Designed to expand practical technology training for students and young innovators, the facility was unveiled on Monday, June 8, by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, during a ceremony held at the university.

The hub was launched under the National Information Technology Development Agency in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative.

It comes equipped with laboratories focused on artificial intelligence, robotics, additive manufacturing and the Internet of Things. These are areas the government says are highly important to modern industry, both in Nigeria and globally.

Inside the campus, the space is meant to move students beyond theory and into hands-on work. It provides tools that many public universities in the country have found difficult to provide consistently.

Dr Tijani said the NITDA innovation hub should be seen as an investment in young people, both in and outside OAU, rather than just a collection of machines and lab equipment.

He also encouraged students to make use of the facility and take an active role in building solutions that can work in real settings, not just in classrooms.

With this development, the government is linking education more directly with needs across the industry. Officials present repeatedly returned to the idea of practical output, not just academic learning.

The robotics and IoT labs are expected to support hardware development, an area where many Nigerian startups still face limitations due to the cost of equipment and prototyping.

Additive manufacturing, often referred to as 3D printing, also features strongly in the hub’s design. It has growing use across sectors such as healthcare, construction and engineering.

The federal government has in recent years increased attention on digital infrastructure as a foundation for these kinds of projects. Earlier plans outlined by the Ministry include nationwide fibre deployment, expansion of communication satellites, and new rural telecom towers aimed at improving access to connectivity across the country by 2027.

Alongside the government’s initiative, private sector investment is also beginning to impact the direction of innovation hubs in Nigerian universities.

Fintech company Moniepoint has committed about N3 billion to establish innovation centres at Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria Nsukka, and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

The initiative, announced in May 2026, is designed to support training in areas such as artificial intelligence, software engineering, robotics, data science, product development and entrepreneurship.

The company says its engineers and product teams will be involved in mentorship, workshops and internship pathways. The aim is to make sure students are exposed early to how technology products are built and scaled in real business environments.

Government-led programmes and private funding are now being directed towards building a pipeline of tech talent across different regions of the country.

OAU in the South-West, UNN in the South-East and ABU in the North are among the institutions selected for these projects. The idea is to spread access beyond Lagos and Abuja, where most of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem has traditionally been concentrated.

There are still questions about how sustainable these initiatives will be. Funding is still a challenge, particularly when it comes to maintaining advanced equipment and keeping facilities up to date.

Hardware-based innovation also requires consistent technical support, which universities have sometimes found difficult to provide over time.

Connectivity is another factor that will determine how far these hubs can go. Many of the planned activities depend on reliable internet access and stable power supply, both of which are uneven in parts of the country.

The approval came during a meeting at NITDA headquarters where NiRA’s President, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya led his board members to present the association’s 2026 vision to Kashifu Inuwa, NITDA’s director general.

Following the approval, both organisations expressed the resolve to reinforce their collaborative efforts to ensure smooth, rapid execution of their shared goals of increasing the adoption of the .ng domain across

To actualise the business plan, the DG directed NiRA to work hand-in-hand with NITDA’s e-Governance and Digital Economy Department for effective implementation, daily updates, and project tracking.

“You have my full approval for these initiatives. Let us change our strategy, sync up more closely, and ensure everything we have agreed upon during this presentation is fully implemented by next year,” Inuwa declared.

Highlighting some of NiRA’s impressive achievements over the past year, Akinsanya said 98,285 new registrations, 71,470 renewals, and 1,970 restorations were recorded in 2025, while there are 241,000 active .ng domains.

Beyond the numbers, NiRA also implemented important security upgrades, including the Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC), for a more secure and resilient internet experience for local users, as well as improvements in registrar support and engagement.

Looking into the future, Akinsanya said NiRA is intensifying action to make .ng and .gov.ng domains the gold standard across the country.

He expressed gratitude for NITDA’s ongoing support, calling for joint awareness campaigns and digital capacity-building to bring more state governments, local councils, and public institutions under the secure official domain.

Also, the NiRA president added that the association is updating its internal systems, introducing automation, and revising its constitution to meet globally acceptable standards to ensure sustainable growth.

“NiRA is looking into deeper stakeholder engagement and moving into areas where we see massive possibilities. We are specifically targeting startups and aligning with tech events across the country. With stronger collaboration, we can drive widespread adoption across every tier of government’’, Akinsanya said.

The most decisive of those milestones came in November 2025, when the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the establishment of the National Coordination Mechanism for Services Exports (NCMSE), creating a formal governance framework to strengthen inter-agency coordination, align national policy with global digital trade, and accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s services export sector.

Since its approval, the NCMSE has provided the institutional architecture for bringing together previously disconnected programmes, agencies, and stakeholders under a common services export agenda.

By fostering greater alignment among key institutions, including National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Outsource To Nigeria Initiative (OTNI), and flagship talent initiatives such as 3MTT, the mechanism is helping to improve policy coherence, streamline implementation, and position talent development as a strategic driver of Nigeria’s services export competitiveness.

Building on this foundation, the Nigeria Talent Accelerator Network (NTAN) was officially launched in Lagos, in partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF).

It is co-chaired by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Ministry of Education, along with private-sector leaders from Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and Flour Mills of Nigeria. This formally enters Nigeria into the WEF Global Accelerators Network, uniting public, private, and development sectors behind a unified workforce roadmap.

“We are witnessing a shift in the global economy, where greater value and the competitive advantage will be determined by a nation’s ability to cultivate talent, harness deep knowledge-based industries, and participate in high-value services markets built seamlessly across borders. As Africa becomes a more integrated marketplace, the continent has a unique opportunity to emerge as the leading contributor to the world’s talent economy. NATEP is laying the foundation for Nigeria to lead this transition by unlocking the full potential of our human capital, strengthening international partnerships, and positioning Nigerian talent at the centre of the next era of global services trade,” said Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment.

NATEP also intensified efforts to deepen international partnerships that support Nigeria’s services export ambitions. Under the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Survey, a country-partner mandate was activated to mobilise senior business leaders and ensure Nigeria’s labour market realities are reflected in global workforce assessments and benchmarking exercises.

Concurrently, NATEP has commenced the development of an innovative financing framework to support talent development and export-led growth. The proposed four-layer capital stack combines catalytic public investment with outcomes-linked private capital, adapting global financing models to Nigeria’s economic realities and workforce priorities.

NATEP working with the Nigeria Outsourcing Association also partnered with the Global Business Services sector to streamline the Association in line with global best practice, further strengthening Nigeria’s credentials as a premier hub for international services outsourcing.

These partnerships have been matched by equally significant progress on the domestic policy front. In March 2026, a zero draft of Nigeria’s National Outsourcing Policy was forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment for interministerial review, establishing the foundational architecture for a sector with transformative economic potential.

Across the programme’s Technical Working Groups (Demand, Supply, and Enabling Environment), implementation plans have been formalised, workstream leadership structures established, and talent development pathways validated, helping to consolidate a coherent national framework for talent supply, workforce readiness, and export competitiveness.

The Enabling Environment Technical Working Group has adopted WTO/GATS taxonomy standards and mapped five priority digital export sectors- Software/SaaS, Data and AI, Cybersecurity, Fintech, and BPO/ITES- equipping Nigeria to compete aggressively in the highest-growth segments of global digital trade.

“Our mandate at NATEP is to position Nigeria as a premier global talent hub by building an enabling ecosystem through policy, platforms, promotion, and partnerships,” said Teju Abisoye, national coordinator of NATEP. “The progress achieved over the past year brings us closer to our strategic objectives of enabling one million direct export-linked jobs, supporting millions more indirect jobs, attracting significant investment into the sector, and equipping Nigerians with globally recognised skills and certifications. Nigeria is not only preparing for the future of work; it is helping build the policy and institutional foundations required to compete and lead in it.”

As NATEP enters its next phase, the programme’s focus shifts decisively toward implementation at scale: operationalising the Private Sector-backed financing framework, advancing the National Outsourcing Policy through the policy approval process, and mobilising the full capabilities of NTAN to deliver workforce outcomes that strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global services export economy.

The initiative spans digital and IT literacy, financial and economic literacy, creative arts and design, business and entrepreneurship, as well as hospitality and tourism.

At a recent signing ceremony held in Lagos, Easybuy was named the Official Device Financing and Lifestyle Partner for the Federal Government of Nigeria–approved training initiative.

The programme is being launched by the Office of the Vice President through the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), and implemented by WAWUAfrica, in collaboration with key development partners, including Ministry of Youth, Ministry of Women, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Ministry of Trade & Investment, the World Bank, African Union Sixth Region Global, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Others are, leading professional bodies such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), National Institute of Credit Administration (NICA), Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI), and the Nigeria Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NIIE).

“Smartphones have become essential for participation in today’s economy, yet millions of Nigerians still face barriers to accessing the devices they need,” said Abdul-gaffar Adesoji, sales director of Easybuy Nigeria. “As the Official Device Financing and Lifestyle Partner for this great initiative, Easybuy will support WAWUAfrica’s mission by bridging the smart device access gap, empowering underserved communities across the country, and unlocking new economic opportunities for Nigerians through inclusive financing solutions.”

“To boost Nigeria’s economic and financial inclusion drive, as part of our contribution to the initiative, Easybuy will be providing up to 10,000 of sales jobs to trained participants among the 10 million beneficiaries of this worthwhile initiative. The Easybuy team is dedicated to bringing an easier life to millions of Nigerians across the country,” Adesoji further noted.

Commenting on the partnership, Emmanuel Lennox, Chief Executive Officer of WAWUAfrica, said:

“This partnership reflects a deliberate shift from skills acquisition as an end, to skills deployment as a driver of national productivity. By integrating Easybuy’s device financing into the WAWUAfrica training ecosystem, we are ensuring that participants are not just trained, but fully equipped to participate meaningfully in today’s digital economy. It is a model designed to remove structural barriers and accelerate inclusion at scale.”

“What we are building with Easybuy is a closed-loop system for economic transformation, one that connects skills training and real earning opportunities in a continuous cycle. Individuals are given access to acquire smartphones through Easybuy, receive free training, and participate in income-generating activities from sales roles. The result is a scalable model that doesn’t just prepare people for jobs, it actively enables new businesses, and empowers a new generation of Nigerians to earn, grow, and contribute sustainably to the economy,” Lennox added.

Despite rising connectivity, a significant access gap persists, with over 120 million Nigerians still offline, largely due to the high cost of smartphones. As mobile devices remain the primary gateway to financial inclusion, education, and commerce, affordability continues to limit market penetration. This gap represents a substantial growth opportunity for scalable financing models to accelerate digital inclusion while unlocking new consumer markets and economic value. This is where Easybuy comes in, offering affordable device financing plans, and empowering millions of users to purchase quality mobile phones through flexible repayments.

This partnership with WAWUAfrica is a strategic response to Nigeria’s economic and financial inclusion gap. Despite steady progress, nearly 29 million adult Nigerians are still excluded from the financial system and only about 52% of the population hold bank accounts. With rural and low-income communities disproportionately affected, the gap offers an opportunity for scalable, mobile-driven financial solutions like the partnership between WAWUAfrica and Easybuy that can unlock access, drive adoption, and accelerate inclusive economic growth.

The commitment was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit by the Beninese delegation to NITDA’s corporate headquarters in Abuja, where discussions centred on deepening bilateral cooperation, sharing best practices, and advancing digital development across the region.

Speaking during the engagement, Kashifu Inuwa, the director general of NITDA, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, the director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, said regional collaboration remains critical to advancing Africa’s digital economy and building resilient digital ecosystems capable of supporting sustainable growth.

He noted that NITDA is committed to driving Nigeria’s digital transformation through the development of policies, standards, and strategic frameworks designed to modernise governance and improve service delivery across the public sector.

According to him, the agency has developed several foundational frameworks, including the Enterprise Governance Framework, Digital Transformation Framework, and Software Quality Assurance Framework, to guide Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in their digital transformation journeys.

“Our goal is to move government institutions beyond basic digitalisation to full digital transformation, and ultimately, to build an intelligent, data-driven government powered by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence,” he said.

Inuwa also disclosed that since 2018, NITDA has reviewed over ₦1.5 trillion worth of government IT projects to ensure compliance, technical alignment, and value for money.

He said the intervention has helped the Federal Government save more than ₦300 billion by eliminating duplication, promoting shared services, and improving the success rate of digital projects across ministries, departments, and agencies.

On digital public infrastructure, he revealed that Nigeria has transitioned from fragmented agency-to-agency data exchanges to a more integrated and citizen-centred digital ecosystem through the Nigerian Data Exchange (NGDX) platform.

He explained that the platform provides a federated and centralised framework for seamless data exchange among government institutions while preserving the autonomy of individual information systems.

According to him, the proposed e-Government and Digital Economy Bill will provide the legal backing needed to strengthen the platform and institutionalise digital collaboration across government.

The DG further highlighted NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) 2024–2027, which aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and focuses on critical areas such as digital literacy, research and development, cybersecurity, innovation, inclusive access, and strategic partnerships.

Earlier, Tildy Erlong, the head of International Partnerships at ASIN, said the delegation’s visit followed a recent Smart Africa workshop in Abuja and was aimed at strengthening institutional ties and learning from Nigeria’s digital transformation experience.

She described ASIN as the operational agency under Benin Republic’s digital ministry, responsible for implementing strategic digital development projects across the country in collaboration with key institutions, including the national identity agency, ANIP, and the cybersecurity agency, CENIN.

Erlong highlighted Benin’s achievements in digital public infrastructure, noting that about 98 per cent of the country’s population, approximately 13.6 million citizens, has been enrolled on its digital identity platform.

She added that more than 60 government agencies and service institutions are connected through Benin’s XROAD interoperability platform, enabling the delivery of over 250 digital services to citizens.

According to her, Benin is also prioritising digital inclusion, open-source systems, and the deployment of artificial intelligence to improve service delivery in sectors such as healthcare, education, and justice.

When it was time for the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to take the stage, the message wasn’t just about adopting new software; it was a profound call to reshape how public institutions operate.

Speaking through Kashifu Inuwa, the director general of NITDA issued a vital challenge to the assembly: public institutions must embrace Artificial Intelligence, but they must do so responsibly.

True digital transformation, he argued, cannot exist without anchoring it in human accountability, robust policy frameworks, and continuous digital skills development.

To prove that this was not merely theoretical, Inuwa, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, the director of Stakeholder Management and Partnership at NITDA, pulled back the curtain on the Agency’s internal AI revolution.

The agency has already set in motion a comprehensive, three-year AI Transformation Plan designed to ensure long-term institutional efficiency, continuity, and productivity.

The strategy addresses one of the oldest vulnerabilities in public administration: the institutional brain drain that happens when personnel change.

“In NITDA as an agency, we have what we call the AI Transformation Plan,” Inuwa stated, his words underscoring a vision of an unshakeable, digitally driven institution. “It is a kind of three-year plan which we have put in place so that even if the current staff are replaced completely, new personnel should be able to interact with the system and continue work without hindrance.”

Through this initiative, NITDA is sketching the blueprint for the future of the Nigerian civil service, one where artificial intelligence acts as the permanent, seamless memory of an organization, keeping the wheels of governance turning smoothly no matter who holds the wheel.

The DG explained that the Agency has already integrated AI into its internal workflow processes, particularly in document management and task tracking.

He noted that official documents submitted at the Agency’s premises are now scanned immediately at the gate and automatically routed by AI systems to the responsible officers based on identified keywords and subject areas.

He added that the AI infrastructure also monitors timelines and flags delays where officers fail to attend to official correspondence within stipulated periods.

“All that is required now is to drop documents at the gate. AI scans and routes them to the appropriate officers. If such documents are not treated within the required timeframe, the system flags them and reports accordingly,” he explained.

While acknowledging concerns surrounding AI adoption, particularly fears about job displacement, the NITDA DG stressed that the technology should be viewed as a tool for improving productivity rather than a threat to human relevance.

“There is always this fear that AI is coming to take away jobs, especially in the public service. But I want to state clearly that the jobs of people who refuse to upskill themselves may eventually be affected. However, those willing to retrain and adapt will benefit immensely from AI,” he said.

To address workforce transition concerns, he revealed that NITDA has commenced agency-wide AI capacity building programmes for all staff members.

According to him, employees whose traditional roles are being transformed by automation are being reassigned and redesignated into emerging AI-related functions.

“We have ensured that everyone undergoes AI training. Those who previously handled manual file operations have now been redesignated as AI assistants and AI administrators. We are preparing our workforce for the future rather than replacing them,” he noted.

The DG further emphasised the importance of maintaining human oversight in AI deployment, warning against the complete removal of human intelligence and accountability from governance systems.

“You must not take away human monitoring and accountability in any AI implementation process. At the end of the day, someone must remain accountable,” he cautioned.

Speaking on governance and regulation, the NITDA boss called for all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to develop internal AI policies capable of defining clear operational boundaries for the technology.

According to him, government deployment of AI differs significantly from private sector usage because public institutions must bear responsibility for any AI-related failures or ethical breaches.

He stressed the need for robust governance frameworks to guide responsible AI use, protect citizens’ rights, and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.

“We must ensure that whatever we use AI for aligns with data protection regulations and responsible use principles. Without proper frameworks, data misuse could become more prevalent and destructive,” he warned.

The NITDA DG also highlighted the Agency’s broader efforts to drive national AI adoption following the development of Nigeria’s National AI Strategy, which he described as one of the country’s most forward-looking digital policy documents.

He stated that NITDA is currently using the Agency as a practical AI sandbox to test implementation models before wider deployment across the public service ecosystem.

As part of efforts to deepen digital capacity across government institutions, he disclosed that NITDA is collaborating with the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation to train civil servants in digital literacy and AI-related competencies.

He reiterated that the future workforce must embrace continuous learning and adaptability to remain relevant in an increasingly AI-driven world.

“AI has not come to replace people completely. But those who refuse to develop their skills may struggle to fit into the evolving technology ecosystem,” he concluded.

Speaking at the IoT West Africa Conference, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the director general of NITDA, emphasised that policy remains the most critical enabler of Nigeria’s digital transformation, even as infrastructure continues to respond to market demand.

Represented by Dr Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnership, Inuwa noted that building a resilient digital ecosystem requires more than infrastructure, it demands a policy-driven environment that stimulates both supply and demand.

Delivering a keynote address, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the national commissioner/CEO of NDPC, warned that Nigeria’s heavy reliance on foreign data hosting poses serious implications for national sovereignty, security, and economic resilience.

He called for urgent investments in local data infrastructure, noting that Nigeria’s data centre market is projected to reach $1.9 billion by 2031.

At the panel session themed “The Lagos Abuja Digital Corridor: Building Africa’s Next Data Centre and Cloud Hub,” NITDA reiterated that strategic policies such as Nigeria’s broadband plan, targeting minimum speeds of 10 Mbps in rural areas and 25 Mbps in urban centres, are essential to guiding infrastructure deployment and expanding digital access nationwide.

However, stakeholders were cautioned that without strong collaboration between government, private sector players, and civil society, scaling infrastructure across the country would remain difficult.

“Collaboration is the pathway that massifies impact, while partnership harnesses collective intelligence. No one can achieve this in isolation,” Onumo stated.

Central to NITDA’s strategy is the Nigerian Sovereign Cloud Project, aimed at strengthening indigenous cloud providers and reducing dependence on foreign hyperscale operators. The initiative seeks to localise data hosting, lower operational costs, and expand access to cloud services while reinforcing Nigeria’s digital independence.

NITDA further stressed the need to stimulate demand through deliberate government action, including the consolidation of servers across public institutions to drive cloud adoption and attract investment into data centres.

Public-private partnerships (PPP), it noted, remain critical to co-creating, co-owning, and delivering sustainable digital infrastructure.

“We are no longer looking at IT from the perspective of infrastructure alone, but as an integrated system that creates value for the people,” Onumo said, urging stakeholders to work collectively towards building a digitally enabled Nigeria.

The Agency also highlighted ongoing initiatives such as its Digital Literacy for All programme, which aims to equip 70 per cent of Nigerians with digital skills by 2027.

Through collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), NITDA is deploying digital literacy champions across all 774 local government areas, targeting 30 million Nigerians within three years.

Both NITDA and NDPC agreed that addressing Nigeria’s data hosting imbalance is not just a technological necessity but a strategic imperative, one that will define the country’s digital future, economic security, and global competitiveness.

Officials said the framework aims to keep Lagos safe as the state expands its digital economy and implements its smart city plans.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said cyber risks are growing as more organisations move services online and rely heavily on digital systems.

He said Lagos, which is one of Africa’s busiest technology centres, now faces greater exposure to attacks targeting companies, financial services, e-commerce platforms and public institutions.

Noting figures from the National Information Technology Development Agency, Omotoso said Nigeria loses more than $500 million every year to cybercrime.

“This underscores the urgency for stronger, coordinated cybersecurity measures to protect businesses, institutions and residents,” he said.

According to the state government, the guidelines provide steps for small businesses, major companies and ministries, departments and agencies.

They include security checks to identify weak points, stronger login protection such as multi-factor authentication, regular software updates, secure data backups, staff training and phishing awareness exercises.

The framework also advises organisations to improve incident reporting and ensure they meet national legal requirements on data protection and cybercrime.

“The document reflects our proactive approach to safeguarding digital assets while enabling innovation and economic growth.

“These guidelines are not regulatory mandates but tools empowering stakeholders with actionable, context-specific recommendations,” Omotoso said.

Lagos said the new cybersecurity guidelines supports existing national laws and policies, including the Cybercrime Act 2024, the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy.

Officials stressed that the state guidelines are meant to complement federal regulations, not replace them.

Omotoso said a secure digital environment is necessary to encourage innovation, attract investment and maintain public trust.

He also commended the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Council, chaired by Prof. Fene Osakwe, for leading work on the document.

He acknowledged support from Tubosun Alake, saying his contribution was important to delivering the project.

“A cyber secure Lagos is critical to sustaining its position as a globally competitive technology hub in the 21st century,” he said.

The state government added that it will continue reviewing the guidelines as threats change and new risks emerge, including ransomware and other advanced attacks.

Speaking at the recent Moment 2026, Africa’s Convergence of Creators, Kashifu Inuwa, the director general of NITDA, emphasised that the Agency is focused on building a technology-driven ecosystem where creators can thrive, innovate, and compete globally.

Highlighting the growing importance of the sector, the DG, who was represented by Dr Ayodeji Eniola, the director of the DG’s Office, noted that Nigeria’s creative industry, currently valued at over $9 billion, could exceed $13 billion in the coming years with the right support systems in place.

“Nigeria has always been a nation of storytellers, musicians, filmmakers, designers, and innovators. What is remarkable today is that this creativity has evolved beyond cultural expression to become a powerful economic force.”

He said that at the heart of NITDA’s interventions is digital talent development and mentioned that through flagship programmes such as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, the Agency is equipping young Nigerians with critical skills in animation, visual effects, game development, and digital media, ensuring they are prepared for emerging opportunities in the global creator economy.

The DG stressed that the intersection of creativity and technology is central to the future of the industry.

“Today, creativity is powered by connectivity, computing power, digital platforms, and data. A smartphone, a laptop, and access to the internet can enable a young Nigerian to reach millions of people around the world.”

To support this transformation, Inuwa stated that NITDA is driving the development of key digital infrastructure, including the National Sovereign Cloud Initiative, which provides secure, scalable local computing resources for creators and digital entrepreneurs.

He also noted the Agency is supporting national broadband expansion efforts, such as Project BRIDGE, to improve connectivity and expand participation in the digital economy.

In addition to infrastructure, Inuwa disclosed that NITDA continues to strengthen regulatory frameworks that promote cybersecurity, data protection, and digital trust, critical elements for safeguarding creators’ intellectual property and ensuring safe participation in online ecosystems.

He announced that the Agency is also leveraging emerging technologies to position Nigeria at the forefront of innovation in the creative space.

Through the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), he added that NITDA is advancing research and capacity building in artificial intelligence, enabling creators to integrate cutting-edge tools into content production and digital storytelling.

Reinforcing the broader national vision and calling on young creators to recognise the economic and global significance of their work, the DG said, “Your creativity is not just entertainment. It is innovation, intellectual property, economic opportunity, and national influence.”

He reiterated that the Agency will continue to implement policies, develop infrastructure, and foster innovation ecosystems that empower Nigeria’s creative sector to grow sustainably, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic diversification agenda.

That was the message from Kashifu Inuwa, director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), who underscored the pivotal role of teachers in shaping the country’s digital transformation journey.

A Shift Beyond Chalk and Talk

Represented by Aristotle Onumo, Inuwa spoke at a stakeholders’ dialogue organised by Development of Educational Action Network Initiative (DEAN), where conversations moved beyond policy frameworks to something more fundamental, the evolving role of teachers.

In a world where students can access information with a single click, the traditional image of a teacher standing before a blackboard is rapidly fading.

Instead, a new role is emerging.

“Teachers are no longer just instructors,” Inuwa noted. “They are guides,helping students navigate information, avoid harmful content, and develop responsible digital behaviour.”

Classrooms as the Frontline of Digital Transformation

Nigeria’s digital economy is expanding at an unprecedented pace, creating new opportunities while introducing new risks. For students growing up in this environment, the challenge is no longer access to information, but understanding it.

And that responsibility, Inuwa argued, rests heavily on teachers.

From identifying credible sources to fostering critical thinking, educators are now expected to prepare students not just for exams, but for a technology-driven society.

Bridging Opportunity and Risk

Digital tools have opened doors, online learning platforms, global knowledge networks, and new career pathways. But they have also exposed students to misinformation, cyber risks, and unregulated content.

This dual reality makes the teacher’s role even more critical.

“They must help students not only learn, but learn responsibly,” Inuwa emphasised.

NITDA’s Strategy: Empower the Educator

To support this transition, NITDA is investing in nationwide digital literacy programmes, including its flagship Digital Literacy for All initiative.

The goal is ambitious: achieving 70% digital literacy across Nigeria by 2027. But behind that statistic lies a deeper strategy, equip teachers first, and the students will follow.

Reimagining Teacher Capacity

Earlier, Semiye Michael, executive director of DEAN Initiative, set the tone for the engagement.

He described the workshop as a necessary step toward re-engineering teachers’ capacity in line with digital realities.

“We need to strengthen teachers’ competence and provide access to the right digital infrastructure,” he said.

The outcome of the dialogue, he added, will feed into policy recommendations aimed at transforming Nigeria’s education system.

A National Imperative

Stakeholders at the event, including representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education and Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), shared a common view: without digitally empowered teachers, Nigeria’s broader digital ambitions may fall short.

Because while infrastructure, policies, and innovation matter, the human element remains central.

As Nigeria pushes toward a knowledge-driven economy, the spotlight is shifting, from technology itself to the people who will shape how it is used.

And in that equation, teachers stand at the centre. Not just as educators, but as architects of a digital future, guiding a generation that will define Nigeria’s place in the global digital economy.