France grants €38m to boost ICT in 10 Nigerian varsities

Ten federal universities across Nigeria are set to undergo a major digital transformation following the launch of the Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project, backed by a €38 million credit facility from the French Government.

The initiative, officially unveiled in Abuja on Tuesday, is funded through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and aims to enhance ICT infrastructure and capabilities in selected institutions across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

The 10 beneficiary universities of the ICT development project are University of Calabar (South South); University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (South East); University of Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (South West); Federal University of Technology, Minna and University of Jos (North Central); University of Maiduguri and Modibbo Adama University, Yola (North East); and Bayero University, Kano (North West).

Speaking at the launch, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as a “transformational leap” for Nigeria’s higher education sector. He said the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on innovation, education reform, and human capital development.

According to Alausa, the Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project will not only upgrade digital infrastructure but also improve educational data systems, promote digital literacy, enhance teacher training, and support flexible learning models and community engagement.

“With this project, we have a golden opportunity to improve content delivery, strengthen professional development for educators, and integrate TVET and entrepreneurship into university curricula,” he said.

The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, explained that the initiative is a response to the evolving demands of higher education in a post-pandemic world. He said the selected universities will receive support to strengthen ICT-enabled teaching, research, and institutional management.

He urged the institutions to digitise their administrative processes and maximise the potential of the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN), highlighting ICT as essential to academic excellence and effective governance.

French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, hailed the project as “a decisive leap forward” for Nigeria’s educational future. He commended the leadership of the Ministry of Education, the NUC, and the participating universities for their collaboration and commitment.

AFD Country Director, Xavier Muron, noted that the project aligns with AFD’s broader goals of enhancing higher education, fostering digital skills, and supporting systemic reforms.

“This initiative is not just a milestone—it’s a reflection of a shared vision to deliver ICT-driven solutions that support both academic advancement and socio-economic development,” Muron added.