The main campus of Kwara State University, Malete, near Ilorin, the state capital, was agog with celebration on Tuesday as Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, commissioned the Tertiary Education Trust Fund/Renewed Hope Initiative Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Experience Centre built for students of the institution.
Represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, the First Lady said the commissioning of the centre was a testament to the President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of students across the country.
Mrs Tinubu said; “the ultra-modern centre would also provide students with opportunities to develop and showcase their talents for the economic development of the country.”
She said: “I am delighted to join you today for the official commissioning of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund/Renewed Hope Initiative ICT Experience Centre here at Kwara State University, Malete.”
“The TETFUND/Renewed Hope Initiative ICT Experience Centre we are commissioning today represents opportunity, innovation, knowledge and hope for the future of our young people in Kwara State and beyond.
“It is also a testament to the Nigerian Government’s commitment to advancing education and digital inclusion in Nigeria.”
“This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which places great emphasis on youth empowerment, education, innovation, and economic transformation. Mr. President remains committed to creating opportunities that will equip Nigerian youth with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in a modern and competitive world,” the First Lady explained.
She therefore, urged students of Kwara State University to utilise the facilities now at their disposal for the benefit of their lives, communities and the nation at large.
“To our dear students, this centre has been established for you to help you learn, innovate, develop solutions, and unlock your full potential. I encourage you to take ownership of this facility, maximise the opportunities it provides, and use technology positively to transform your lives, communities, and our nation,” she stated.
The First Lady noted with delight that the Kwara State University is one of six tertiary institutions selected for the pilot phase of the special intervention; with one representing each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. She also announced that the remaining two would be commissioned din Kaduna and Taraba States soon.
“I have had the privilege of commissioning the centres at Ekiti State University on 30th May, the University of Cross River State on 4th September, and Anambra State Polytechnic on 10th September 2026. The centres at Kaduna State University and Taraba State University will be commissioned soon,” she said.
More Centres
Mrs Tinubu further announced that the next phase of the intervention would cover 15 institutions in Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Katsina, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Yobe and Zamfara States.
According to her, “This expansion demonstrates the administration’s commitment to ensuring that more Nigerian youth, irrespective of their location, have access to digital learning opportunities.”
Senator Oluremi Tinubu used the opportunity to appreciate the Board and Management of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and those of the Kwara State University for providing the necessary support for the successful completion of this centre.
Secured Future
Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who appreciated the First Lady and the TETFUND for initiating and completing the project, said the centre would help secure the future of the State.
Governor Abdulrazaq said; “On behalf of the government and people of Kwara State, I sincerely thank Her Excellency the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for facilitating this important intervention through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
“I also commend TETFUND for this investment in our University and in the future of our young people as this Centre speaks directly to the future we are building in Kwara State. Technology and digital skills now we learn, work and create opportunities.”
He said as its own contribution to educational development, the State government has established a University Teaching Hospital as well as established more campuses for the Kwara State University.
On her part, the wife of the Governor of Kwara State, Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq said the Centre opens a new door of opportunity for the young people of Kwara State.
She appreciated the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for remaining is committed to the empowering of youths through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
Professor Abdulrazaq added that the empowerment would enable them to compete everywhere in the world because they will not be left behind in the digital revolution currently going on globally.
Employability
TETFUND’s Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, represented by the Fund’s Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, Babtunde Olajide, said the Experience Centers are being floated around the country in recognition of growing need for technology, which will further equip students with knowledge on skills, security and robotics among others.
He added that the practical training they get from the centers would enhance graduates employability, as he thanked Senator Oluremi Tinibu “for her passion for development of our youths to participate fully in shaping Nigeria’s and global economies.”
Earlier in his welcome address, Vice Chancellor of Kwara State University, Professor Lukman Jimoh: appreciated the nation’s First Lady and TETFUND.
Professor Jimoh said it was a special day for the University because it is a recipient of an intervention that he said will shape the future of the students and Nigerian youths in general.
“This is a big statement by Nigeria’s First Lady, which shows that her leadership recognizes the youths and the government is ready to make them useful to the society. We thanked her for giving hope to many through her various initiatives. This is a timely intervention that will enhance research and other academic activities,” he said.
