Nigerian Government Launches $40 Million Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project to Digitize 10 Universities

The Nigerian government has rolled out a $40 million Blueprint ICT Development (Blueprint-ICT-Dev) projects to transform ten (10) Federal Universities in Nigeria through digital infrastructure and innovation, as announced by Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, on Tuesday in FCT, Abuja.

The project is for the purpose of advancing Nigerian education through digital transformation, inclusive learning, and human capital development to further build smart campuses, empower innovative minds, and create more international partnerships in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Blueprint ICT Development (Blueprint-ICT-Dev) has been assigned to Dr. Joshua Atah for coordination. Dr. Joshua is a Coordinator of Special Projects at the NUC Level, and according to him, the Blueprint-ICT-Dev is structured into two main components:

1. Component One ($38 million)
2. Component Two ($2 million)

The project is structured into two components to address both immediate and long-term needs. The Component One will focuses on upgrading ICT infrastructure and lecturers' training in the 10 universities to enhance teaching and learning. On the other hand, the Component Two will be used to develops a National STEM Transformation Strategy to guide future STEM education and match it with labor market demands.

Components of Blueprint-ICT-Dev

1. Component One

The first component is the short-term component that needs immediate attentions and needs to be addressed. This component is aimed at enhancing and upgrading Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in ten (10) selected Nigerian's Federal Universities.

In addition to ICT upgrade, the component One will also be used to renovate digital infrastructures, train academic staffs, provide digital resources for students, and improve campus connectivity. Out of the $40 million, $38 million is assigned to Component One to finance these projects.

2. Component Two

Component Two is assigned with financing the development of a National STEM Transformation Strategy. The project includes financing STEM pilot initiatives, labour market research, committee formation, and awareness campaigns. The remaining $2 million is assigned to execute this component.

Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project Selected Universities

Here's the list of selected 10 universities to pilot the Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project:

1. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
2. University of Jos, Plateau State.
3. University of Calabar, Rivers State.
4. Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State.
5. Bayero University, Kano, Kano State.
6. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.
7. University of Maiduguri, Borno State.
8. University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State.
9. Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Adamawa State.
10. University of Ibadan, Oyo State.

In conclusion, the Blueprint-ICT-Dev project is an effort to enhance academic excellence through digital transformation. The idea evolved from a 2018 plan to revitalize universities by leveraging ICT to address governance, financing, and employability challenges. What do you think about this project? Let's hear your opinions in the comments section.