As part of initiatives to increase digital access and innovation, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the country’s telecom regulator, has inaugurated an Emerging Technologies Centre in Ogun State Institute of Technology in Igbesa, Ogun State.

The Universal Service Provision Fund is being used to carry out the initiative, which intends to improve the educational experience of students while offering a venue for digital research and development.

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To guarantee the center’s efficient use and sustainability, NCC and OGITECH signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the inauguration and handover ceremony on Thursday.

A key step in the government’s policy agenda to close the digital divide and advance digital inclusion throughout Nigeria is the ETC, one of the USPF’s access projects.

Components of the tech hub

In order to give teachers and students access to state-of-the-art resources and technology, the Centre is furnished with 100 desktop computers, bandwidth, connectivity tools, and new technological applications.

Yomi Arowosafe, the USPF Secretary, stated during the formal handover ceremony that the Centre is more than just physical property. He claims that it represents an investment, a vision, and a dedication to Ogun State’s future and, consequently, to the destiny of Nigeria at large.

“Under the strategic direction of the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the strategic focus of the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, the USPF is vested with the mandate of providing ICT access to the unserved and underserved communities across the country,” he said.

According to Arowosafe, the USPF has strategically implemented a number of access and connection initiatives throughout Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, which has continued to have a good impact on ICT use and strengthen connectivity throughout the nation.

“With a student population of 9,300, OGITECH is one of the leading institutions of technology in Nigeria, and we are proud to partner with them to bring this project to fruition,” he added.

Tech hub to serves as avenue for creativity, research and advancement

In addition to improving students’ educational experiences, the ETC will offer a venue for creativity, research, and advancement.

“We expect this project to have a significant impact on the institution and the wider community. It will provide opportunities for students to develop skills in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity. It will also enable faculty members to integrate technology into their teaching and research and to collaborate with other institutions and industry partners,” he said.

The USPF Secretary added that the ETC will act as a centre for entrepreneurship and innovation, offering a space for small enterprises and start-ups to develop and expand.

“We believe that this project will contribute to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy, and we are proud to be a part of it, and we look forward to seeing the impact of this project on the institution and the wider community,” he said.

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OGITECH Rector pledges commitment to tech hub’s sustainability

In his remarks, OGITECH Rector Dr Abiodun Oluseye praised the NCC and the USPF team for locating the project in the Institute and pledged that it would be used effectively to benefit not only the Institute but also its entire community.

He also expresses commitment to ensure the sustainability of the project, as stated in the joint MoU between the OGITECH and the USPF.

Arowosafe said that the MoU signing has been designed as part of a sustainability strategy for future USPF projects, where the beneficiary organisations, groups, and communities can take ownership of such projects and be committed to taking necessary actions to ensure they continue to serve them after being handed over by the USPF.

“We will ensure the sustainability of the project and work towards putting it into effective use for the benefit of the entire community,” he said.

In order to support the attainment of national policy objectives for universal access and universal service to ICTs in rural, unserved, and underserved areas of Nigeria, the Federal Government of Nigeria created the USPF.

In order to promote more social fairness and inclusion for Nigerians, the fund is being administered to enable the greatest possible access to reasonably priced telecommunications services.