Sam Philip
Exploitation and exploration of internet, communication and technology by Nigerian universities would soon improve as Government of France has earmarked €38 million to boost ICT in 10 selected universities cutting across the six geopolitical regions of the country.
The credit facility was secured by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to boost digital transformation of the selected varsities.
The project tagged “the Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project,” funded through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
The universities selected to be benefit from the project aimed to upgrade digital infrastructure and strengthen ICT capabilities, include University of Calabar (South South), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (South East), University of Ibadan (South West), Federal University of Technology, Minna (North Central), and University of Maiduguri (North East). Others are Bayero University, Kano (North West), Modibbo Adama University, Yola (North East), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (South West), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (South East), and the University of Jos (North Central).
Speaking on the project during the official launching of the project, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa described the initiative as a transformative leap for the country’s tertiary education sector.
He appreciated the French Government and the AFD for their commitment, describing the investment as “visionary” which aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on innovation, educational reform, and human capital development.
Dr. Alausa assured that the programme would improve educational data systems, boost teacher capacity, and promote digital literacy alongside flexible learning and community engagement initiatives.
He added that the project would integrate Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and entrepreneurship into university curricula, enhance research frameworks, and help institutions achieve global competitiveness.
Dr. Alausa said: “With the Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project, we have a golden opportunity to enhance teacher training, improve content delivery through digital platforms, and enable continuous professional development.
“I urge the universities selected for this project to serve as centres of excellence for teacher innovation and instructional design, equipping educators with 21st-century tools and pedagogical skills.”
in his address, the NUC Executive Secretary, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu said the project was conceived to foster digital transformation and innovation, while strengthening higher education delivery in the post-pandemic era.
He explained that the selected universities would receive enhanced ICT infrastructure and support to build capacity for technology-enabled teaching, research, and institutional management.
Prof. Ribadu, therefore, encouraged institutions to digitise administrative processes and make use of the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN), describing ICT as key to advancing academic governance and performance.
The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, described the Blueprint initiative as “a decisive leap forward in Nigeria’s pursuit of inclusive, innovative, and future-ready education.”
He praised the leadership of the Ministry of Education, NUC, and participating universities, noting the project’s broader significance as an investment in people, systems, and institutional capacity.
In his address, the AFD Country Director Xavier Muron echoed the ambassador’s remarks, underlining the programme’s relevance to AFD’s mission of strengthening higher education, nurturing digital skills, and promoting institutional reforms.
He said: “This project is more than a milestone, it is a reflection of our shared vision to develop ICT-driven solutions that serve both academic and socio-economic goals.”.