The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has cited the third N1 billion Information Communication Technology (ICT) Experience Centres at the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete in Mooro local government.

The Fund explained that the project would encourage the growing importance of technology to education and national development, as well as to support the programmes of the federal government’s Renewed Hope Initiative.

Speaking on Tuesday at the inauguration of the North central’s TETFund-sponsored ICT Experience Centre Project of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) at the KWASU, the Executive Secretary of the Fund, Dr. Sonny Echono said the centres are being established in selected Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, with the KWASU hosting the facility in the North-Central Zone.

“The ICT Experience Centre is designed to equip students and lecturers with critical digital skills in Artificial Intelligencee, Cybersecurity, Robotics and Software Development. As technology continues to transform economies and societies, the Board of Trustees recognises 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,” he stated.

Represented by Olajide Babajide, Echononu, who appreciated Senator Oluremi Tinubu “for her passion for the empowerment and advancement of our young people has provided invaluable support and encouragement to initiatives of this nature,” added that “her commitment reinforces the national aspiration to equip the Nigerian Youth with relevant skills and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to development and participate effectively in the emerging technology-driven global economy.”

He, however, hoped that the Centres will provide enduring platforms for translating the vision into tangible opportunities for the young people.

Echononu said the Centre at the KWASU was one of the foremost GI Experience Centres being delivered across the country, and the third to be commissioned this year.

According to him: “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.

“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.

“In recognition of the rapid pace of technological change, TETFund is developing additional ICT Experience Centres across the country with modern equipment, technologies and software.

“These efforts demonstrate our determination to strengthen digital capacity and prepare our students and lecturers to compete in the knowledge-driven economy,” he disclosed.

The wife of the President, Sen Oluremi Tinubu, at the inauguration, said the project “represents opportunity, innovation, knowledge, and the future of young people in Kwara and beyond. It is also a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing education and Digital inclusion in Nigeria.

“This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which places emphasis on youth empowerment, education, innovation, and economic transformation,” she said.

Represented by the wife of the Vice-President, Hajia Nnana Shettima, Remi hinted that President Tinubu is committed to creating opportunities that will equip the youths with knowledge and skills required to thrive in a modern and competitive global challenges.

Saying she had inaugurated the centers at Ekiti State University on the 28th May, University of Cross Rivers State on the 4th September, Anambra State Polytechnic on 10th September, she said that the Centers at Kaduna State University and Taraba State Universities will soon be opened.

According to her, the next phase of the intervention will cover 15 institutions in Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Katsina, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Yobe, and Zamfara states which construction is currently ongoing.

“This expansion demonstrates the administration’s commitment to ensuring that more Nigerian youths, irrespective of their locations, have access to digital learning opportunities.

“To our dear students, this center has been established for you to help you learn, innovate, develop solutions, and unlock your full potentials. I encourage you to take ownership of this facility, maximize the opportunity it provides, and use technology positively to enhance your lives, community, and our nation,” she appealed.

Earlier, the KWASU Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Shaykh-Luqman Alade Jimoh Chancellor described the intervention as representing vision, belief, and an investment in the Nigerian youth to better shape the future of Nigeria.

“This Centre is an investment in human capital, in innovation, in entrepreneurship, and, most importantly, it is an investment in the future of Nigeria. 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,” he stressed.