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 initiative represents one of the most significant private-sector investments in Nigerian higher education in recent memory.

The Moniepoint Innovations Hubs will be built at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU).

The three institutions were strategically selected to scale the impact of the interventions across Nigeria’s geographic regions and to reflect a commitment to ensuring that opportunity is not concentrated in a single city or region but is proportionally distributed across the country, in line with Nigeria’s diversity and potential.

Each Moniepoint Innovation Hub will serve as a permanent centre for hands-on training in software engineering, data science, and artificial intelligence; design; robotics; product development; and entrepreneurship.

Open to students across all faculties, the programme will guide participants from curiosity to career readiness through structured, cohort-based learning, mentorship, and real-world project execution.

The initiative was formally announced today at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife in a ceremony attended by the Vice-Chancellors of all three universities, senior leaders from academia and industry, student representatives, alumni, and members of Nigeria’s broader innovation ecosystem.

Speaking on the initiative, Tosin Eniolorunda, co-founder and chief executive officer, Moniepoint Group,  said,

“When you look at the success of companies like Moniepoint, it’s easy to forget that it all started with the foundational training we received right here in Nigerian universities. This initiative is about paying that trust forward. Nigeria’s digital economy cannot run on potential alone; it requires immense, localized talent density. By launching these Innovation Hubs beginning with OAU, UNN, and ABU Zaria, we are intentionally anchoring world-class technical skills across the country.

And this is just the first step as we look across other tertiary institutions. Before we built anything, universities like UNILAG and OAU built people like Felix and I, giving us our first formal training in the disciplines that became our careers.”

Furthermore, Eniolorunda continued,

“Nigeria’s future will to a very large extent be built by Nigerians trained in Nigerian institutions. These three Hubs are my contribution to making that future credible by creating a solid pipeline for the emergence of great products and ideas. To truly scale our digital economy, we need high-density, industry-ready tech talent as a bulwark. We are investing these billions of Naira to ensure our tech ecosystem is powered by sustainable, homegrown excellence.”

Also speaking at the announcement ceremony, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, the vice chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University,  stated,

“Obafemi Awolowo University has always stood for excellence, and for the belief that knowledge must serve society. This partnership with Moniepoint Group is a powerful affirmation of that conviction. The Moniepoint Innovation Hub will not only expand what our students can learn but also transform what they believe is possible. We are grateful to Moniepoint for choosing to root this investment in our institutions, and we are committed to ensuring that every naira translates into opportunity for our students and for Nigeria.”

Beyond financial support, Moniepoint Inc will contribute deep industry expertise through curriculum development, mentorship, internship pathways, and expert-led learning experiences.

The company’s engineering, product, and business teams will collaborate directly with each hub to ensure that training is not only globally relevant but also firmly grounded in the realities and demands of the modern African technology ecosystem.

The hubs are designed to be living institutions, not lecture halls, but launchpads of Nigerian excellence. Students will complete structured cohort programmes, work on live projects, and benefit from direct connections to Moniepoint’s network of engineers, investors, and industry leaders.

The goal is not simply to teach skills, but to produce the builders and problem-solvers who will shape the next chapter of Africa’s digital economy.

The ceremony which attracted dignitaries from within and outside the University included Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Professor G.A Aderounmu, Dean, Faculty of Technology, OAU, Professor L. E. Umoru, Dean of the Faculty of Science, OAU, Professor O.A Adesina, DVC Academic of UNN, Professor Kamoru O Usman, DVC, Advancement, Research & Innovation”, ABU, Professor Aliyu Sanusi, Former Head of Department, Mechanical Engineering, Prof. Obayopo, VP, People Operations, Moniepoint, Chinaza Nduka-Dike, SVP, Enterprise Network Sales, Ifeanyi Duru amongst others.

It will be recalled that Moniepoint Innovation Hubs builds on earlier investments by the Tosin Eniolorunda STEM Foundation in building a CAD/CAM laboratory at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, OAU valued at over 100m naira and the HatchDev Program at the University of Lagos championed by Moniepoint’s co-founder & Chief Technology Officer, Felix Ike in partnership with NiITHub innovation centre where about 500 young developers are trained annually.

The initiative reinforces Moniepoint’s broader mission to create financial happiness for every African, everywhere, a mission that, the company believes, requires investing not only in financial infrastructure, but in the institutions and talent pipelines that will drive Africa’s future prosperity.

At the heart of the moment was the Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whose presence drew warm cheers from students as she formally unveiled the centre alongside the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, wives of some state governors, royal fathers, university officials, and Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Also present was Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, the vice chancellor of the university.

The commissioning marked the formal handover of a facility designed to inspire young people through storytelling, mentorship and reflection, capturing why the centre was built, who it was built for, and how it is expected to shape students’ personal and professional journeys.

Speaking with visible emotion, Senator Tinubu expressed delight that her life story, anchored on faith, service and determination, had been preserved within a space intentionally created to strengthen the confidence of young Nigerians.

She explained that the Dream Centre was established to remind students “not to covet the dreams of others but to walk patiently with their own,” noting that achievement is built on discipline, consistency and inner conviction.

She emphasized that the centre was created for both boys and girls, reflecting her belief that every young person deserves equal encouragement to aspire, grow and lead.

The facility, she noted, houses inspirational materials, including her four-part book series, The Journey of Grace, written to show how divine guidance shaped her path and to offer students direction and motivation.

Recalling the origin of the project, the First Lady revealed that what began as a modest proposal for a pavilion later evolved into the Dream Centre.

She said the vision was expanded deliberately, driven by a desire to create something that would outlive her and serve as a lasting legacy for generations of students.

She expressed joy that the centre had become a reality in a university renowned for producing influential personalities across Nigeria.

In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife traced the story of the Dream Centre back to 2019, when he approached the then Vice Chancellor, Professor Ogumbore, alongside Dr. Akio Adijuwa, to request a space within the university to honour Senator Tinubu.

He noted that the university senate initially resisted the proposal, citing its long-standing tradition of reserving such recognition for the institution’s founding fathers.

After extensive deliberations, approval was eventually granted for a three-kilometre road to be named Senator Oluremi Tinubu Way, a breakthrough the monarch described as pivotal in setting the stage for the Dream Centre.

According to him, the project suffered delays during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 but was revived when Senator Tinubu became First Lady, a development he described as divine timing.

Praising her enduring impact, the monarch affectionately referred to her as “Mama,” describing her as a woman whose endeavours flourish and whose service continues to inspire.

He said,

“The Dream Centre was not built for girls alone but for all students,” underscoring the importance of equal opportunity and shared access to mentorship. Despite earlier resistance, he noted, the centre symbolises “perseverance, recognition and collective commitment to supporting young Nigerians.”

Kashifu Inuwa, the NITDA director general, described the Dream Centre as a place where storytelling, learning and reflection converge to help students understand the value of resilience, leadership and vision. He said the facility allows young people to engage with Senator Tinubu’s life story in a structured environment that reinforces the belief that dreams can be realised through steady effort.

Inuwa added that the centre is “a space where students can explore narratives that challenge them to develop patience, strength and confidence in their capabilities,” stressing the importance of environments that help young people visualise their goals clearly through real-life examples.

In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor described the commissioning as a milestone for OAU, noting that the Dream Centre stands alongside student hostels as a space dedicated to inspiration and excellence.

He said,

“This centre is part of broader interventions that support academic and community life on campus.”

According to him, the facility will continue to serve as a hub for motivation, creativity and mentorship, ensuring that the life and story of Senator Oluremi Tinubu remain accessible for generations.

e added that the project aligns with the university’s commitment to nurturing leaders, innovators and dreamers whose aspirations can shape the nation.

The Vice Chancellor further noted that the Dream Centre reflects OAU’s dedication to providing resources that strengthen students’ academic, moral and emotional growth, describing it as “a gift for the future, a place where dreams can take shape.”

The building was conceptualised and donated to the university by the Ooni of Ife, while NITDA supplied the IT-enabled devices, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the project.

As the event drew to a close, guests toured the facility, exploring its resources and reflecting on the messages shared during the commissioning. Their excitement underscored a shared belief that the Dream Centre had arrived at a defining moment in students’ academic journeys.

The day ended with a quiet but powerful conviction: that the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre represents more than bricks and mortar.

It stands as a vision realized, one that will shape how young Nigerians think, grow and pursue excellence for years to come.

Held on 17 September 2025 under the theme “Transforming Healthcare: AI-Driven Solutions for Nigeria’s Medical Future,” the symposium brought together leading academics, healthcare professionals, technology experts, students, and industry leaders to explore how artificial intelligence and robotics can revolutionize diagnosis, treatment, and healthcare delivery across Africa.

Distinguished speakers included Prof. Phillip Ogunbona (University of Wollongong, Australia), Ms. Tilila El Moujahid (Microsoft, UAE), Prof. Olusegun Alatise (OAU), Mr. Ejovi Aror (Group Managing Director, ipNX Group), Mr. Ope Olugasa (CEO, Law Pavilion), and Dr. Olaitan Olusegun (OAU Faculty of Law).

The symposium was convened by Prof. G.A. Aderounmu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), and Prof. B.O. Adegbehingbe, Provost of the College of Health Sciences, with Vice-Chancellor Prof. A.S. Bamire as Chief Host.

A Leap from Resources to Action

Speaking at the launch, university leaders emphasized that Africa’s challenge is not a lack of resources but the need to think, build, and act.

Real transformation, they noted, requires investment in education, STEM skills, vocational training, strong institutions, reliable infrastructure, and a culture that values productivity and innovation.

The symposium itself, combining global expertise with local initiative, showed how African universities can be catalysts for that transformation.

OAK.io: Innovation Built for Africa’s Future

A centerpiece of the event was the unveiling of OAK.io, a university spin-off from OAU’s ICT-Driven Knowledge Park.

Its first products signal Africa’s intent to compete globally while meeting local needs.

It introduced the X55 Smartphone and FitBand X1 Smartwatch, both preloaded with AI tools for healthcare diagnostics, crop monitoring, and education. The devices will be commercially available in early 2026.

A Call to Action

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Bamire praised the symposium as “a bold step toward harnessing technology to meet Africa’s unique healthcare challenges,” urging governments, investors, and educators to strengthen infrastructure, policy frameworks, and innovation ecosystems so that such breakthroughs can scale across the continent.

A distinguished scholar and leader in Computer Science and Engineering, Professor Aderounmu brings decades of experience to this pivotal role.

He has served as the Centre Lead for the African Centre of Excellence in Software Engineering and the Obafemi Awolowo University Knowledge Park (OAK-Park), where he has driven initiatives that advance technological innovation and academic excellence.

His leadership journey includes serving as Dean of the Faculty of Technology and Head of the Department of Computer Science, as well as President of the Nigeria Computer Society from 2015 to 2019.

Under his stewardship, the Africa Centre of Excellence in ICT (OAK-Park) was established and has flourished, positioning OAU as a hub for digital transformation in Nigeria and across Africa.

“This is an opportunity to shape the future of education at OAU,” Professor Aderounmu stated. “I am committed to fostering an environment where ideas thrive.”

Professor Aderounmu’s emerging as the DVC Academics, OAU, carries significant implications for the information technology profession and industry in Nigeria and Africa.

His leadership is expected to further bridge the gap between academia and industry, aligning curricula with emerging technological trends, and fostering research that directly addresses the needs of Nigeria’s evolving digital economy.

His commitment to developing high-level ICT talent will contribute to strengthening the nation’s capacity in critical areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software engineering, and digital entrepreneurship.

As Nigeria and Africa continue to embrace digital transformation, this appointment signals a continued push for collaboration between universities and the technology industry, ensuring that graduates are equipped with globally relevant skills while advancing innovative research that supports the tech ecosystem.

This appointment recognizes Professor Aderounmu’s unwavering commitment to research, excellence in education, and visionary leadership, and marks a significant milestone in the university’s ongoing mission to deliver impactful education and innovation for national and continental development.

OAU conferred the honorary doctorate on him and four others: Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe, renowned academia and entrepreneur; Daere Afonya-Akobo, a leader in the oil and gas industry; and Dr Akinade Akanmu Ogunbiyi, group chairman of Mutual Benefits Plc., for their exceptional contributions to humanity during its 48th Convocation Ceremony.

The event which concluded on Saturday, December 14, 2024, led by Professor Simeon Bamire, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, on a three-day convocation ceremony saw 7,368 students graduate. The honorees were recognised for their significant contributions to society, leveraging their talent, resources, and material support to uplift communities and advance progress in various fields.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu was celebrated as an astute politician and advocate for the underprivileged, particularly women and children.

Dr. Ogunbiyi, whose conglomerate employs over 5,000 people, was lauded for his leadership in corporate Nigeria and his contributions to job creation.

Professor Adegbulugbe and Daere Afonya-Akobo were similarly recognised for their trailblazing achievements in academia and the oil and gas sector, respectively.

Karl Toriola, now leading MTN Nigeria has made groundbreaking contributions to Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, steering the company to new heights of innovation and service delivery.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Bamire lauded the honorees for their exemplary achievements and their dedication to uplifting society.

“These individuals represent the ideals of excellence, service, and leadership that Obafemi Awolowo University strives to instil in its graduates,” he said.

The convocation reaffirmed OAU’s tradition of celebrating excellence and recognising individuals who exemplify its values of innovation and societal impact.

The honorary awards spotlight the honorees’ exceptional contributions and serve as a source of inspiration for the next generation of leaders and changemakers.

Prof. Aderounmu, a former President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) was honoured on the 6th of April, 2024, by the Global Skills Hub, United Kingdom, during the 2nd Africa Education Summit that focused on the theme “Entrepreneurship and Skills Development in the 21st Century Education System: The Africa-European Perspectives.”

The summit which aimed to foster dialogue, collaboration, and innovative approaches to education across continents was hosted at the prestigious University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom. In addition to the award ceremony, the summit delved into strategies for equipping students with essential skills and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.

The event also provided a platform for African and European educators, policymakers, and stakeholders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and build partnerships.

In addition, the Summit held the prestigious certification by the CPD Certification Services, ensuring the value of participants’ engagement.

The summit attracted a diverse range of attendees, including:

• University Leaders: Vice-Chancellors, Deans, and faculty members;
• Educational Institutions: Representatives from universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, secondary schools, and primary schools;
• Government Officials: Policymakers and legislators;
• Students: Both undergraduate and graduate students, and
• Union Leaders: Advocates for education and labour rights.