By Samuel Sunday
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday commissioned a N1 billion Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Experience Centre at Ekiti State University EKSU, Ado-Ekiti, as part of efforts to strengthen digital learning and innovation in tertiary institutions.
The facility, facilitated by the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative and sponsored by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, is one of six ICT centres established nationwide in 2024 across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held on the university campus on Saturday, Mrs Tinubu described the project as a reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to advancing education and digital transformation in Nigeria.
She said the centre was delivered through collaboration between her office and TETFund, and assured that more interventions in agriculture, healthcare, and women empowerment would be extended to Ekiti State in the coming months.
“We are delighted to be in Ekiti State today for this commissioning. This ICT Experience Centre is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda to equip our students with 21st-century skills for global competitiveness,” she said.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima; Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele; Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji; and his wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji. Also present were first ladies of other states, federal and state lawmakers, and political stakeholders.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of EKSU, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, commended Mrs Tinubu for the “noble and impactful intervention,” noting that the centre would significantly improve teaching, learning, research, and technological innovation within the institution.
He also appreciated Governor Oyebanji and TETFund for their sustained support toward the university’s development, and assured that the university would maximize the facility for academic excellence.
Representing TETFund, Hon. Sunday Adepoju said the agency equipped the centre with modern digital facilities, including Artificial Intelligence-enabled learning systems, valued at over N1 billion.
“TETFund remains committed to promoting innovation, digital transformation, and academic development in Nigerian tertiary institutions to prepare students for emerging global realities,” he said.
The Chancellor of EKSU, Dr Tunji Olowolafe, described Senator Tinubu as a dependable partner in nation-building, and thanked her for personally facilitating the project. He also reaffirmed the university’s appreciation to President Tinubu for prioritizing educational development.
