FG to extend digital learning programme to 15 states

The Federal Government is set to expand its digital learning intervention to 15 additional states to equip Nigerian youths with skills required in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

The expansion was announced on Tuesday during the commissioning of a TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative ICT Experience Centre at Kwara State University, Malete.

The facility is one of six centres selected for the pilot phase, with one tertiary institution representing each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Speaking through the wife of the Vice-President, Nana Shettima, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, said the initiative was designed to improve access to digital learning, encourage innovation and research, and enhance graduate employability.

She described the centres as platforms for “opportunity, innovation, knowledge, and the future of young people,” adding that they aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to her, the next phase will cover institutions in Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Katsina, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Yobe and Zamfara states.

She said construction of the facilities had commenced in the 15 states, describing the expansion as part of efforts to ensure that young Nigerians could access digital learning opportunities regardless of their location.

Tinubu also disclosed that ICT Experience Centres had been commissioned at universities in Ekiti and Cross River states, as well as the Anambra State Polytechnic, on September 10.

She added that centres at Kaduna State University and Taraba State University would be commissioned soon.

The First Lady said the KWASU centre included an ICT laboratory, interactive digital display, conference facilities and exhibition spaces to support practical learning, creativity, research and technological development.

The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Architect Sonny Echono, said KWASU was selected to host the centre for the North-Central geopolitical zone.

Echono said the facility would expose students and lecturers to emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics and software development.

The Vice-Chancellor of KWASU, Prof. Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, described the project as an investment in human capital, innovation and entrepreneurship.

He said the centre would enable students to develop practical digital competencies while promoting interdisciplinary collaboration across the university.