The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu,has commissioned a TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) ICT Experience Centre at Kwara State University, Malete, as part of efforts to equip Nigerian youths with digital skills and expand access to technology-driven learning across tertiary institutions.
Kwara State University is one of six tertiary institutions selected for the pilot phase of the ICT Experience Centre intervention, with one institution representing each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
So far, similar centres have been commissioned at Ekiti State University on May 30, the University of Cross River State on September 4, and Anambra State Polytechnic on September 10, 2026, while the centres at Kaduna State and Taraba State Universities are also ready and scheduled for commissioning soon.
the commissioning, held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, revealed the planned expansion of the intervention to 15 additional tertiary institutions across the country, with construction currently ongoing in the benefiting institutions.
Represented at the event by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, the First Lady said the ICT Experience Centre represents “opportunity, innovation, knowledge, and hope” for young people in Kwara State and beyond.
According to a statement by Special Assistant to the President on Media & ICT(Office of the Vice President) Kwapchi Bata Hamman, she said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly its focus on youth empowerment, education, innovation, and economic transformation.
According to her, the centre provides a modern environment equipped with ICT laboratories, interactive digital displays, conference facilities, and exhibition spaces to support learning, creativity, research, and technological advancement.
She further disclosed 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.
She said the expansion demonstrates the administration’s commitment to ensuring that more Nigerian youths, irrespective of their location, have access to digital learning and innovation opportunities.
While addressing the students, Senator Tinubu encouraged them to take ownership of the facility and maximize the opportunities it provides.
She urged the students to use technology positively to transform their lives, communities, and the nation.
While commending the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of TETFund, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, CFR, and the management of TETFund for their collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative and continued investment in infrastructure and human capital development across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, the First Lady also commended the Vice-Chancellor and management of Kwara State University for their support toward the successful completion of the centre, expressing confidence that the facility would be properly managed, maintained, and effectively utilized for the benefit of present and future generations of students.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, in his remarks at the commissioning, urged the management of Kwara State University to leverage the newly commissioned ICT Centre to drive innovation, create jobs, and develop practical solutions to societal challenges, stressing that universities must go beyond producing graduates to generating ideas that improve lives.
He also thanked First Lady for facilitating the intervention through the Renewed Hope Initiative and commended TETFund for its investment in the institution.
Wife of the Kwara State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, described the ICT Centre as a significant opportunity for young people, appreciating the Renewed Hope Initiative’s commitment to youth empowerment.
She said the project would equip young men and women with digital skills, ensure they are not left behind in the digital revolution, and break barriers to acquiring functional skills, while commending TETFund for making the initiative possible. She urged beneficiaries to utilize the centre effectively, learn, thrive, and sow the seeds for future success.
Executive Secretary of TETFund, Architect Sonny Echono, described the newly commissioned ICT Centre at Kwara State University as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s digital future, saying it will equip young Nigerians with critical skills in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, and other emerging technologies.
Represented by the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Architect Olajide Babatunde, he said the intervention delivered in support of the Renewed Hope Initiative would help bridge the digital skills gap, improve graduate employability, and align Nigeria’s education system with global technological demands.
Vice-Chancellor of the Kwara State University, Malete, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Alade Jimoh, expressed appreciation to the First Lady for selecting the institution for the intervention, describing the ICT Centre as a significant investment in the future of Nigeria.
He said the project has brought renewed hope to Malete while strengthening engagement between the university and its host community.
He added that the centre would enhance research, promote entrepreneurship, and encourage greater community participation. The representative of the First Lady, Hajiya Nana Shettima, and other dignitaries were conducted around the newly commissioned facility.
