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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), has commissioned a modern IT Community Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State. The centre will help expand access to digital literacy and economic opportunities for youth and women.
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Located within Oladipo Alayande School of Science, Oke-Bola, the centre is named after Mrs. Onikepo Akande, a notable daughter of the state. It aims to offer inclusive digital skills training, empowering beneficiaries with the tools needed to thrive in today’s global tech landscape.
First Lady Emphasizes Inclusion and Digital Empowerment
Delivering a keynote address, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, stated that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She noted that it especially aligned with priority area of economic diversification through digital innovation, industrialisation, and the creative economy.
“This centre represents more than just a facility; it is a commitment to equipping Nigerians—especially women and youth—with future-ready skills,” she remarked.
She said ten additional IT Centres will soon be launched in other states. This underscores that digital inclusion is a cornerstone of national development, she emphasized.
Community Ownership and Sustainability Encouraged
Senator Tinubu encouraged community members to take full ownership of the new centre. She stressed that its impact depends on active participation and engagement.
“We’ve also equipped similar centres in five other states, and we hope the people of Oyo State will lead by example in utilizing this opportunity to its fullest,” she said.
Oyo State Government Commits to Maximizing Impact
In a goodwill message, Governor Oluseyi Makinde praised NITDA and RHI for bringing such a high-standard facility to Oyo State. The governor pledged the support of Oyo State to ensure sustainability and community benefit.
“This is the path to the future—Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, and innovation. We’ll make sure this facility becomes a launchpad for Oyo’s digital growth,” he said.
A Launchpad for Innovation and Job Creation
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, highlighted the centre’s role as a catalyst for youth entrepreneurship, digital creativity, and job creation. He stressed that the facility is designed to help young Nigerians build globally competitive startups and solutions.
NITDA DG: Centre to Drive Inclusive Innovation Nationwide
Earlier, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of NITDA, described the project as part of a broader national agenda for development. The centre is designed to increase digital literacy, reduce unemployment, and boost inclusive innovation.
He noted that the centre is equipped with cutting-edge technologies to deliver a smart, and personalized learning experience. According to him, the initiative reflects a strategic collaboration between NITDA, RHI, and other key partners.
“We’re not just building centres—we’re building Nigeria’s future. This partnership shows how government can lead in expanding access to digital education,” Abdullahi said.
He also disclosed NITDA’s collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education to integrate digital literacy curriculum into the formal school system, further institutionalizing digital skill development.
