OAU’s legacy of excellence, an asset to Nigeria’s digital and economic future −Minister

*Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, affirms the ‘academic rigour’ and ‘legacy of excellence’ of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, reflects in the leaders the academic institution has produced across technology, infrastructure, and enterprise in the West African country and beyond

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Federal Government has said the “legacy of excellence” that radiates at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria, reflecting in the leaders the top academic institution has produced across technology, infrastructure, and enterprise, demonstrates what is possible when academic rigour meets national purpose.

ConsumerConnect reports Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), stated this Friday, January 17, 2026, at OAU, Ile-Ife, in a keynote focused on the central role of academic institutions in Nigeria’s digital and economic future.

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Tijani said: “It was a privilege to visit the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Friday, January 16, 2026, to deliver a keynote focused on the central role of our academic institutions in Nigeria’s digital and economic future.”

The Minister also announced a number of the Federal Government’s support projects for the institution, fondly called “Great Ife” by the students and friends of the University.

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Dr. Tijani said: “In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and through the Universal Service Provision Fund, I was pleased to announce tangible support for the university: the deployment of up to 30 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure across academic buildings and student hostels.”

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These, Tijani disclosed, also are alongside “funding for a professorial grant, three post-doctoral positions, and three PhD scholarships in priority areas of Nigeria’s digital economy as part of our National Digital Economy Research Scheme.”

The Minister, in a post via his verified social account also averred the strategic importance of the country’s investments in infrastructure, research, and talents.

Tijani asserted: “We are strengthening our universities as partners in building a more innovative, inclusive, and digitally empowered Nigeria.”

In appreciation of Dr. Tijani’s visit, authorities of Obafemi Awolowo University said: “We are truly proud of your successes. Thank you for honouring our invitation.

“The lecture was superb and well received. We are proud of you, and appreciate your hand of friendship and collaboration.”

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In his remarks on the live session with Minister Tijani during the programme at the OAU, Elisha Sunday Alabi, a 500-Level student of the University, entrepreneur and senior software engineer, through his verified social media handle, described the Minister’s visit to Obafemi Awolowo University as “deeply inspiring and impactful”.

Alabi related his personal experience: “I intentionally attended your (Tijani’s) session to learn, and I left with a clearer understanding of how innovation, policy, and intentional leadership can shape Nigeria’s digital and economic future.

“Your clarity and vision truly reflect excellence.”

The final-year student of the University is the Founder/CEO of Iconic Innovations Nigeria Limited, a CAC-registered innovation company, specialising in redefining industries through technology, job creation, and community empowerment in the country.

He also said: “Your leadership continues to inspire young founders like us who are building from the ground up.

“Strategic support, mentorship, and a strong innovation ecosystem will further accelerate the impact of companies like ours across Nigeria.”

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