FG Unveils $40M Digital Upgrade for 10 Federal Universities

The Federal Government has unveiled the Blueprint ICT Development (Blueprint-ICT-Dev) Project, a $40 million initiative to digitize and modernize 10 federal universities across Nigeria. The project, launched in Abuja, aims to enhance tertiary education through improved digital infrastructure and innovation.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the project represents a strategic investment aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It is expected to transform university campuses into smart environments and promote hybrid learning, administrative efficiency, and skills development.

According to Dr. Joshua Atah, Coordinator of Special Projects at the National Universities Commission (NUC), $38 million will be used for ICT infrastructure in the selected universities, while $2 million will fund the development of a national STEM transformation strategy.

Universities participating include the University of Calabar, University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Ibadan, FUT Minna, University of Maiduguri, Bayero University Kano, Modibbo Adama University Yola, OAU Ile-Ife, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, and University of Jos.

NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, described the project as a turning point for academic excellence, rooted in digital reform. He said the initiative builds on the NUC’s 2018 vision to overhaul Nigeria’s university system through ICT as a solution to challenges in governance, funding, and employability.