*Authorities of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, extol the unveiling of the ultra-modern NITDA Digital Laboratories in the cradle of excellence, stating ‘these facilities are not just rooms filled with computers; they are the launchpads for Nigeria’s next generation of tech disruptors, researchers, and entrepreneurs’
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
Following the recent commissioning of the new National Information Technology Development (NITDA) Digital Labs in the prestigious institution, authorities of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria, have affirmed it has always been “a cradle of excellence”, just as the University is leaping firmly into the digital future.
ConsumerConnect reports OAU stated this after Dr. ’Bosun Tijani, Honorable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), activated the digital facility on the University campus, in Ile-Ife.
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The institution emphasised that great things happen when vision meets cutting-edge infrastructure as the NITDA Digital Labs.
The University in a statement via its verified social media account also noted that in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency, “we are thrilled to announce the unveiling of our ultra-modern digital laboratories!
“These facilities are not just rooms filled with computers; they are the launchpads for Nigeria’s next generation of tech disruptors, researchers, and entrepreneurs.”
In his remarks on the power of visionary leadership behind the digital facility, Dr. Tijani, Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, said: “The main goal in establishing these labs is to provide students, lecturers, researchers, and innovators with access to modern digital tools that can help them move from theory to practical solutions.
“This facility will aggressively support Nigeria’s digital economy by building local capacity in technologies that are shaping the future of education, industry, agriculture, health, and public service delivery.”
Digital labs, a monumental milestone for Great Ife, says Governing Council Chair
Speaking on the new-fangled hi-tech facility, Hon. Adejare Bello, Chairman of the Governing Council of OAU, reportedly said: “This is a monumental milestone for Great Ife.
“By equipping our community with these world-class facilities, we are ensuring that OAU remains at the forefront of academic excellence and societal impact.
“We are not just preparing our students for the job market; we are empowering them to create the market.”
Vice-Chancellor: NITDA Digital Labs will strengthen teaching, research and innovation
In his remarks, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire, Vice-Chancellor of the University, stated: “For our university, these labs will fundamentally strengthen teaching, research, and innovation.
“It gives our brilliant lecturers the power to demonstrate modern tech concepts practically, while giving our students a dedicated space to build prototypes, test AI models, programme robots, and develop creative solutions to real-life problems.
“This is where teamwork meets entrepreneurship.”
Inside Digital Innovation Hubs at OAU
Artificial Intelligence Lab: Outfitted with high-performance computers and robust cloud computing resources to train, test, and deploy complex AI and Machine Learning models.
IoT & Robotics Lab: A builder’s paradise equipped with microcontrollers, sensors, communication boards, robotic arms, Raspberry Pi, and Arduino kits to engineer smart, interconnected systems.
Additive Manufacturing Lab: A space to design and physically manufacture 3D objects using advanced modeling and slicing software, diverse filaments, and industrial-grade 3D printers.
UAV (Drone) Lab: A specialised environment supporting the future of aviation, focusing on drone operation, flight simulation, hardware testing, and safety protocols.
“Let’s build the future, together. For Great Ife!” Said the University authorities.