The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and North West University have commenced discussions aimed at strengthening digital capacity, research and technology-driven education in the institution.

The engagement, which brought together the management of the university and NITDA leadership, centred on how technology could be deployed more effectively to improve teaching, research, innovation and the employability of graduates.

The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, said the proposed collaboration should be designed to produce sustainable outcomes rather than focus on one-off interventions.

Inuwa maintained that universities remained critical to Nigeria’s digital transformation because of their responsibility for producing the skilled workforce, knowledge and research required to sustain technological advancement.

He said the country’s digital development strategy must therefore place greater emphasis on strengthening institutions and building the capacity of people who would drive the digital economy.

The NITDA boss observed that a mismatch between university training and industry requirements remained a challenge to graduate employability, urging universities to establish stronger relationships with employers and technology companies.

He called for regular reviews of academic curricula to ensure that students are exposed to emerging technologies and acquire practical skills relevant to both the Nigerian and international labour markets.

“We need to create an ecosystem where the university produces the human capital required by government and the private sector, while industry also contributes to the development of relevant skills and research,” Inuwa said.
He disclosed that NITDA was promoting digital literacy through the National Digital Literacy Framework and encouraged the university to integrate digital literacy into its General Studies programme.

Beyond basic digital skills, he urged the institution to strengthen academic programmes in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, robotics and other emerging technologies.

Inuwa also encouraged the university to take advantage of the National Universities Commission’s Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards framework to develop programmes that respond to technological developments and emerging opportunities in the economy.

He cited the collaboration between NITDA, Nasarawa State University and Cisco as an example of the benefits of bringing academia and industry together to provide students with practical exposure, professional certifications and academic recognition.

The NITDA DG said the proposed relationship with North West University should also extend to research and innovation, particularly projects capable of addressing real-world challenges.

He advocated early involvement of government agencies and private-sector players in university research, saying such collaboration could improve the transition of research findings from the laboratory and classroom into practical solutions.

He further identified technical training, innovation laboratories, research collaboration and partnerships with global technology companies as possible areas of NITDA’s support.

Inuwa argued that sustainable digital development should not be measured by the number of computers or other devices supplied to an institution.Q

He said while equipment would eventually become outdated, investments in knowledge, skills, research and innovation would continue to produce benefits.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of North West University, Professor Amina Salihi, said her administration had placed digital transformation and research at the centre of its development agenda.

Professor Salihi said the university’s 14-point agenda was designed to reposition the institution as a competitive 21st-century university, noting that technology was indispensable to improving its academic standards, global visibility and ranking.

She said the university had undergone significant expansion since its establishment in 2012, growing from four faculties, one campus and about 1,000 students to 10 faculties and approximately 30,000 students.

According to her, the institution had also expanded its infrastructure, academic programmes and support facilities, including a teaching hospital for its medical programme.

The Vice-Chancellor, who assumed office in December 2025, said her administration had carried out assessments to determine areas requiring urgent attention, with infrastructure, power and digital technology identified among the key priorities.

She disclosed that construction of a Computer-Based Testing centre was underway through the intervention of a philanthropist who had committed to providing the facility.

She appealed to NITDA to assist with the required IT equipment, explaining that the centre could be developed into an accredited facility for recruitment examinations and professional tests.

Professor Salihi also announced plans to establish an Open and Distance Learning Centre, stressing that the initiative would require reliable digital infrastructure and technical support.

She appealed for additional digital devices, including laptops, to enhance the effectiveness of academic and administrative operations across the university.

The Vice-Chancellor said the institution had benefited from interventions by the state government, TETFund, the Energy Commission and private philanthropists, particularly in student accommodation and renewable energy.

She disclosed that a two-megawatt solarisation project was being implemented at the main campus, while another solar power project was underway at the city campus.

Professor Salihi expressed optimism that the engagement with NITDA would lead to a structured partnership capable of addressing the university’s technology needs while creating opportunities for research, innovation and digital skills development.

The proposed collaboration is expected to provide a framework for joint initiatives in digital infrastructure, computer-based testing, open and distance learning, emerging technologies, research, innovation and human capital development.

Both institutions are expected to continue discussions towards defining specific areas of cooperation and developing a sustainable partnership that will contribute to strengthening digital education and innovation in Nigeria’s university system.

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