The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has handed over a new information and communication technology (ICT) project to the Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH), Igbesa.
The project, named Emerging Technologies Centre (ETC) and sited on the Institute’s campus, is aimed at enhancing students’ learning experience while providing a platform for digital innovation, research and development (R&D) for the overall economic growth of Nigeria.
The highlight of Thursday’s inauguration and handover ceremony was the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure the effective utilisation and sustainability of the ICT project in the Institute.
The ETC is one of the access projects of the USPF and a significant milestone towards the government’s policy direction 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 to provide students and faculty members with access to cutting-edge technology and resources.
Speaking at the official handover ceremony, the USPF Secretary, Yomi Arowosafe, said the Centre represents more than just bricks and mortar. According to him, it embodies a vision, a commitment, and an investment in the future of Ogun, and by extension, Nigeria.
“Under the strategic direction of the Hon Minister of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, and 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.
Through strategic implementation, Arowosafe said, the USPF has implemented various access and connectivity projects across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria, which have continued to impact ICT utilisation and deepen connectivity across the country.
“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. The ETC will not only enhance the learning experience of students but also provide a platform for innovation, research, and development.
“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 Rector of OGITECH, Dr Abiodun Oluseye, applauded the NCC and the USPF team for putting the project in the Institute, promising that the project would be put into effective use to benefit the Institute and its entire community.
He also expressed commitment towards ensuring the sustainability of the project, as has been articulated in the joint MoU between the OGITECH and 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.
