By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

ABUJA — THE First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday, commissioned a state-of-the-art TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) ICT Experience Centre at Kwara State University, Malete, declaring the facility a beacon of “opportunity, innovation, knowledge, and hope” for Nigerian youths.

Represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, the First Lady said the centre aligned squarely with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with its core pillars of youth empowerment, education, innovation, and economic transformation.

“The ICT Experience Centre is more than bricks and bandwidth,” Senator Tinubu said “It is a promise to our young people that they will not be left behind in the digital revolution.”

She stated that Kwara State University is one of six tertiary institutions selected for the pilot phase of the intervention, with one institution representing each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

The other pioneer beneficiaries are: Ekiti State University (South-West), University of Cross River State, Calabar (South-South),
Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State (South-East), Kaduna State University (North-West) and Taraba State University (North-East)

The First Lady disclosed that the intervention would expand to 15 additional tertiary institutions across Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Katsina, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Yobe and Zamfara States, with construction already ongoing in the benefiting institutions.

“This expansion demonstrates our administration’s commitment to ensuring that more Nigerian youths, irrespective of their location, have access to digital learning and innovation opportunities,” she said.

She said the centre provides a modern environment equipped with ICT laboratories, interactive digital displays, conference facilities, and exhibition spaces to support learning, creativity, research, and technological advancement.

Mrs. Tinubu urged students to take ownership of the facility and maximize the opportunities it provides.

“Use technology positively to transform your lives, your communities, and this nation,” she charged the students.

Executive Secretary of TETFund, Architect Sonny Echono, described the newly commissioned ICT Centre at Kwara State University as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s digital future, saying it will equip young Nigerians with critical skills in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, and other emerging technologies.

Represented by the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Architect Olajide Babatunde, he said the intervention, delivered in support of the Renewed Hope Initiative, would help bridge the digital skills gap, improve graduate employability, and align Nigeria’s education system with global technological demands.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of TETFund, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, was commended by the First Lady for his collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative and continued investment in infrastructure and human capital development across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

State and University Leadership Weigh In
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State,

In his remarks, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, urged the management of Kwara State University to leverage the newly commissioned ICT Centre to drive innovation, create jobs, and develop practical solutions to societal challenges.

“Universities must go beyond producing graduates to generating ideas that improve lives,” the Governor said.

He thanked First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for facilitating the intervention through the Renewed Hope Initiative and commended TETFund for its investment in the institution.

Wife of the Kwara State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, described the ICT Centre as a significant opportunity for young people, appreciating the Renewed Hope Initiative’s commitment to youth empowerment.

“This project will equip young men and women with digital skills, ensure they are not left behind in the digital revolution, and break barriers to acquiring functional skills,” she said.

She commended TETFund for making the initiative possible and urged beneficiaries to utilize the centre effectively, learn, thrive, and sow the seeds for future success.
University Management Applauds Intervention

Vice-Chancellor of Kwara State University, Malete, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Alade Jimoh, expressed appreciation to the First Lady for selecting the institution for the intervention, describing the ICT Centre as a significant investment in the future of Nigeria.

“The project has brought renewed hope to Malete while strengthening engagement between the university and its host community,” he said.

He added that the centre would enhance research, promote entrepreneurship, and encourage greater community participation.

The First Lady’s representative, Hajiya Nana Shettima, and other dignitaries were later conducted around the newly commissioned facility.