and Zamfara States, where construction is currently ongoing.
 
Equipped with ICT laboratories, interactive digital displays, conference facilities and exhibition spaces, the centres provide enabling environments for learning, creativity, research and needed technological advancement.
 
The First Lady and National Chairman, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who commissioned the centre in KWASU, said it does not only represent opportunity, innovation, knowledge and hope for future generations of Kwara State people but also, a testament to government’s commitment to advancing education and digital inclusion in Nigeria.
 
“This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which places great emphasis on youth empowerment, education, innovation and economic transformation. Mr President remains committed to creating opportunities that will equip Nigerian youth with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in a modern and competitive world.
 
“To our dear students, this centre has been established to help you learn, innovate, develop solutions and unlock your full potential. I encourage you to take ownership of it, maximize the opportunities it provides and use technology positively to transform your lives, communities and our nation.
 
The First Lady further commended Echono and the entire Board and Management of TETFund for their continued investment in infrastructure and human capital development across the country’s tertiary institutions.
 
Arc. Echono in his remarks, said the intervention was born out of growing importance of technology to education and national development.
 
The N1 billion per zone centre is designed to equip students and lecturers with critical digital skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, Robotics and Software Development.
 
“As technology continues to transform economies and societies, the Board of Trustees recognised the need to align Nigeria’s education system with emerging global technological and industry standards. The Fund therefore seeks to expose students and lecturers to contemporary technologies and their applications in security, agriculture, healthcare, media, mining and other sectors.
 
“Through practical training and digital skills acquisition, TETFund seeks to enhance graduate employability, foster innovation and position Nigeria to participate more effectively in the global technology-driven economy.”
 
Echono also acknowledged the significant role of the First Lady, whose passion for the empowerment and advancement of young people he said, has provided invaluable support and encouragement to the initiative.
 
“Her commitment reinforces the national aspiration to equip the youth with relevant skills and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to development and participate effectively in the emerging technology-driven global economy.
 
“We are confident that these centres will provide enduring platforms for translating this vision into tangible opportunities for our young people”, Echono said.
 
The E.S explained that the centre is equipped with modern digital devices, computer systems and relevant software to facilitate training, practical learning and skills development.
 
“The facility is appropriately furnished and fully air-conditioned, with supporting power and municipal infrastructure. Beyond providing digital equipment, it offers a conducive environment for acquiring practical competencies, exploring ideas and developing innovative solutions. We are confident that it will become a vibrant hub for digital learning, creativity and innovation within the University and the North-Central geopolitical zone.”
 
Echono also expressed confidence that the university will take full ownership of the centre and ensure that facilities and equipment are properly maintained, secured and regularly updated in line with technological advancements.
 
“Its sustainability and optimal utilisation are critical to its long-term impact. We therefore trust that the Centre will provide maximum value to students and lecturers and serve as a catalyst for creativity, innovation and technological advancement.
 
“Our resolve as a Fund remains focused on ensuring that our interventions are sustained, responsive and continuously improved to meet emerging needs in tertiary education. We shall continue to engage beneficiary institutions and stakeholders in supporting relevant and impactful initiatives that provide skills and opportunities for our young people.”
 
For the elated Vice Chancellor of KWASU, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Alade Jimoh, the intervention represents vision, belief and an investment in the youth.
 
“This centre is an investment in human capital, innovation, entrepreneurship and in the future of the country. This centre will provide opportunities for our students to develop practical digital skills and engage with contemporary technologies. Importantly, it is our hub for interdisciplinary engagement.
 
“This ICT Experience Centre is therefore a timely, critical and strategic infrastructure that will definitely enhance research, teaching, learning, entrepreneurship and community service. 
  
“This intervention is at the core of what this university seeks from partners and donors – synergies that add value and impact on today and the future”, the VC said.
 
 
 
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