Abuja, July 2, 2025 — The Federal Government has launched a $40 million ICT development project aimed at accelerating the digital transformation of Nigerian universities. The project, tagged Blueprint-ICT-Dev, is funded through a concessional loan from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and implemented by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in partnership with the French government.
At the official launch ceremony held at the NUC headquarters in Abuja, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, described the initiative as a milestone that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He emphasized the importance of technology in transforming Nigeria’s higher education landscape, adding that the project will not only improve the learning environment but also position the country’s universities for global competitiveness.
Ten federal universities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones have been selected to benefit from the first phase of the initiative. The beneficiary institutions include the University of Calabar, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, Federal University of Technology Minna, University of Jos, University of Maiduguri, Modibbo Adama University Yola, and Bayero University Kano.
The project aims to provide these institutions with upgraded digital infrastructure, high-speed internet connectivity, smart campus solutions, and platforms for blended and online learning. It will also support cross-border education delivery, data-driven policy-making, and digital entrepreneurship among students and faculty members.
Executive Secretary of the NUC, Professor Abubakar Rasheed, noted that the universities were selected based on a competitive process that assessed their digital readiness and commitment to innovation. He added that the long-term goal is to expand the programme to more institutions, with emphasis on sustainability, inclusiveness, and regional equity.
French Ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann, expressed satisfaction with the partnership, stating that France is committed to supporting Nigeria’s educational development through strategic investments in digital and technical education.
The project is expected to improve teaching, learning, and research outcomes across the selected universities, while enhancing access to quality higher education, especially in underserved regions. It is also projected to create new job opportunities in ICT services, digital content development, and technical support within the academic ecosystem.
