Nigeria Embarks on $40m ICT Overhaul in Federal Universities

Nigeria Embarks on $40m ICT Overhaul in Federal Universities

ESTHER SALIFU, Abuja

In a move to modernize higher education, the Nigerian government, backed by France’s Agence Francaise de Development (AFD), has initiated the Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project a 40million Dollars aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure across ten federal universities.

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, during the project’s launch at the National Universities Commission in Abuja stated that “This initiative is not merely about technological upgrades ,it’s a strategic investment in the future of Nigerian education”.

The project focuses on developing smart campuses, promoting hybrid learning, and improving research infrastructure selected universities, including the University of Calabar in the South-South; University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka in the South-East; University of Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in the South-West; Federal University of Technology, Minna and University of Jos in the North-Central; University of Maiduguri and Modibbo Adama University, Yola in the North-East; and Bayero University, Kano in the North-West.

The initiative aligns with the government’s broader agenda to foster a digitally empowered education sector, ensuring that Nigerian institutions remain competitive in the global academic landscape.

The ministers further disclosed that Blueprint is a strategic investment.

“Blueprint-ICT-Dev is not just a technological upgrade. It is a strategic investment in the future of Nigerian education, supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

Also speaking, Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, described the project as a milestone in embracing digital transformation for academic excellence. Evolving from the NUC’s 2018 blueprint, it addresses governance, financing, and employability challenges within the Nigerian University System (NUS).

The project will expand university outreach through open and distance learning, digital literacy programs, and teacher empowerment initiatives. Ribadu urged universities to automate key processes like student and staff data management and academic records to ensure success.

NUC’s Coordinator of Special Projects, Dr. Joshua Atah, outlined the project’s two main components for comprehensive digital transformation. Component One allocates $38 million to upgrade digital infrastructure, connectivity, and academic resources in the selected universities.

Component Two dedicates $2 million to develop a National STEM Transformation Strategy, including labor market research and pilot programs. This strategy aims to elevate STEM education quality and foster innovation across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Attended by the French Ambassador and AFD Country Director, the unveiling underscores strong international support for Nigeria’s digital education goals. The project is poised to transform lives by reimagining the role of ICT in higher education.

By fostering smart campuses and inclusive education, the Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project positions Nigeria’s universities for global competitiveness. Its success will be measured not only by infrastructure but by the tangible impact on students, educators, and communities.