Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has challenged students to become active drivers of innovation and technological development, urging them to harness emerging technologies to create solutions capable of transforming the country’s economy.
The minister made the call during the commissioning and handover of the Renewed Hope–NITDA Innovation Hub at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife. The facility, established by National Information Technology Development Agency in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative, is equipped with laboratories dedicated to Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Additive Manufacturing and the Internet of Things.
Addressing students, academics, alumni and other stakeholders, Tijani described the hub as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future, stressing that its impact would depend on how effectively it is utilised.
“Innovation does not come from buildings; innovation comes from people,” he said, noting that the university had produced generations of innovators and leaders long before the establishment of the new facility.
According to the minister, the innovation hub was designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical application by providing students with a platform to experiment, build and transform ideas into real-world solutions.
He observed that access to knowledge is no longer a major challenge for students in the digital age, as information is readily available online. However, he said the real challenge lies in applying that knowledge to solve problems and create value.
Tijani encouraged students to take advantage of the facility’s resources to develop innovative solutions that address societal challenges and contribute to national development. He also urged the university community to ensure that the hub remains accessible and fully utilised.
The minister emphasised that Nigeria’s ambition to build a thriving digital economy depends largely on the ability of young people to innovate and create technology-driven solutions.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, A. S. Bamire, expressed appreciation to Tijani and the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, for their continued support of the institution’s digital transformation efforts.
Bamire highlighted several interventions by the minister, including the donation of 50 laptops to students, a $1,000 support fund for student innovators and plans to deploy a 30-kilometre fibre-optic network to improve internet connectivity across the university.
He also commended NITDA for providing digital infrastructure and innovation facilities that have strengthened the university’s capacity for technology-driven learning, research and innovation.
The Renewed Hope–NITDA Innovation Hub is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, expand digital skills development and equip young Nigerians with the tools needed to compete in the global digital economy.
