The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has intensified efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s digital future by partnering with the newly established Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Ogoni, Rivers State, in a strategic move aimed at expanding digital infrastructure, accelerating innovation and equipping students with globally competitive digital skills.
The proposed collaboration was unveiled during a courtesy visit by the University’s management, led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Prince Chinedu Mmom, to NITDA’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, where both institutions explored opportunities to build a digitally enabled academic ecosystem that supports teaching, research, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, the Director of Digital Literacy and Capacity Building, Mr. Oladejo Olawunmi, reaffirmed the Agency’s unwavering commitment to transforming Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape through strategic investments in digital infrastructure and human capital development.
According to Olawunmi, universities remain critical drivers of innovation and economic growth, making it imperative to provide them with the digital tools and infrastructure needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
He explained that NITDA has continued to invest in higher education through the establishment of Information Technology Community Centres, IT Parks, Innovation Hubs and nationwide digital literacy programmes designed to promote entrepreneurship, research excellence and technology-driven innovation.
He further noted that these interventions are anchored on the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF), implemented in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC), to institutionalise digital literacy and prepare Nigerian graduates for emerging opportunities in the global digital economy.
Reiterating NITDA’s readiness to collaborate with the institution, Olawunmi assured the University’s management that the Agency would carefully evaluate its requests and identify strategic areas where support could be provided.
“Our mandate is to develop and regulate Nigeria’s digital ecosystem by providing enabling infrastructure and building the digital capacity of Nigerians. Through initiatives such as IT Parks, Innovation Hubs and digital literacy programmes in universities, we are laying the foundation for a knowledge-driven economy. We will carefully review your requests and determine how best the Agency can support the University,” he stated.
He added that NITDA remains committed to forging impactful partnerships that promote digital inclusion, research excellence, innovation and workforce development in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of FUET, Professor Prince Chinedu Mmom, described the institution as a specialised university established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to advance environmental sustainability while driving excellence in science, technology and innovation for the Ogoni people and the nation at large.
Although the University is still in its early stages, Professor Mmom disclosed that it has successfully completed its master plan, academic brief and institutional framework, receiving approval to commence academic activities across six faculties, including Engineering and Technology, Environmental Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, Agriculture, Allied Health Sciences and Management Sciences.
Despite the progress, he identified inadequate ICT infrastructure as one of the University’s most pressing challenges.
According to him, technology-focused programmes such as Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cyber Security and Information Technology cannot achieve their objectives without modern digital facilities and reliable connectivity.
“We have established departments in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cyber Security and Information Technology, but we currently lack the basic computing facilities required to support these programmes. To prepare our students for today’s digital economy, we urgently need computers, workstations, digital laboratories and reliable internet connectivity,” Professor Mmom said.
He appealed to NITDA to support the University with critical ICT infrastructure and digital capacity-building initiatives that would enhance teaching, research, innovation and entrepreneurship while producing graduates equipped with industry-relevant skills.
Both institutions expressed confidence that the emerging partnership would accelerate digital transformation within the University, strengthen research and innovation, expand access to technology-enabled learning and contribute significantly to the Federal Government’s vision of building an inclusive, resilient and globally competitive digital economy powered by skilled human capital.