By Kamilu Lawal, Katsina
The Nigerian Telecommunication Commission (NCC) has handed over a newly completed Information and Communication Technology (ICT) project to the Federal University of Technology, Daura, Katsina State.
The project named “Digital Park” situated in the University’s permanent site, is aimed at enhancing the learning experience of students while providing a platform for digital innovation, Research and Development R&D for the overall economic growth of Nigeria.
Speaking at the official handover ceremony, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the Center embodies a vision, a commitment, and an investment in the future of the University and, by extension, the future of Nigeria.
“The Concept of the ICT Park is rooted in our vision to promote innovation and Digital Entrepreneurship in the ICT sector and to support research and development through the transformation of Ideas into market-ready solutions,” Maida stated.
He described the Park as one roof of possibilities and one stop hall for innovations, saying “Each and every park houses under a single room, a multi-disciplinary facility equipped with modern infrastructure including High Capacity Computer Laboratory, Simulation Room, Smart Networking System, Collaborative Work Spaces, and Meeting Hall.
“The park is designed to serve as a center for indigenous technology solutions contributing to the socio-economic transformation of the country, in line with the national digital economic policy as well as the strategic vision of the Honorable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosoun Tijjani.”
Dr. Maida maintained that by situating the Center within the Federal University of Technology Daura, the Commission is aligning with the University to advance education in Railway engineering, and Logistics and Transport management.
He added that the facility is also designed for the integration of emerging technology, such as Artificial Intelligence, into transport and mobility systems.
The NCC Chief Executive Officer called on the University management to embrace the maintenance and sustainability of the edifice as a shared responsibility, also to ensure that the digital Park continues to serve both the university and Daura communities.
In his remarks while receiving the facility, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Adam Umar Katsayal, applauded the NCC for siting the project in the University, promising that the project will be put into effective utilisation to benefit not only the University but its entire community.
“We will ensure the sustainability of the project and work towards putting it into effective use for the benefit of the entire community,” Katsayal said.
