For decades, technology and healthcare have largely evolved as separate development priorities in Nigeria. Yet, the future of sustainable national development increasingly lies at the intersection of these two critical sectors. That vision came to life in Hadejia, Jigawa State, with the inauguration of two landmark institutions designed to advance digital innovation and transform healthcare delivery.

The commissioning of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Academy and the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Clinic by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was far more than a ceremonial occasion. It represented a strategic investment in human capital, technological innovation, and quality healthcare, reflecting the broader objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

With governors from the seven North-West states, federal ministers, development partners, and technology stakeholders in attendance, the event underscored a growing national consensus that innovation and healthcare must work hand in hand if Nigeria is to address its complex development challenges.

At the heart of this initiative is the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), working in partnership with FutureMap Foundation and eHealth Africa to establish an integrated ecosystem where technology, research, entrepreneurship, and healthcare reinforce one another.

Unlike conventional ICT training centres, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Academy has been conceived as a comprehensive innovation ecosystem. It houses a Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab), Innovation Laboratory, Health Wearables Research Unit, Advanced Prosthetics Centre, startup incubation and pitch facilities, a Computer-Based Test Centre, training classrooms, an auditorium, and student hostels.

These facilities are designed not merely to teach digital skills but to nurture innovators capable of transforming ideas into practical solutions, scalable enterprises, and commercially viable technologies.

For a country seeking to diversify its economy beyond oil, such institutions are increasingly indispensable. The Academy provides young Nigerians—particularly those in Northern Nigeria—with access to globally relevant digital skills, entrepreneurial training, and innovation support required to compete in today’s knowledge-driven economy.

What distinguishes the Hadejia initiative, however, is its deliberate integration with healthcare delivery.

The Senator Oluremi Tinubu Clinic, constructed and fully equipped by FutureMap Foundation in collaboration with eHealth Africa, is not simply another healthcare facility. It is designed to function as a real-world deployment centre where health technologies developed at the Academy can be tested, refined, and deployed to improve patient care.

According to the Director-General of NITDA, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, innovations emerging from the Academy’s laboratories will support healthcare delivery through indigenous digital solutions aimed at the early detection, prevention, and management of chronic kidney disease and other major health conditions affecting Nigerians.

The clinic itself boasts facilities that compare favourably with modern specialist centres, including a fully equipped dialysis unit, an advanced operating theatre, labour and maternity wards, integrated oxygen systems, and reliable power infrastructure. Beyond serving Hadejia, it is expected to provide quality healthcare services to neighbouring communities, reducing the burden of travelling long distances to access specialised medical care.

This integrated model mirrors successful global innovation ecosystems where universities, research centres, technology developers, startups, and healthcare institutions collaborate to accelerate scientific discoveries and translate research into practical solutions that improve lives.

For too long, Nigeria has struggled with the disconnect between research and implementation. Excellent ideas often remain confined to academic journals while pressing societal challenges persist. The Hadejia initiative offers an opportunity to bridge that gap by ensuring that innovation serves real community needs.

Its significance is further reinforced by its alignment with national policy objectives. The project complements Nigeria’s National Digital Health Policy and Strategy through the Nigeria Digital in Health Initiative (NDHI), which seeks to leverage technology to improve healthcare delivery, strengthen health information systems, and enhance patient outcomes.

It also supports the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and aligns with the Federal Government’s establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO), where NITDA plays a strategic implementation role.

Beyond healthcare, the Academy is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s broader innovation ecosystem by fostering collaboration among universities, researchers, startups, investors, and development partners. Its incubation facilities will enable innovators to transform research into market-ready products capable of addressing local challenges while creating employment and stimulating economic growth.

The First Lady’s call on young Nigerians to embrace the opportunities offered by the Academy speaks to another important objective: preparing a generation equipped with the digital, entrepreneurial, and problem-solving skills required in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

That message is particularly timely. Artificial Intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, cybersecurity, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, and data analytics are rapidly reshaping economies across the globe. Countries that invest today in developing talent and innovation ecosystems will be better positioned to compete tomorrow.

Under the leadership of its Director-General, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, NITDA has consistently championed digital inclusion, innovation ecosystems, startup development, emerging technologies, and digital capacity building. The Hadejia Academy represents another significant milestone in that journey.

More importantly, it demonstrates an evolving philosophy within the agency: technology should not exist merely for technological advancement; it should solve real problems, improve lives, strengthen public services, and contribute to national development.

Ultimately, however, the true measure of success will not lie in the impressive architecture of the Academy or the sophistication of the Clinic. It will be measured by the innovations they generate, the startups they nurture, the healthcare solutions they produce, the jobs they create, and, above all, the lives they improve.

If sustained through strategic partnerships, adequate funding, and effective management, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Academy and the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Clinic could become national models for integrating digital innovation with healthcare delivery.

In Hadejia, Nigeria has taken more than a step towards building new institutions. It has offered a glimpse into a future where technology, research, entrepreneurship, and compassionate healthcare work together to improve lives, stimulate economic growth, and accelerate sustainable national development.

That is a model worthy not only of celebration but of replication across the country.

MUKHTAR Ya’u Madobi is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Crisis Communication. He writes from Kano.

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The Federal Government’s commitment to promoting digital inclusion received a major boost as the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, commissioned the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Community IT Centre in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the First Lady described the facility as a strategic investment in human capital development and digital empowerment, aimed at equipping citizens with the skills and opportunities required to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

She commended NITDA for its partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative in expanding access to digital infrastructure and opportunities, particularly in underserved communities. According to her, the IT Centre in Ihugh is the fourth facility established through the collaboration, following similar projects in Bauchi, Kwara, Oyo states, among others.

Senator Tinubu noted that the centres are designed to provide access to digital literacy, innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities, especially for women and young people. She urged residents of the community to utilise the facility effectively and ensure its sustainability for the benefit of future generations.

As part of efforts to support economic empowerment at the grassroots, the First Lady also announced a N100 million grant for 2,000 women petty traders in the area, reaffirming the Renewed Hope Initiative’s commitment to improving livelihoods and fostering inclusive development.

In his address, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, described the IT Centre as a catalyst for transformation that would enable residents to acquire digital skills, access emerging technologies and participate meaningfully in the digital economy.

He explained that the centre would serve as a hub for learning, innovation and enterprise development, providing opportunities for students, entrepreneurs and farmers to leverage technology for productivity and economic growth.

According to him, digital tools can significantly enhance agricultural activities by providing access to data-driven solutions such as weather forecasting, soil analysis and precision farming techniques, helping farmers improve output and profitability.

The NITDA Director General also highlighted the agency’s broader interventions in Benue State, including the establishment of a Community ICT Centre in Wannune, nine Digital Learning Centres across the state, and the training of more than 13,300 residents through various digital literacy and skills development programmes.

Governor Hyacinth Alia, who also spoke at the event, described the project as a landmark intervention that would open new opportunities for education, innovation, entrepreneurship and employment. He assured stakeholders of the state’s commitment to providing the infrastructure and support necessary to ensure the centre’s long-term sustainability.

The commissioning of the Ihugh Community IT Centre underscores ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide, expand access to technology and create pathways for inclusive economic growth and development across Nigeria.

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The Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday commissioned the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, describing the facility as a platform designed to inspire young Nigerians to pursue their dreams with purpose, patience and discipline.

The commissioning ceremony, held on the university campus, attracted dignitaries including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi; wives of some state governors; the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE; the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire; royal fathers, university officials and students.

The event marked the formal handover of the centre, which was created to motivate students through storytelling, mentorship and reflection, with a focus on nurturing confidence, resilience and vision among young people.

Speaking at the ceremony, Senator Tinubu expressed delight that her life story—shaped by faith, service and determination—had been preserved in a space intentionally created to strengthen the confidence of young Nigerians. She noted that the Dream Centre was established to remind students to walk patiently with their own dreams rather than covet those of others, stressing that achievement requires consistency, discipline and perseverance.

Warmly received by students, the First Lady emphasised that the centre was built for both boys and girls, reflecting her belief in equal encouragement and opportunity for all young people. She explained that the facility houses inspirational books, including her four-part work, The Journey of Grace, which documents how divine guidance shaped her life and serves as a resource for students seeking motivation and direction.

Senator Tinubu recalled that the project began as a proposal for a modest pavilion but later evolved into the Dream Centre after she decided to create something that would outlive her and serve as a lasting legacy for students. She expressed joy that the vision had become a reality, particularly in a university renowned for producing influential personalities across the country.

In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife traced the history of the project to 2019, when he approached the then Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ogumbore, and Dr. Akio Adijuwa to request a space within the university to honour Senator Tinubu. He explained that the university senate initially resisted the idea due to its tradition of reserving such recognition for founding fathers, but approval was later granted for a three-kilometre road to be named Senator Oluremi Tinubu Way.

According to the monarch, the project suffered delays during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 but was revived when Senator Tinubu became First Lady, a development he described as divine timing. He praised the First Lady—whom he fondly called “Mama”—as a woman whose service and achievements continue to inspire the nation, noting that the Dream Centre symbolises perseverance, recognition and collective commitment to supporting young Nigerians.

Also speaking, NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa said the Dream Centre provides a space where storytelling, learning and reflection converge to help students appreciate the values of resilience, leadership and vision. He noted that the centre allows students to engage with the First Lady’s life story in a structured environment that reinforces the belief that dreams can be achieved through steady effort, patience and confidence.

In his welcome address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Bamire described the commissioning as a milestone for the institution, noting that the centre complements existing facilities by offering a dedicated space for inspiration, creativity and mentorship. He said the project aligns with the university’s commitment to nurturing leaders and innovators whose aspirations can shape the nation.

The vice chancellor added that the Dream Centre reflects the university’s dedication to strengthening students’ academic, moral and emotional growth, describing it as a gift for the future and a place where dreams can take shape.

The Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre was conceptualised and donated to the university by the Ooni of Ife, while NITDA provided the IT-enabled devices installed in the facility, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the project.

The ceremony ended with a guided tour of the centre by stakeholders and guests, many of whom expressed optimism that the facility would play a critical role in inspiring students. The consensus was that the Dream Centre represents not just a building, but a realised vision that will influence how students think, grow and pursue excellence for generations to come.

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In a significant step towards enhancing e-learning in Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady and National Chairperson of the Renewed Hope Initiative, recently inaugurated several ICT facilities across various states. This project includes a community IT centre developed by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and supported by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

During the inauguration, Senator Tinubu committed to ensuring that women and girls have improved access to ICT resources, urging beneficiaries to fully utilize these facilities. She emphasized that this initiative aims to bridge the digital divide under NITDA’s National Digital Gender Inclusion Strategy.

These ICT centres represent important milestones in empowering women and fostering a more inclusive society. However, they are also intended to serve as training grounds for digital transformation, benefitting all genders, particularly students and pupils in surrounding neighborhoods.

For example, the ICT facilities established at the PRNigeria Centre in Kano provide affordable and accessible learning opportunities to tertiary students. Additionally, unemployed graduates have taken advantage of skills acquisition programs offered at this center.

The current economic climate, marked by a continuous rise in fuel prices, is causing transportation costs to soar, making it increasingly challenging for ordinary Nigerians to afford daily commutes. Students, in particular, are suffering from the fallout of this chaotic economic situation, as many can no longer afford to travel to classes.

The ramifications of escalating fuel prices on transportation and education in Nigeria are far-reaching. Higher fuel costs lead to increased transportation expenses that directly impact individuals, businesses, and the broader economy. This creates barriers to employment, healthcare access, and social interactions while also contributing to inflation and elevating the overall cost of living.

In terms of education, rising commuting costs often result in decreased student attendance and hinder access to quality learning experiences. Many schools are feeling the financial pinch, prompting them to raise fees for transportation, utilities, and maintenance, which further constrains educational resources.

Consequently, the burden of these rising costs frequently falls on parents, particularly low-income families, who find it increasingly difficult to keep up with escalating school fees and maintain access to education for their children.

Against this backdrop, online learning emerges as a viable solution. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the effectiveness and accessibility of virtual education, and with rapid technological advancements since then, online learning has become more feasible than ever. In this challenging economic climate, the benefits of adopting e-learning are increasingly compelling.

To combat these challenges, stakeholders must adopt and implement strategies that mitigate the rising costs of education. This includes investing in fuel-efficient transportation modes, exploring alternative energy sources, and promoting the adoption of remote learning solutions. The government can play a crucial role by advocating for online education initiatives that make learning more accessible during times of economic hardship.

Online learning eliminates the need for physical commuting, significantly reducing costs for students while allowing them to learn at their own pace and on their own schedules. This flexibility is especially beneficial for those balancing education with work or family responsibilities. Furthermore, online education helps bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, offering equal educational opportunities and minimizing health risks associated with commuting.

Despite the numerous benefits outlined by Tech Digest—such as affordability, flexibility, accessibility, and safety—Nigeria must address key challenges to fully harness the potential of online learning. Issues like internet connectivity, device access, and teacher training require urgent attention. Parents can contribute by ensuring their children have access to affordable gadgets with internet capabilities, promoting inclusivity in education.

By embracing e-learning, students can significantly diminish their transportation expenses while still receiving high-quality education. This model also alleviates pressure on the education system by reducing the student population commuting to physical classrooms and minimizing overcrowding.

Realizing the full potential of online learning in Nigeria requires a collaborative effort between government, private sector players, and educational institutions. Government bodies can provide essential funding, infrastructure, and policy support while private companies can innovate educational technologies. Meanwhile, educational institutions must adapt their curricula and training programs to align with online learning demands.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has been instrumental in promoting online education in Nigeria. The agency has invested in establishing well-equipped technology learning centres throughout the country, granting students access to computers, internet connectivity, and vital educational resources. Schools across all 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, should collaborate with these centres to maximize their benefits.

In conclusion, online learning presents a promising avenue for addressing the educational challenges faced by students in Nigeria. By leveraging technology and investing in infrastructure, the government can ensure education remains accessible and affordable for all—a commitment NITDA is actively working to uphold. The advantages of this modern educational approach far outweigh its limitations, providing crucial opportunities for students irrespective of their financial situations.

Therefore, it is imperative that the ICT resources provided by NITDA and other relevant organizations are effectively utilized to transform the educational landscape in Nigeria.

Fom Gyem is a tech journalist with Tech Digest Abuja

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A symphony of hope and empowerment reverberated through the heart of Nigeria as two visionary forces, First Lady of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Senator Remi Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Initiative” and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), united their efforts to orchestrate the awe-inspiring “Women ICT Training and Empowerment Programme” in Abuja.

The closing ceremony of the maiden edition programme which took place three weeks ago at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, was to empower women through the strategic use of technology has garnered attention and praise for its innovative approach to addressing gender disparities and fostering women’s economic and social advancement.

This convergence of the Renewed Hope Initiative and NITDA marks an epochal juncture where visionary leadership and pioneering technology intersect to mold a brighter future for Nigerian women.
Senator Remi Tinubu has consistently championed women’s rights and empowerment. Her Renewed Hope Initiative, an embodiment of her tenacious spirit, has emerged as a lighthouse guiding countless women through the labyrinth of gender disparities.

On the other hand, NITDA, a trailblazing government institution at the forefront of Nigeria’s technological evolution, has showcased its prowess in spearheading digital transformation. Recognizing the formidable impact of technological prowess in women’s empowerment, the agency’s alignment with the Renewed Hope Initiative radiates a resplendent promise of a tech-empowered tomorrow.

Through meticulously designed training modules, participants are nurtured with technical acumen, digital dexterity, and digital marketing proficiencies, enabling them to traverse the dynamic terrain of the tech industry with finesse.

The programme’s design resonates with a holistic approach that not only imparts technical skills but also fosters resilience and confidence, incubating a new breed of tech-savvy trailblazers.

The synergy between the Renewed Hope Initiative and NITDA cascades into a tapestry of strategic partnerships that exude excellence. This collaboration beckons prominent tech conglomerates and pioneering entrepreneurs to converge under a single banner, painting a vivid tableau of solidarity in the face of gender inequality.

The First Lady’s appearance at the closing ceremony of Women ICT Training Empowerment Programme which took place at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, does not merely illuminate the path; it reshapes destinies. The empowering melodies of this initiative underscore Senator Remi Tinubu’s and NITDA’s commitment to pioneering change at the grassroots, enriching lives, and unlocking unparalleled opportunities.

One of the cornerstones of the initiative is an ingenious effort that aims to provide digital literacy training to thousands of women across the country in the near future. With technology being the driving force behind global progress, the initiative’s focus on digital skills, empowering women to shatter glass ceilings and access opportunities that were once beyond their reach.

The initiative provided women with access to digital literacy training, enabling them to harness the power of the internet and technology. From basic computer skills to more advanced courses, these women are empowered to navigate the digital landscape confidently, not only to enhance employability but also equip them to make informed decisions in an increasingly digital world.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Training Empowerment Programme, organised by NITDA in collaboration with Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Tinubu emphasised the need for multi-sectoral partnerships to create a more inclusive and thriving digital future for Nigerian women.
She recognised the immense and transformative power that technology wields, underscoring its profound impact in bridging disparities across diverse sectors, with a particular emphasis on the realm of technology itself.

In an insightful reflection, she highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s ongoing digital transformation, underscoring that within this trajectory, it becomes an imperative of utmost importance to guarantee the active and meaningful inclusion of women.

As the nation propels forward on its journey of digitalisation, the First Lady made it clear that women, who have historically been underrepresented in technology-related fields, must not be relegated or sidelined in this technological evolution.

She believes that in a world where technology influence is ever-expanding, it is imperative that women are not only partakers but also key drivers of innovation, progress, and change. This empowerment initiative stands as a testament to the commitment of NITDA and Renewed Hope Initiative in nurturing a more equitable and dynamic tech landscape, where diversity thrives and opportunities are bound.

Amidst the sea of nodding heads and affirmative gestures, it was clear that the attendees recognised the depth of commitment embedded within the First Lady’s words. Her call to harness the power of technology as a catalyst for change in dismantling traditional gender barriers was met with not just approval, but a shared determination to actively contribute to the cause. This collective sentiment of resonance underscored the profound impact that her speech had on all present.

The First Lady’s dedication to women’s welfare has long been evident, but the Renewed Hope Initiative’s partnership with NITDA takes her advocacy to soaring heights, especially now that technology is the key to unlocking limitless potentials, which wants use multifaceted plan that combines innovation and empowerment to ensure that Nigerian women are not left behind.

The training programme has brought together a coalition of like-minded individuals and organisations committed to the advancement of women’s inclusion in digital space. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, and Director General of NITDA,

Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, have lauded First Lady’s visionary approach of tailoring the needs of Nigerian women, ensuring that women from all walks of life can access digital skills, upskill and pursue new horizons at their own pace.

Furthermore, the distribution of laptops and financial support to the beneficiaries is more than just a symbolic gesture; it symbolises a tangible investment in the potential, capabilities, and aspirations of women in the realm of technology.

Equipping them with the tools and resources they need, will amplify their voices, enhance their skills, and empower them to become active contributors to the digital revolution that is reshaping the world as we know it.

As the partnership unfurls its wings, it is a clarion call for the nation to unite and applaud the remarkable collaboration between the visionary First Lady and the technological vanguards at NITDA. This remarkable partnership echoes a resounding message that women’s empowerment is not just a notion—it’s an imperative, an emancipation, and an unceasing symphony of hope.

In an era where transformative leadership is the need of the hour, the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative shines as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to a more prosperous and inclusive Nigeria. As the initiative gathers momentum, it is not merely a programme; it is a movement that has the potential to redefine gender empowerment for generations to come.

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