National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s higher education sector through strategic investments in digital infrastructure, innovation and digital skills development as it moves to establish a collaborative partnership with the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Ogoni, Rivers State.

Mr. Oladejo Olawunmi, Director, Digital Literacy and Capacity Building (DLCB), representing the Director General of NITDA, and the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), alongside members of their respective delegations, pose for a group photograph following a strategic engagement on advancing digital innovation, research collaboration, and technology driven education.

The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the University’s management, led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Prince Chinedu Mmom, to the Agency’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, where discussions centred on building a robust digital ecosystem capable of supporting teaching, research, innovation and talent development.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, the Director of Digital Literacy and Capacity Building, Mr. Oladejo Olawunmi, stated that the Agency remains committed to driving Nigeria’s digital transformation by supporting tertiary institutions to develop the infrastructure and human capital required to compete in the global digital economy.

He noted that NITDA has consistently championed initiatives that strengthen digital capacity within higher institutions through the establishment of Information Technology Community Centres, IT Parks, Innovation Hubs and digital literacy programmes designed to foster innovation, entrepreneurship and research.

According to him, the Agency’s interventions are aligned with the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF), which is being implemented in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC) to institutionalise digital skills across Nigeria’s education system and equip graduates with globally relevant competencies.

Inuwa assured the University’s management that the Agency would give due consideration to its request for support, stressing that collaboration with academic institutions remains central to NITDA’s mandate of building a digitally inclusive and innovation-driven economy.

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“Our mandate is to develop and regulate Nigeria’s digital ecosystem by providing enabling infrastructure and building the digital capacity of Nigerians. Through our interventions in universities, including IT Parks, Innovation Hubs and digital literacy initiatives, we are laying the foundation for a knowledge-driven economy. We will carefully review your requests and identify areas where the Agency can provide the necessary support,” he said.

He further emphasised that NITDA would continue to forge strategic partnerships that promote innovation, digital inclusion, research excellence and workforce development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Earlier, Professor Prince Chinedu Mmom described the Federal University of Environment and Technology as a specialised institution established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the developmental aspirations of the Ogoni people while promoting excellence in environmental sustainability, science, technology and innovation.

He explained that although the University is still in its formative stage, it has successfully developed its master plan, academic brief and academic structure, securing approval to commence academic activities across six faculties, including Engineering and Technology, Environmental Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, Agriculture, Allied Health Sciences and Management Sciences.

The Vice Chancellor, however, identified inadequate ICT infrastructure as a major challenge confronting the institution, noting that technology-driven programmes such as Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cyber Security and Information Technology currently lack the essential computing facilities required for effective teaching and learning.

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“We have established departments in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cyber Security and Information Technology, but we currently do not have the basic computing facilities needed to support these programmes. To prepare our students for the realities of today’s digital economy, we require computers, workstations, digital laboratories and reliable internet connectivity,” Professor Mmom stated.

He appealed to NITDA to support the University with critical digital infrastructure and capacity-building initiatives that would enable it to deliver quality technology education, stimulate research and innovation, and nurture graduates equipped with industry-relevant digital skills.

The meeting concluded with both institutions expressing optimism that the proposed collaboration would serve as a catalyst for strengthening digital education, advancing research and innovation, and supporting the Federal Government’s vision of building a resilient, inclusive and globally competitive digital economy through strategic investments in human capital development.

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National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) says expanding digital infrastructure is crucial to Nigeria’s industrialisation plan, stressing that technology remains a leading enabler of the country’s economic development and growth.

Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of NITDA, delivering a goodwill message at the Nigeria Infrastructure Conference (INFRACON) 2026 organised by Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (NACCIMA

NITDA made the declaration at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Infrastructure Conference (INFRACON 2026), organised by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industries (NACCIMA) in Abuja under the theme “Mobilising Private Capital for Sustainable Infrastructure Development in Nigeria.”

Speaking at the event, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, highlighted the need for increased infrastructure investments and the integration of digital and conventional infrastructure to expand Nigeria’s industrial capacity.

Inuwa noted that integrated infrastructure is essential for long-term growth, efficient and robust urban environments, and the overall well-being of communities in this digital era.

“We cannot talk about infrastructure without digital infrastructure. All organisations and industries are becoming digital.

“Our technology is becoming increasingly integrated. So, there is a need to integrate digital in the conventional infrastructure we are building’’, Inuwa said.

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He commended the federal government for supporting the organised private sector in the renewed campaign to redouble Nigeria’s infrastructure assets.

The NITDA DG assured that the agency is open to partnering with NACCIMA and other stakeholders to bolster the federal government’s public-private partnership (PPP) initiative.

“The government has initiated Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for the private sector to be part of building the infrastructure.

“NITDA will support you to work with the government in building the digital infrastructure. We are already working with NACCIMA on how to digitise its infrastructure,’’ he added.

In his welcome address, the President of NACCIMA, Engr. Jani Ibrahim told participants that INFRACON 2026 is conceived to serve as Nigeria’s foremost platform for mobilising private capital, innovative ideas, and strategic partnerships for infrastructure development.

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Ibrahim urged participants to approach the conference with a spirit of partnership, innovation, and action, adding that NACCIMA is taking urgent measures to identify committed partners, promote investment-ready opportunities, and monitor progress towards achieving the national economic target in the next few years.

He announced that this year’s conference focuses on priority areas, including power and electricity, maritime and blue economy, digital economy and digital infrastructure, infrastructure for increased national productivity, and infrastructure for industrialisation and export growth.

While appreciating the conference participants and sponsors, the president promised that NACCIMA is ready to walk with all stakeholders to position Nigeria as Africa’s preferred destination for digital investment.

“Together, we can mobilise the capital, build the infrastructure that powers industrialisation, expand exports, create jobs and deliver sustainable prosperity. Together, we can build the foundation for Nigeria’s one trillion-dollar economy’’, he stated.

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MTN Foundation celebrated a new cohort of students from the MUSON School of Music Diploma Programme as part of its scholarship programme.

MTN Foundation, MUSON

The graduation ceremony took place at the MUSON Centre in Lagos, on the 7th and the 8th of June, 2026 commemorating the completion of the students’ two-year intensive training in performance, music theory, orchestral practice, and ensemble discipline.

The ceremony featured a graduation concert with performances by emerging musicians, including presentations by the MUSON School Orchestra and graduating scholars.

Since 2006, the partnership between the MTN Foundation and the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) has been instrumental in advancing music education and talent development across Nigeria.

To date, the initiative has fully funded the education of more than 500 music scholars, with every student admitted into the Diploma programme receiving a full scholarship through the MTN Foundation and MUSON Music Scholars Programme.

The programme awards an internationally recognised Diploma in Music, equivalent to qualifications issued by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in the United Kingdom. Over the years, alumni have gone on to pursue distinguished careers and further studies globally.

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Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, Chairman of the MTN Nigeria Foundation, described the programme as a long-term investment in young Nigerian talent. “Through our partnership with MUSON, we are expanding access to premium music education.

“You are no longer just performers; you are cultural ambassadors and vital contributors to a rapidly expanding creative economy.”

Also speaking at the event, Sir Emeka Nwokedi, Ag Director MUSON School of Music, highlighted the transformative role of the partnership. “The support of the MTN Foundation has been instrumental in ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of raw talent. Our graduates have received an education that meets internationally recognized standards. They have learned not only how to perform, but how to listen, collaborate, interpret, create, and continually pursue excellence

For many graduates, the programme represented a major transition from informal musical interest to structured professional training. Mr. Sunday Okpo, the MUSON Alumni President, described the experience as transformative: “Along the way, we discovered that music is far more than singing or playing an instrument.

“Music teaches discipline, patience, and humility, and it teaches us to listen, not only to sound, but to one another. The journey has shifted us into better musicians, stronger individuals, and lifelong friendships.”

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The MTN Foundation’s support for MUSON extends beyond scholarships. In 2022, the Foundation built a fully equipped digital music studio at the School of Music, furnished with professional instruments and equipment.

These include HP ProBook laptops, a custom series marimba, a Viscount Unico 400 Organ, and Stentor Conservatoire violins. This investment further strengthened the infrastructure for music education in Nigeria.

The MTN Foundation and MUSON partnership continues to play a significant role in strengthening Nigeria’s music education ecosystem.

It supports the development of professionally trained musicians equipped for careers in performance, education, production, and broader cultural expression. The programme aligns with the Foundation’s commitment to youth development in Nigeria.

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