THE UNIVERSITY SECURES LANDMARK $4 MILLION ICT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT TO REVOLUTIONISE DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES

The University is proud to announce its selection as one of ten federal universities nationwide to win the highly competitive Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project, securing approximately $4 million in funding to be expended over the next four years.This significant achievement underscores the University's commitment to digital transformation and its pivotal role in advancing higher education in Nigeria.

The announcement was made following a rigorous, transparent, and credible selection process, culminating in the formal launch of the Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) on 1st July 2025, in Abuja. The initiative, backed by a €38 million financing package from the French Government through AFD, aims to strengthen digital infrastructure and ICT capacity across selected Nigerian federal universities.

The University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele, received the official letter of award from the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, who congratulated the University on this remarkable feat. Prof. Mele was accompanied by Prof. Mohammed Dauda, Chairman of the Committee that developed the University’s winning proposal titled "Integrated ICT Infrastructure and Platform for University Services", which stood out among proposals submitted by 28 shortlisted universities.

The Vice-Chancellor stated that the funding will enable the University to significantly upgrade its digital infrastructure, automate administrative processes, enhance e-learning platforms, and build robust digital skills among staff and faculty aligning perfectly with the broader national digital economy agenda.

He added that securing the project is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team, particularly the committee led by Prof. Mohammed Dauda. The team, he said, represents a critical step towards realizing the University's vision of a truly smart campus empowering people and nurturing innovative ideas that will shape the future of education and research at the institution.

He further noted that the Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project is a flagship initiative and a key component of the NUC's "Blueprint for the Rapid Revitalisation of University Education in Nigeria", developed in 2018 to address challenges such as insufficient infrastructure, inadequate ICT integration, and the need for more efficient governance and academic service delivery.

During the formal project launch, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative:

“The Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project is a strategic investment in the future of Nigerian education. Also said "is about building smart campuses, empowering smart people, and nurturing smart ideas.”

Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, Executive Secretary of the NUC, also highlighted the project's alignment with national goals, stating:

“Our vision for the NUC is one where technology becomes the nervous system of our institutions. Digital transformation must become the standard across public and private universities.”

This project, he said, marks a new chapter for the University, positioning it at the forefront of digital innovation in Nigerian higher education. The implementation of the "Integrated ICT Infrastructure and Platform for University Services" will not only enhance academic and administrative efficiency but also contribute to making the University a globally competitive and innovation driven institution.