By Felix Khanoba
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has approved a total of N6 billion for the establishment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Experience Centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening digital capacity, innovation and human capital development among students and lecturers in tertiary institutions.
The South-East zonal centre, located at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, was formally commissioned on Thursday by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The facility is being implemented under the Renewed Hope Initiative and is expected to provide students, lecturers and other beneficiaries with hands-on training in digital literacy, software development, data science, multimedia, online learning and entrepreneurship.
It will also expose beneficiaries to emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Speaking during the commissioning, Mrs Tinubu expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the project and prayed for its sustained impact on the institution and future 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 a significant investment in the future of Nigerian youths.
The commissioning took place alongside the launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme for the South-East Zone.
Earlier, the Chairman of the TETFund Board of Trustees, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, said the Oko centre was part of a nationwide intervention approved by the board to establish an ICT Experience Centre in each of the six geopolitical zones.
Masari disclosed that N1 billion had been approved for each geopolitical zone, bringing the total commitment to N6 billion.
According to him, selected universities, polytechnics and colleges of education would benefit from the intervention.
He explained that the centres were designed to equip students and lecturers with relevant digital competencies, particularly in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, 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 added that the intervention was ultimately intended to improve graduate employability, encourage innovation and enable Nigeria to compete more effectively in the global technology-driven economy.
Masari charged the management of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, to give priority to the maintenance and security of the centre while ensuring that its equipment was regularly upgraded to keep pace with technological developments.
Also speaking at the ceremony, TETFund Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, said the facility went beyond the provision of physical infrastructure, describing it as an investment in Nigerians and their 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 improved access to digital learning, innovation and technology would help young Nigerians turn ideas into practical solutions, acquire skills for sustainable livelihoods and convert aspirations into opportunities.
He noted that the project was consistent with TETFund’s focus on human capital development and the development of a knowledge-based 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 TETFund boss assured that the agency would continue to work towards ensuring that the ICT Experience Centres fulfilled their objectives of promoting digital inclusion, developing talent and creating fresh opportunities for young Nigerians.
According to Echono, the two initiatives unveiled in Oko were consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s focus on placing people at the centre of development.
He described the National Community Food Bank Programme as a timely intervention for vulnerable Nigerians grappling with economic challenges, while noting that the ICT centre would respond to the increasing demand for digital knowledge and skills among young people.
The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr Chioma Irene Awuzie, described the commissioning as a major milestone for the institution and evidence of the First Lady’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youths through education, technology and innovation.
Awuzie said the ICT Experience Centre, together with the Chemical Engineering Building and Students’ Examination Centre, underscored the positive impact of TETFund interventions at the polytechnic.
She said the centre would broaden students’ access to digital skills, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, educational resources, technology, innovation and professional networking.
The rector added that the facility would help close the gap between classroom learning and practical technological experience by equipping students with relevant competencies for the modern 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.
