The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has committed N6 billion to establish ICT experience centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to strengthen digital skills and human capital development in tertiary institutions.
Speaking on Thursday at the inauguration of the south-east zonal ICT Experience Centre at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra state, Aminu Masari, chairman of the TETFund board of trustees (BoT), said the facility is part of a nationwide strategic intervention approved by the board to establish a centre in each of the six geopolitical zones.
The facility was inaugurated by Oluremi Tinubu, first lady, as part of the renewed hope initiative.
Masari said N1 billion was approved for each zone, bringing the total investment to N6 billion, with selected universities, polytechnics and colleges of education serving as beneficiaries.
The centres are designed to equip students and lecturers with digital skills in areas including artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, robotics and software development.
“The board of trustees recognised the need to align Nigeria’s education system with emerging global technological and industry standards,” Masari said.
He said the initiative was aimed at improving graduate employability, fostering innovation and positioning Nigeria to participate more effectively in the global technology-driven economy.
Masari asked the management of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, to ensure proper maintenance and security of the facility and regularly upgrade its equipment in line with technological advancements.
The centre will provide students, lecturers and other beneficiaries with practical skills in digital literacy, software development, data science, multimedia, online learning, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies, including AI.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sonny Echono, TETFund executive secretary, described the facility as more than physical infrastructure, saying it represented an investment in people and Nigeria’s future.
“For us, the Centre represents much more than a physical facility. It is an investment in people; an investment in possibilities; and, ultimately, an investment in the future of Nigeria,” he said.
Echono said expanding access to digital learning, innovation and technology would enable young Nigerians to transform ideas into solutions, skills into livelihoods and aspirations into opportunities.
He said the intervention aligned with TETFund’s commitment to human capital development and the emergence of a knowledge-driven economy.
“We are therefore honoured to partner with the Renewed Hope Initiative in advancing an agenda that recognises our youth as not merely beneficiaries of development, but as principal actors in shaping Nigeria’s future,” Echono said.
He added that TETFund would ensure the ICT Experience Centres achieved their intended purpose of expanding digital inclusion, nurturing talent and opening new opportunities for Nigerian youths.
Tinubu expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the commissioning, praying for the continued impact of the facility on the institution and generations of beneficiaries.
“I’m really honoured to do this, and I pray that God continues to bless this community and generations ongoing. Amen,” she said.
The first lady described the facility as an important investment in the future of Nigerian youths.
The commissioning was held alongside the launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme for the south-east zone.
Echono described the food bank programme as a timely response to the needs of vulnerable Nigerians facing economic pressures, while the ICT centre addresses the growing need to equip young people with digital skills to compete in a technology-driven world.
Chioma Awuzie, rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, described the commissioning as a landmark achievement for the institution and an affirmation of Tinubu’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youths through education, technology and innovation.
Awuzie said the ICT Experience Centre, alongside the Chemical Engineering Building and Students’ Examination Centre, demonstrated the impact of TETFund’s interventions in the polytechnic.
She said the centre would provide students with access to digital skills, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, educational resources, technology, innovation and networking.
According to her, the facility would also help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on technological experience, equipping students with competencies required to thrive in the 21st-century economy.
“The world is increasingly driven by technology, artificial intelligence, digital skills, innovation and knowledge. Our youths must therefore be equipped not merely to participate, but to excel and lead,” she said.
