The Federal Government on Tuesday announced the launch of a $40 million ICT project designed to modernise Nigeria’s tertiary education system and drive digital transformation across federal universities.
Known as the Blueprint ICT Development Project, the initiative is funded through a partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD) and will be rolled out in ten federal universities nationwide.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony in Abuja, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the project aligns with national priorities and the broader development vision for the education sector. He described the initiative as an investment in creating technologically advanced campuses and fostering innovation within Nigeria’s higher institutions.
“This project represents a commitment to building smart campuses, nurturing digital talent, and driving forward-thinking ideas,” Dr. Alausa said, highlighting its alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The comprehensive initiative aims to transform university administrative operations, enable hybrid and international academic programmes, and strengthen Nigeria’s connections within the global education landscape.
It also includes measures to improve digital library services, upgrade research management systems, and integrate efforts with the Nigerian Research and Education Network. Further goals involve training lecturers, enhancing educational data systems, and incorporating Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) into university curricula.
Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, hailed the project as a testament to the Nigerian University System’s readiness to embrace digital innovation. He noted that the initiative stems from the NUC’s 2018 strategy for overhauling university education, which underscored the importance of technology in overcoming governance, funding, and employability challenges.
“Beyond the infrastructure, the true measure of success will be the positive changes this brings to students, staff, and communities,” Ribadu stated.
Ribadu added that the project would help extend universities’ reach into underserved regions through distance learning, digital literacy programs, and initiatives focused on teacher development. “This effort goes beyond simply deploying technology—it’s about redefining the role of ICT in shaping the future of higher education,” he said.
Dr. Joshua Atah, NUC’s Special Projects Coordinator, described the initiative as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s higher education sector. He explained that the first component of the project allocates $38 million toward ICT upgrades in the selected universities, including improvements in digital infrastructure, internet connectivity, staff capacity building, and digital learning resources for students.
A second component earmarks $2 million for crafting a National STEM Transformation Strategy. This will involve creating committees, conducting labour market research, launching awareness campaigns, and piloting initiatives to enhance STEM education quality.
The universities set to benefit from the project are the University of Calabar, University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Ibadan, Federal University of Technology Minna, University of Maiduguri, Bayero University Kano, Modibbo Adama University Yola, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, and University of Jos.
The event was attended by representatives from the French Embassy, including the French Ambassador to Nigeria, the AFD Country Director, and several other dignitaries.
