Campus News

UNILORIN to get FG-sponsored digital innovation hub

By Abubakar Imam

As part of efforts targeted at promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and digital skills development in Nigeria, the University of Ilorin has been selected alongside some other tertiary education institutions to host digital innovation hubs.

            The project is to be implemented as part of the country’s participation in the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme.

            According to a letter dated June 17, 2025 and addressed to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, the initiative is to be supported by the Federal Government through the Bank of Industry (BOI) in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB) and the Agence Francaise de Development (AFD).

            The letter, a copy of which was made available to UNILORIN Bulletin last Friday (June 20, 2025), explained that the project is targeted at fostering the emergence of job-creating enterprises and equip young Nigerians with 21st-century skills in the areas of technology, creativity and innovation.

            The NUC’s Chief Executive said that the shortlisting of the University is a reflection of its demonstrated potentials and readiness to contribute meaningfully to what he called a “transformative initiative”.

            Prof. Ribadu expressed conviction that the project will foster greater industry-academic linkages as it would also nurture talents, and drive enterprise development.

            Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Egbewole, has welcomed the initiative, saying that it perfectly conforms to the vision of the University.

            In a statement signed by the University’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun, the Vice Chancellor thanked the Federal Government through the NUC for selecting the University for the project.

            While saying that the institution was already planning to launch an appeal fund for an innovation hub project as part of its upcoming Golden Jubilee celebration, Prof. Egbewole described the selection of the University for the government’s innovation hub project as a mid-year gift and an honour and privilege that would never be taken for granted.

            The Vice Chancellor assured the Federal Government that the University will cooperate fully with stakeholders to ensure that the initiative is implemented swiftly for the benefit of its current and future students and the nation at large.