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The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has officially handed over a new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) project to the Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH) in Igbesa, Ogun State.
The project, named the Emerging Technologies Centre (ETC), is located on the Institute’s campus and aims to enhance students’ learning experiences while providing a platform for digital innovation, research and development (R&D) to support Nigeria’s overall economic growth.
A key highlight of the inauguration and handover ceremony on Thursday was the signing of a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) to ensure the effective utilisation and sustainability of the ICT project within the Institute.
The ETC is one of the USPF’s access projects and a significant milestone toward the government’s initiative to bridge the digital divide and promote digital inclusion across Nigeria.
The centre is equipped with 100 desktop computers, emerging technology applications, bandwidth and connectivity tools, providing students and faculty members with access to cutting-edge technology and resources.
At the official handover ceremony, USPF secretary, Yomi Arowosafe emphasized that the Centre represents more than just a physical structure. He described it as a “vision, a commitment and an investment in the future of Ogun State and, by extension, Nigeria.
“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 NCC executive vice chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida the USPF is tasked with providing ICT access to unserved and underserved communities across the country,” he stated.
Through strategic implementation, Arowosafe noted that the USPF has executed various access and connectivity projects across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, positively impacting ICT utilisation and enhancing connectivity nationwide.
“With a student population of 9,300, OGITECH is one of Nigeria’s leading technology institutions, and we are proud to partner with them on this project. The ETC will not only enhance students’ learning experiences but also provide a platform for innovation, research and development.
“We anticipate this project will significantly benefit the institution and the surrounding community. It will offer students opportunities to develop skills in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics and cybersecurity. Additionally, it will enable faculty members to integrate technology into their teaching and research and foster collaboration with other institutions and industry partners,” he explained.
Arowosafe also stated that the ETC will serve as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, providing a platform for startups and small businesses to incubate and grow.
“We believe this project will contribute to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy, and we are proud to be a part of it. We look forward to observing how this initiative impacts the institution and the wider community,” he added.
He further explained that the MoU signing is part of a sustainability strategy for future USPF projects, allowing beneficiary organisations, groups and communities to take ownership of such projects and commit to ensuring they continue to serve their needs without being abandoned after the USPF’s handover.
During the handover ceremony, OGITECH’s rector, Dr. Abiodun Oluseye lauded the NCC and USPF teams for locating the project within the Institute. He assured that the project would be utilised effectively to benefit not only the Institute but also the entire community.
He also expressed a strong commitment to the project’s sustainability, as outlined in the joint MoU between OGITECH and USPF. “We will ensure the sustainability of the project and work toward its effective use for the benefit of the entire community,” he stated.
The USPF was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria to support national policy goals for universal access and service to ICTs in rural, unserved and underserved areas of the country. The fund aims to facilitate the widest possible access to affordable telecommunications services, promoting greater social equity and inclusion for the people of Nigeria.
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