The National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) have officially launched the Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project in Abuja, marking a transformative milestone in Nigeria’s higher education digital revolution. The initiative, backed by €38 million in financing from the French Government through AFD, aims to strengthen digital infrastructure and ICT capacity across 10 selected Nigerian federal universities.
High-Level Launch Ceremony Brings Together Key Stakeholders
The formal launch ceremony, hosted by NUC Executive Secretary Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, brought together an impressive lineup of dignitaries including the Honourable Minister of Education Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, French Ambassador to Nigeria His Excellency Mr. Marc Fonbaustier, AFD Country Director Mr. Xavier Muron, and Vice-Chancellors from the participating universities.
Strategic Response to Critical University System Challenges
The Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project represents a flagship initiative within the broader Blueprint for the Rapid Revitalisation of University Education in Nigeria, developed by the NUC in 2018. This strategic framework addresses critical challenges plaguing the Nigerian University System (NUS), including:
- Insufficient infrastructure for teaching and research
- Inadequate ICT integration across institutions
- Weak research capacity and limited innovation
- Inadequate access to quality university education
- Need for more efficient governance and academic service delivery
Vision for Smart Campuses and Digital Excellence
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Education Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa emphasized the transformative potential of the project:
“The Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project is not simply a technological upgrade. It is a strategic investment in the future of Nigerian education. It is about building smart campuses, empowering smart people, and nurturing smart ideas. This project is about restoring hope, in line with the vision of Mr. President, to a sector that holds the key to national renewal.”
International Partnership Driving Innovation
French Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier described the launch as “a decisive leap forward in Nigeria’s pursuit of inclusive, innovative, and future-ready education.” He commended the foresight of the Federal Ministry of Education and NUC leadership, noting that the project represents an investment in people, systems, and institutional transformation beyond just infrastructure.
AFD Country Director Xavier Muron highlighted the strategic alignment with AFD’s commitment to strengthening higher education and fostering digital entrepreneurial skills:
“At the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), we see digital transformation not as a passing trend, but as a pillar for building future-ready, resilient societies. With this project, we are enabling selected Nigerian universities to develop ICT-driven solutions that serve not only academic needs, but broader socio-economic goals.”
Comprehensive Digital Infrastructure Upgrade
The €38 million first phase focuses specifically on strengthening digital infrastructure and ICT capabilities across the 10 federal universities, selected through a competitive and merit-based process. The support will enable participating institutions to:
- Upgrade critical digital infrastructure
- Automate administrative processes
- Enhance e-learning platforms and capabilities
- Build comprehensive capacity for staff and faculty in digital skills
- Develop ICT-driven solutions for academic and socio-economic goals
Alignment with National Digital Economy Agenda
NUC Executive Secretary Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu emphasized the project’s alignment with Nigeria’s broader digital economy agenda:
“Our vision for the NUS is one where technology becomes the nervous system of our institutions. Digital transformation must become the standard across public and private universities.”
Professor Ribadu noted that this first phase is only the beginning and called on other development partners to join in expanding the project’s reach and impact beyond the initial 10 institutions.
Setting Foundation for Future Growth
The Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project signals a new chapter in university reform in Nigeria, anchored on digital innovation, strategic partnerships, and a clear commitment to quality and relevance in higher education. As implementation begins, the project is expected to lay the groundwork for a more digitally agile, globally competitive, and innovation-driven university system.
The participatory and locally grounded design of the initiative reflects AFD’s commitment to providing continued financial, technical, and strategic support to ensure long-term impact and sustainability.
This landmark initiative represents a significant step toward modernizing Nigeria’s higher education landscape, positioning the country’s universities to compete globally while addressing local socio-economic challenges through technology-driven solutions.
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