During the 4th Annual Global Meeting hosted by the Forum for Innovation in African Universities (FIAU), Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), emphasized NITDA’s commitment to equipping tertiary students with essential digital skills to improve their employability, an effort that is crucial for the nation.
In Abuja, during the meeting, Inuwa also stressed the importance of collaborating with universities, both domestically and across Northern Africa, including partnerships with institutions in Morocco. This cross-border collaboration aims to build capacity that supports Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, recognizing that an interconnected academic environment fosters innovation and enhances skills development. Inuwa pointed out that the future of work in Nigeria depends on students’ ability to adapt to rapidly changing technological landscapes.
Inuwa also announced exciting initiatives regarding the establishment of technology centers of excellence in tertiary institutions nationwide. Starting in January 2025, NITDA plans to roll out this project, which will initially be implemented at five universities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical regions.
These centers aim to cultivate an ecosystem where innovation thrives, providing students and researchers access to state-of-the-art tools and resources. By creating such environments, NITDA aims to prepare students for existing job roles and nurture a generation of innovators and problem solvers who will contribute to the country’s technological advancement.
He also reiterated the agency’s commitment to creating a framework that facilitates better access to funding for research institutions. This initiative will help universities innovate and remain competitive, addressing a critical barrier faced by many academic institutions that struggle with limited resources. Inuwa’s recognition that collaboration among industry, academia, and government is vital to the success of digital transformation initiatives underlines the Triple Helix model, a strategic approach that positions all three sectors as co-creators of knowledge and innovation.
By investing in digital literacy and bridging the gap between education and employability, NITDA is empowering future generations to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Inuwa’s initiatives are set to place Nigerian students at the forefront of technological advancements, enhance their job readiness, and ultimately contribute to the country’s economic growth and development.
