The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has officially handed over an advanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT) project, the Emerging Technologies Centre (ETC), to the Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH), Igbesa, Ogun State. The initiative aims to enhance the learning experience of students while fostering digital innovation, research, and development (R&D) for Nigeria’s economic growth.
The inauguration and handover ceremony, held on Thursday, featured the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure the effective utilization and sustainability of the ETC within the institution.
The ETC, one of the USPF’s access projects, aligns with the government’s policy direction to bridge the digital divide and promote digital inclusion across Nigeria. The Centre is equipped with 100 desktop computers, cutting-edge emerging technology applications, high-speed bandwidth, and connectivity tools, providing students and faculty members with access to modern technological resources.
Speaking at the official handover ceremony, USPF Secretary Yomi Arowosafe emphasized the Centre’s significance beyond its physical structure. “This Centre represents a vision, a commitment, and an investment in the future of Ogun State and, by extension, the future of Nigeria,” he stated.
Arowosafe highlighted the strategic leadership of the Honorable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, in advancing ICT accessibility in underserved communities. He also noted that the USPF has successfully implemented access and connectivity projects across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, positively impacting ICT adoption and digital connectivity nationwide.
“With a student population of 9,300, OGITECH is one of Nigeria’s leading institutions of technology. We are proud to partner with them in bringing this project to fruition,” Arowosafe stated. “The ETC will not only enhance students’ learning experiences but also provide a platform for innovation, research, and development.”
He further emphasized that the Centre will create opportunities for students to gain expertise in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity, while also supporting faculty members in integrating technology into their teaching and research.
Additionally, Arowosafe underscored the ETC’s role as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling start-ups and small businesses to incubate and grow. “This project will contribute to Nigeria’s economic development, and we are proud to be part of it. We look forward to witnessing its impact on the institution and the wider community,” he added.
As part of the USPF’s sustainability strategy, the MoU ensures that beneficiary organizations take ownership of projects and actively engage in maintaining them beyond the official handover.
In his remarks, OGITECH Rector, Dr. Abiodun Oluseye, lauded the NCC and USPF for selecting the institution as the project site. He assured that the Centre will be effectively utilized to benefit both the institution and its surrounding community. “We are committed to ensuring the sustainability of this project, as outlined in our joint MoU with the USPF,” he affirmed.
The USPF, established by the Federal Government of Nigeria, is dedicated to achieving national policy goals for universal ICT access and service delivery, particularly in rural, unserved, and underserved areas. The Fund plays a crucial role in facilitating affordable telecommunications services to promote digital inclusion and bridge the technological gap in Nigeria.
