Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has challenged Nigerian students to move beyond learning and become active creators of solutions that can transform the country’s economy.
Dr. Tijani made the call during the commissioning and handover of the Renewed Hope–NITDA Innovation Hub at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.The state-of-the-art facility, established by the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative, features advanced laboratories for Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Additive Manufacturing, and the Internet of Things.
Addressing students, academics, alumni, and other stakeholders, the Minister described the innovation hub as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future, stressing that the real value of the facility lies in the people who will use it.
According to him, innovation is driven by human creativity and not by buildings alone. He noted that while access to knowledge has become easier in the digital age, the real challenge is applying that knowledge to solve real-world problems.
Dr. Tijani urged students to take advantage of the facility to experiment, innovate, and develop solutions capable of addressing societal challenges and contributing to national development.
He also called on the university community to ensure the centre remains active and fully utilised, warning against allowing such a valuable asset to become underused.
The Minister emphasized that Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a leading digital economy depends largely on young people leveraging technology to create value and drive innovation.In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, commended Dr. Tijani and the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, for their continued support towards the institution’s digital transformation.
Professor Bamire highlighted several interventions by the Minister, including the donation of fifty laptops to students, financial support for student innovators, and plans to provide a thirty-kilometre fibre-optic network to improve internet connectivity across the university.
He also praised NITDA for providing critical digital infrastructure and innovation facilities that have enhanced digital learning, research, and technological development within the institution.
The Renewed Hope–NITDA Innovation Hub is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, expand digital skills development, and equip young Nigerians with the tools needed to compete in the global digital economy.