The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has approved N6 billion for the establishment of ICT Experience Centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to equip students and lecturers with digital skills needed to compete in the technology driven global economy.
The Chairman of the TETFund Board of Trustees, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, disclosed this on Thursday at the commissioning of the South-East zonal ICT Experience Centre at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State.
Masari said the Board approved N1 billion for each of the six geopolitical zones, with selected universities, polytechnics and colleges of education benefiting from the intervention.
The South-East centre was formally commissioned by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
According to Masari, the centres are designed to equip students and lecturers with critical skills in emerging 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,” he 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 urged the management of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, to ensure proper maintenance and security of the facility, as well as regular upgrades of its equipment to keep pace with technological advancements.
The ICT Experience Centre is designed to provide students, lecturers and other beneficiaries with practical training in digital literacy, software development, data science, multimedia, online learning, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies, including AI.
Speaking at the commissioning, TETFund Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, described the centre as an investment in people and the future of Nigeria rather than merely physical infrastructure.
“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,” Echono said.
He said expanding access to digital learning, innovation and technology would enable young Nigerians to turn ideas into solutions, skills into livelihoods and aspirations into opportunities.
Echono said the intervention was consistent with TETFund’s commitment to human capital development and the development 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,” he said.
The First Lady expressed appreciation for the opportunity to commission the facility and prayed for its continued impact on the institution and future generations.
“I’m really honoured to do this and I pray that God continues to bless this community and generations ongoing. Amen,” she said.
Tinubu 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 said the two initiatives addressed different but complementary aspects of the Renewed Hope Agenda, with the food bank programme responding to the needs of vulnerable Nigerians facing economic pressures, while the ICT centre sought to prepare young people with the knowledge and digital skills required to thrive in an increasingly technology driven world.
The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr Chioma Irene Awuzie, described the commissioning as a landmark achievement for the institution and an affirmation of the First Lady’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, reflected the impact of TETFund interventions at 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.
