The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has handed over a new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) project to the Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH) at Igbesa, Ogun State.

The project, tagged ”Emerging Technologies Centre (ETC),” is aimed at enhancing the learning experience of students, as well as providing a platform for digital innovation, research, and development (R&D) for the overall economic growth of Nigeria.

Both parties at the event signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at ensuring the effective utilisation and sustainability of the ICT project in the Institute.

The USPF Secretary, Yomi Arowosafe, while speaking during the official handover ceremony, said that the Centre represents more than just bricks and mortar, saying that it embodies a vision, a commitment, and an investment in the future of Ogun State, and by extension, the future of Nigeria.

He said that the USPF had implemented various access and connectivity projects across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria, which, according to him, would positively impact ICT utilisation and deepen connectivity across the country.

The USPF Secretary also stated that the ETC would serve as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, providing a platform for start-ups and small businesses to incubate and grow.

Arowosafe said that the MoU signing had been designed as part of the sustainability strategy for future projects of USPF, where the beneficiary organisations, groups and communities could take ownership of such projects and be committed to taking necessary initiatives to ensure it continually serves them without being abandoned after handover by the USPF.

The Rector of OGITECH, Dr Abiodun Oluseye, who commended the NCC and the USPF team for the project in the Institute, promised that the project would be put into effective utilisation to benefit not only the Institute but also its entire community. He also expressed commitment towards ensuring the sustainability of the project.