The agreement, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), sets the stage for the development and operation of the institute, combining technology infrastructure, academic programmes, and innovation-driven research.

The partnership follows months of consultations between both parties, culminating in a comprehensive framework designed to position ESUT as a hub for AI education, research, and talent development.

Prof. Aloysius-Michael Okolie, the ESUT vice-chancellor, expressed confidence in the agreement, describing the university’s position in the Memorandum as its finalised position for the partnership.

According to Dr. Egwuagu Onyekachi, the director of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), ESUT,

“The decision to locate the South-East Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Cyber Security at ESUT followed a rigorous merit-based assessment process conducted by TETFund.”

As part of its national initiative to establish Centres of Excellence focused on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Coding, Machine Learning, and Cyber Security across the country’s six geopolitical zones, TETFund designated one institution in each zone to host the programme.

ESUT was selected to serve as the South-East Centre.

The university’s selection was influenced by several factors, including its status as one of Nigeria’s first-generation state-owned universities and the country’s first University of Science and Technology.

The institution’s existing technical capacity, infrastructure, and readiness to commence operations also contributed significantly to its emergence as the preferred host.

A committee established by TETFund for the assessment of prospective host institutions visited ESUT twice in 2025 to evaluate its facilities and technical capabilities.

The committee inspected the university’s infrastructure, including the Digital Bridge Institute, which is designated to house the Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Cyber Security Sciences.

Following its assessments, the committee submitted a favourable report, leading to ESUT’s selection as the host institution for the South-East zone.”

Other institutions selected through the same merit-based process include Gombe State University for the North-East, Federal University Lokoja for the North-Central zone, the Nigerian Defence Academy for the North-West, the University of Calabar for the South-South, and Lagos State University for the South-West.

According to Chekwube Eneje, the director of Innovation at Vertex Labs,

“At the planned new campus, Artificial Intelligence will be integrated and applied in the teaching and learning of all courses taught at the institute, including Health, Law, Business, Engineering, Medicine, Journalism, and others.”

Earlier, as part of its engagements in Qatar, the ESUT delegation undertook strategic visits to Qatar University and the Meeza Data Centre to explore partnerships that will support the university’s technological transformation agenda and strengthen its capacity for research, innovation, and digital infrastructure development.

At Qatar University, one of the region’s leading institutions for research, innovation, and higher education, the delegation held discussions on potential areas of collaboration, particularly in relation to ESUT’s vision of establishing a world-class Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Innovation.

The Vice President for Research and Innovation at Qatar University, Dr. Ayman Arbid, expressed the institution’s willingness to collaborate and support the initiative.

He noted that Qatar University is also expanding its AI programmes and emphasised that one of the key challenges in the development of artificial intelligence globally is the availability of highly skilled talent.

Speaking during the meeting, Professor Aloysius Okolie, the vice-chancellor of ESUT, stated that the university’s objective is to improve graduate employability by equipping students with adaptable, future-ready skills aligned with emerging global technological trends.

Following the meeting at Qatar University, the delegation proceeded to the Meeza Data Centre, a leading technology partner and managed services provider supporting critical digital infrastructure across Qatar.

The delegation was received by Mohammed Meraj Ali, the senior data centre manager, who led a guided tour of the facility and showcased the advanced infrastructure that supports modern digital ecosystems, enterprise technology solutions, and innovation-driven institutions.

During the visit, officials of Meeza Group pledged support for the future development of ESUT’s proposed data centre through consultancy services, design, construction, rack and hardware supply, and data lifecycle management solutions.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to building a long-term and sustainable partnership with the university.

Professor Okolie commended the Government of Enugu State for its commitment to innovation, infrastructure development, and economic transformation, noting that the state’s development agenda is creating an enabling environment for investment, technology adoption, and knowledge-driven growth.

Meeza officials also highlighted the company’s successful partnership model with Qatar Foundation, explaining that its approach is founded on long-term collaboration, capacity building, and sustainable institutional development rather than short-term engagements.

Speaking on the importance of digital infrastructure, Meeza’s Sales Director, Alaa Ayad, emphasised the sovereignty, security, and operational control institutions gain from owning dedicated data centres rather than relying exclusively on public cloud platforms.

He further noted that the company works with leading international technology partners and remains open to strategic collaborations that advance innovation and digital transformation.

The engagements with Qatar University and Meeza represent important milestones in ESUT’s ambition to develop a world-class ecosystem for artificial intelligence, innovation, advanced computing, and digital research.

The university delegation is expected to consolidate the outcomes of the visit and present recommendations that will support the advancement of technology-driven education, cutting-edge research, and digital infrastructure development in Enugu State upon its return to Nigeria.

The signing of the MoU with Vertex Labs and the positive engagements held with notable institutions in Qatar mark a major step forward in ESUT’s vision of becoming a leading centre of excellence in artificial intelligence, advanced computing, innovation, and technology-driven learning in Nigeria.

The Ministry of Education, led by Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, unveiled a revised National Policy on Education in late 2025. The goal was to ensure every Nigerian child has access to digital learning, vocational training and equal education opportunities by 2030.

A Ministry press release on September 3, 2025, outlined the reforms, which began in the 2025-2026 academic session.

The changes include adding trade-focused subjects, aligning national exams like WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB, and updating the 2011 curriculum to meet current skill and technology demands.

In 2026, progress is expected to be uneven. Education funding has increased to 6.1% of the national budget, yet more than 18 million children are still out of school, showing the challenge of turning policy into results.

To make sense of these reforms, Techeconomy reviewed government reports, education forums, and global benchmarks to identify the initiatives that could affect students and teachers the most in 2026

Here’s what to watch out for in 2026:

1. Digital Transformation in Learning

Technology is now at the heart of Nigeria’s education reforms. Coding and ICT are compulsory from primary through senior secondary levels, ensuring students develop digital skills early.

The Ministry of Education has launched tools like the National e-Learning Portal and the “Inspire” platform to support both students and teachers. Partnerships with companies like AWS through the Amazon Academy Project are introducing cloud computing, machine learning, and other in-demand skills.

Artificial intelligence is also part of the plan. During the 2025 International Day of Education, the Ministry signalled its intention to integrate AI into teaching and learning, aiming to improve learning outcomes, especially in rural areas.

These initiatives are designed to create a more resilient system that reduces learning gaps and better prepares students for future careers.

2. Curriculum Change

The new curriculum focuses on practical, skills-based education. Subject loads have been reduced, and priority is given to trades, entrepreneurship, STEMM, and civic education.

The NERDC now requires every student to learn a skill through initiatives like TVET programs and Student Venture Capital Grants supporting young innovators.

The 2026 Nigeria Teachers’ Summit, scheduled for January 27–28, will focus on equipping educators with the digital and pedagogical skills needed to implement these reforms. The summit will also launch the Edurevamp Online Teacher Professional Development Portal to support teacher growth and innovation.

3. Examination Integrity Reforms

Examination malpractice has long undermined public trust. In January 2026, the Ministry announced measures to strengthen integrity in WAEC, NECO, and other exams.

Key initiatives include:

• Full migration to computer-based testing (CBT)
• Enhanced question randomisation and serialisation
• Improved biometric verification and candidate IDs
• Introduction of the Examination Learner Identity Number (ELIN) to track exam participation

These steps aim to ensure fairness, restore confidence, and encourage schools to strengthen continuous assessment programs.

4. TETFund Interventions

Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, especially polytechnics, are receiving a major boost through TETFund. Funding is aimed at turning these schools into innovation hubs and bridging the skills gap in the workforce.

In 2026, each polytechnic will receive around N1.871 billion, part of a N6.45 billion package distributed to 271 institutions. Funds are earmarked for:

• Infrastructure upgrades
• Research and innovation programs
• Modern engineering equipment
• Skills-focused curriculum improvements

Amendments to the Polytechnics Act will allow polytechnics to award bachelor’s degrees, raising their profile and relevance in national development.

5. Improved Affordability and Quality of Learning Materials

Textbook quality and affordability are also improving. The Ministry introduced a reusable textbook policy, requiring durable books designed to last 4–6 years and banning disposable workbooks.

A Book Ranking and Selection Committee, including representatives from NERDC, UBEC, NTI, and the National Senior Secondary Education Commission, now evaluates and approves textbooks.

The committee limits the number of approved books per subject, ensuring materials are high-quality, standardised, and aligned with the curriculum while reducing costs for families.

2026 could be a big year for Nigeria’s education system. From what we see, combining digital innovation, practical skills, integrity in examinations, and inclusive policies, is part of the reforms’ aim to empower a generation prepared for future challenges.

There are challenges, such as security and access issues, but international partnerships and technology adoption are helping Nigeria stay competitive globally.

Stakeholders who engage with these changes can help turn potential into measurable progress, building a smarter, more capable, and united country.

Under the theme, ‘Advancing Innovation for a Sustainable Future,’ senior executives from both organizations convened to explore collaborative opportunities aimed at promoting technological transformation and sustainable energy solutions within tertiary institutions nationwide.

The high-level delegation from Zinox, comprising members of its executive management team, was led by Leo Stan Ekeh, the chairman.

Representing TETFUND in the discussions was Sonny Echono, the executive secretary, along with his top management team.

The highlight of the visit was the establishment of a strategic partnership between Zinox Technologies and TETFUND to provide renewable energy solutions to universities and polytechnics across Nigeria.

Additionally, Mrs. Kelechi Eze-Okonta, Zinox managing director, delivered a comprehensive, world-class presentation on the company’s diverse verticals and advanced ICT services, underscoring the need for intentional policy measures to support indigenous technologies for sustainable economic growth.

The TETFUND team expressed their appreciation for Zinox’s contributions to technology awareness, implementation, and adoption in Africa.

Sonny Echono, the ES of TETFUND, conveyed his deep appreciation for the visit by the Zinox team.

He commended Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh for his unwavering and impactful contributions to Nigeria’s digital transformation, and that efforts are underway to establish a framework for effective energy solutions in tertiary institutions.

Highlighting Zinox Technologies’ expertise and proven track record, Echono expressed optimism about partnering with the company to develop scalable and efficient power solutions for academic institutions.

While both organizations remain committed to implementing innovative initiatives that enhance institutional capacity across the nation’s higher education sector, the visit marks a significant milestone in establishing a strategic partnership to equip Nigeria’s tertiary institutions with the essential technological infrastructure for a sustainable, digitally-driven future.

In a statement issued by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the presidency said no provision in the bills would impoverish the northern states or make the southern states, like Lagos and Rivers, more affluent.

Rather, it stated that the bills were out to better the lives of disadvantaged Nigerians struggling to earn a living.

The presidency, in the statement, stressed that the bills never made provision for the scrapping of some parastatals and agencies, like Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), as being speculated in some quarters.

The release added that while President Bola Tinubu welcomed the public debate being generated by the bills, he advised leaders across the country, including governors, traditional rulers, students, and activists, among others, to use the opportunity of the public hearing to be organised by the National Assembly to ventilate their views on how to reform Nigeria’s tax and fiscal regimes.

The presidency stated, “Since the public debate around the transformative tax bills before the National Assembly began in the last few weeks, various political actors and commentators have tried to obfuscate the facts, deliberately misinforming and misleading the public.

“Unfortunately, most reactions are not grounded in facts, reality, or sufficient knowledge of the bills. While some commentators have attempted to incite the people against lawmakers, others have polarized one section of the country against another.

“The tax reform bills will not make Lagos or Rivers more affluent and other parts of the country, as recklessly canvassed, poorer. The bills will not destroy the economy of any section of the country. Instead, they aim to enhance the quality of life for Nigerians, especially the disadvantaged, who are trying to make a living.”

It explained, “Contrary to the lies being peddled, the bills do not suggest that NASENI, TETFUND, and NITDA will cease to exist in 2029 after the passage of the bills

“Government agencies, such as NASENI, TETFUND, and NITDA, are funded through budgetary provisions with company income tax and other taxes paid by the same businesses that are being overburdened with the special taxes.”

The statement said, “One reason President Bola Tinubu embarked on the Tax and Fiscal Policy Reforms is the need to streamline tax administration in Nigeria and make the operating environment conducive for businesses.

“For decades, businesses, investors, and private sector players in Nigeria have complained of being overburdened by a myriad of taxes and levies, including those earmarked to fund various government agencies and initiatives.

“The multiple taxes complicate the economic environment, making Nigeria uncompetitive for investment and preventing many businesses from growing or continuing their operations. Some companies have had to make the rational decision to relocate to other countries. We cannot continue on this path or wait for 20 years if this country is to deliver the prosperity we need for our people.

“The proposal, as contained in section 59(3) of the Nigeria Tax Bill, only seeks to consolidate some of the earmarked taxes imposed on companies and replace them with a single tax to be shared with the key agencies as beneficiaries in a phased manner until 2030.

“The time frame offers ample opportunity for the affected agencies to explore other funding sources in addition to budgetary allocations in line with the constitution and international best practices.

“It is a misrepresentation of facts to conclude that changing an agency’s funding source amounts to scrapping it. None of the countries leading globally in education, science, engineering, or information technology have similar earmarked taxes.

The released stressed, “The government imposes major taxes, be it income tax, consumption tax, or other taxes, to channel resources to its areas of priority at the time. Imposing a separate tax to fund an agency is an aberration that has yet to yield results despite the huge burden on businesses. The tax bill seeks to address this problem.

“Relevant stakeholders and public analysts owe it a duty to properly educate themselves about the bills’ contents and avoid misleading the public for any reason. We may be entitled to our opinions, but such views must be informed and based on facts, not emotions targeted at inflaming passions.

“In a period like this, when our people across the country look up to leaders for guidance and direction on matters of public importance, such as the Tax Reform Bills, leaders should be more measured in their public utterances to avoid heating the polity and polarising the country unduly.” The presidency stated, “President Tinubu welcomes the public interest these bills have generated. He encourages leaders across the country, including Governors, Traditional rulers, Civil Society Activists, Students, trade associations, professional associations, and the general public, to take advantage of the Public Hearings that the National Assembly will organise to present their views on how best to reform our taxes and fiscal regime.

“What is never in doubt is the imperative of changing the existing tax laws and administration that have become obsolete and unhelpful in achieving the growth and development we desire for our country.”

Meanwhile, Seriake Dickson, chairman, Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, and senator for Bayelsa West Senatorial District, declared that the federal legislature would pass the tax bills, despite some opposition to them.

Dickson, a two-term governor of Bayelsa State, told journalists that if the National Assembly could pass the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), nothing would stop it from doing the same thing with the tax bills.

Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, former President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), called for urgent devolution of powers across Nigeria’s three tiers of government to improve national governance, efficiency, and development.

However, Ghali Tijani, a member of the House of Representatives, described the bills as anti-people. Tijani, who represents Albasu/Gaya/Ajingi Federal Constituency of Kano State in the Green Chamber, maintained that the bills were not in tandem with public interest.

Meanwhile, Dickson declared that the National Assembly would pass the tax bills despite opposition to them in some quarters.

He also discarded fears that the planned public hearing on the bills could be chaotic if it was not postponed for further consultation.

The former governor encouraged anyone or group opposed to the bills to attend the public hearing with facts if they had issues with any sections of the proposed fiscal legislations.

Dickson maintained that if the National Assembly could pass the PIA containing three per cent statutory fees payable to the host communities, despite the Niger Delta leaders’ insistence on the 10 per cent recommended in the executive bill, the tax reform bills won’t be an exception.

The three per cent fee represents Operating Expenses or Expenditure (OPEX) of the previous year being remitted to host communities by oil companies, as stipulated in the PIA 2021.

The former governor of Bayelsa State said the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua had proposed 10 per cent for the host communities, but the National Assembly passed three per cent, after about two decades, without any protest.

The Centre, which is situated at the Enugu State College of Education (Technical), Enugu and comprises 25 model classrooms, ICT hub, and e-library, among other hi-tech sections and equipment will serve as training and retraining hub to groom teachers in digital innovation, mechatronics, artificial intelligence, robotics, and such related areas to be able to function optimally in delivering knowledge in the state’s 260 smart schools.

Flagging off the construction at the weekend, the governor who was represented by Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, the commissioner for Education, said it was part of the priority of his administration to build smart human capital, upscale the workforce, produce children who would serve as the fourth industrial revolution, and achieve zero per cent poverty headcount in the state.

“The Experiential Learning and Innovation centre, as the governor envisioned it, is a centre responsible for making sure that all Smart teachers already experience the Enugu Smart Green Schools before they graduate from the Enugu College of Education Technical, ESCET, as students.

“Experiential learning is being practiced in universities. So, Enugu is the first to introduce it in primary and post-primary schools.

“So, before you even send teachers for the teaching practice, they need to have spent time in the Centre for Experiential Learning and Innovation to develop those pedagogical skills that they need to succeed in the Smart Green School.

“Experiential learning is about supporting children in school to learn through practice. It is about moving away from a scenario where teachers just lecture to one in which our teachers are able to design projects that engage students in activities and problem-solving. So, through those projects, they are able to learn those concepts, internalise them, and use them to solve problems.

“So, it is tied to sustainable goals and we support our students and teachers to identify local problems and come up with solutions tying them to sustainable development goals,” he stated.

Mbah commended the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TetFund, which he said was paying for the project, having recognized the state’s investment in education.

“Tetfund is paying for the project because they see our investment and innovation in education. They also see Enugu College of Education Technical as one of the dynamic institutions in the country. And when they see the success, then it can be replicated in other institutions and parts of the country, he added.

In her remarks, Dr. Stella Ekwueme, the provost of ESCET, commended Governor Mbah’ leadership, which she said, had positioned the state as a pacesetter in the education sector within a very short period.

She also thanked TetFund for partnering with the Enugu State Government on the project, which she explained would revolutionalise learning in the state and ultimately, the nation in general.

This comes after separate considerations by both the Senate and the House of Representatives of the report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund.

Speaking after he signed the bill, Tinubu said no Nigerian, regardless of their background, will be excluded from obtaining quality education.

“This is to ensure that no one, no matter how poor their background is, is excluded from quality education and opportunity to build their future,” said the President at the State House, Abuja.

The executive bill titled “A Bill for an Act to repeal the Students Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2023 and Enact the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Bill, 2004 to Establish the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as a body corporate to receive, manage and invest funds to provide loans to Nigerians for higher education, vocational training and skills acquisition and for related matters” was signed in the presence of the leadership of the National Assembly, Ministers and Major Stakeholders of Education.

This followed separate considerations by both the Senate and the House of Representatives of the report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund.

Tinubu thanked the National Assembly for considering the piece of legislation speedily, affirming that the administration is determined to increase the skill levels of Nigerians.

He said, “I have just signed a bill proclaiming the student loan effectively. First of all, I must thank members of the National Assembly for their expeditious handling of this bill considering the children of Nigeria, that education is the tool to fight against poverty effectively.

“We are determined to ensure that education is given the proper attention necessary for the country including skills development programmes.

“We are here because we are all educated and were helped. In the past, we have seen a lot of our children dropped out of colleges and given up the opportunity. That is no more, the standard and the control is there for you to apply no matter who you are as long as you are a Nigerian citizen.”

On June 12, 2023, Tinubu signed the Access to Higher Education Act, 2023 into law to enable indigent students to access interest-free loans for their educational pursuits in any Nigerian tertiary institution.

The move was in “fulfillment of one of his campaign promises to liberalise funding of education,” a member of the then Presidential Strategy Team, Dele Alake, said.

The Act, popularly known as the Students Loan Law, also established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund to process all loan requests, grants, disbursement, and recovery.

Although the government initially announced that the scheme will be launched in September, it suffered several delays leading to an indefinite postponement in early March.

The Presidency had linked the delay to Tinubu’s directive to expand the scheme to include loans for vocational skills.

After receiving briefing from the NELFUND team led by the Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, on January 22, the President had directed the Fund to extend interest-free loans to Nigerian students interested in skill-development programmes.

Tinubu based his decision on the need for the scheme to accommodate those who may not want to pursue a university education, noting that skill acquisition is as essential as obtaining undergraduate and graduate academic qualifications.

“This is not an exclusive programme. It is catering to all of our young people. Young Nigerians are gifted in different areas.

“This is not only for those who want to be doctors, lawyers, and accountants. It is also for those who aspire to use their skilled and trained hands to build our nation.

“In accordance with this, I have instructed NELFUND to explore all opportunities to inculcate skill-development programmes because not everybody wants to go through a full university education,” he had said.