By Ladi Gbegi
Universal Service Provision Fund, USPF, of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has handed over a new Information and Communication Technology, ICT, project to Ogun State Institute of Technology, OGITECH, Igbesa, Ogun State.
The project named: Emerging Technologies Centre, ETC, is aimed at enhancing the learning experience of students, while providing a platform for digital innovation, Research, and Development, R&D, for the overall economic growth of Nigeria.
Highlight of the inauguration and handover ceremony on Thursday was the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, aimed at ensuring effective utilisation and sustainability of the ICT project in the institute.
ETC is one of the access projects of USPF and a significant milestone towards government’s policy direction to bridge the digital divide and promote digital inclusion across Nigeria.
The centre is equipped with 100 desktop computers, emerging technology applications, bandwidth and connectivity tools, to provide students and faculty members with access to cutting-edge technology and resources.
Speaking at the official handover ceremony, the USPF Secretary, Yomi Arowosafe, said the Centre represents more than just bricks and mortar. According to him, it embodies a vision, commitment and investment in the future of Ogun State, and by extension, the future of our nation, Nigeria.
“Under the strategic direction of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani and strategic focus of the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, USPF is vested with the mandate of providing ICT access to the unserved and underserved communities across the country,” he said.
Through strategic implementation, Arowosafe said USPF has implemented various access and connectivity projects across the six geo-political zones, which has positively impacted ICT utilisation and deepened connectivity across the country.
“With a student population of 9,300, OGITECH is one of the leading institutions of technology in Nigeria and we are proud to partner the institution to bring this project to fruition. ETC will not only enhance the learning experience of students, but also provide a platform for innovation, research and development.
“We expect this project to have a significant impact on the institution and the wider community. It will provide opportunities for students to develop skills in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics and cybersecurity. It will also enable faculty members to integrate technology into their teaching and research, and collaborate with other institutions and industry partners,” he said.
The secretary also stated that ETC will serve as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, providing a platform for start-ups and small businesses to incubate and grow.
“We believe that this project will contribute to the growth and development of the economy, we are proud to be part of it and we look forward to seeing the impact of this project on the institution and the wider community,” he said.
Arowosafe stated that the MoU has been designed as part of a sustainability strategy for future projects of USPF, where the benefitting organisations, groups and communities can take ownership of such project and be committed to taking the necessary initiatives to ensure that it continually serves them without being abandoned after handover by USPF.
In his remarks during the handover ceremony, the Rector of OGITECH, Dr Abiodun Oluseye, lauded NCC and the USPF team for siting the project in the institute, promising that it will be put into effective utilisation to benefit not only the institute, but the entire community.
He also expressed commitment towards ensuring the sustainability of the project, as has been articulated in the joint MoU. “We will ensure the sustainability of the project and work towards putting it into effective use for the benefit of the entire community,” he said.
USPF was established by the federal government to facilitate the achievement of national policy goals for universal access and universal service to ICTs in rural, un-served and under-served areas in Nigeria. The Fund is being managed to facilitate the widest possible access to affordable telecommunications services for greater social equity and inclusion for the people of Nigeria.
