DG NITDA Kashifu Inuwa and VC Nassarawa State University Keffi, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, in a group photograph with management staff of both organisations
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCOE, has reiterated the agency’s dedication to fostering cooperation among researchers, technology professionals, and scholars to address national issues through advanced technology and innovation.
Inuwa made this declaration when the management team of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), led by Vice Chancellor Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, paid a visit to NITDA’s headquarters in Abuja.
He stressed the significance of enhancing collaboration between academic institutions, engineers, and entrepreneurs to develop solutions for critical national challenges such as environmental sustainability, public health, and infrastructure. According to him, this aligns with NITDA’s mission to create a strong research-driven technology ecosystem, focusing on Digital Literacy, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Research & Development (R&D). He further stated that this initiative supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes digital transformation and equipping students with future-oriented skills.
DG NITDA Kashifu Inuwa and VC Nassarawa State University Keffi, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, in a group photograph
To formalize this partnership, NITDA and NSUK have agreed to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will facilitate impactful programs and ensure a long-term, sustainable relationship. This collaboration is expected to accelerate technological advancement in Nigeria’s tech industry, empower students with essential digital capabilities, and contribute to national development through research-based solutions.
Inuwa highlighted the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) beyond basic automation, particularly in sectors like healthcare and agriculture. He discussed how AI could bridge gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system, stating, “Imagine an AI-powered bot capable of delivering high-quality healthcare services in remote areas. One of the major issues in our healthcare sector is the shortage of professionals. AI can help address this challenge.”
He referred to a recent research study conducted in Nigeria, where AI-powered chatbots like ChatGPT were tested against human doctors in prescribing medication. The findings indicated that AI-generated prescriptions were often just as accurate, and in some cases even superior, to those given by human doctors.
“This highlights the potential of AI in telemedicine, making healthcare more accessible and efficient for underserved communities,” he noted. “Beyond healthcare, AI can revolutionize agriculture, education, and other key industries, reinforcing NITDA’s commitment to leveraging technology for national growth.”
Vice Chancellor Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman expressed profound appreciation for NITDA’s ongoing support in strengthening technology research, digital education, and innovation at NSUK. She emphasized that NSUK has been a trailblazer in NITDA’s digital transformation program, a model that the National Universities Commission (NUC) is now working to expand across Nigerian universities.
“We believe this initiative will be highly impactful, aligning perfectly with our mission to equip students with digital skills that make them globally competitive,” she said.
As part of its commitment to advancing technology education, NSUK has established a Digital Literacy Center at the Faculty of Engineering, where students are engaged in developing tech innovations to sharpen their expertise and enhance their competitiveness on the global stage.
“Our goal is to ensure that our students are not just prepared for Nigeria’s workforce but can excel anywhere in the world,” she added.
She further emphasized that the ongoing collaboration between NITDA and NSUK is instrumental in strengthening Nigeria’s technological and innovation landscape, ensuring students are well-equipped for the evolving digital economy and future job market.
