*The Management team of North West University, and the leadership of the National Information Technology Development Agency organise a stakeholder engagement focusing on how technology could be deployed more effectively to improve teaching, research, innovation and employability of Nigerian graduates
Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect
In a move to strengthen digital capacity, research and technology-driven education in the academic institution, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and North West University have commenced discussions.
ConsumerConnect reports the Management team of the university, and NITDA leadership, organised the stakeholder engagement that centred on how technology could be deployed more effectively to improve teaching, research, innovation and employability of Nigerian graduates.
Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, emphasised the proposed collaboration should be designed to produce sustainable outcomes rather than focus on one-off interventions.
Inuwa maintained that Universities, as citadels of learning, remain critical to Nigeria’s digital transformation.
He noted this is significant because of their responsibility for producing the skilled workforce, knowledge and research required to sustain technological advancement.
The Director-General of the agency also said the country’s digital development strategy, therefore, must place greater emphasis on strengthening institutions and building the capacity of people who would drive the digital economy.
Inuwa equally observed that a mismatch between University training and industry requirements has remained a challenge to graduate employability.
He urged Universities to establish stronger relationships with employers and technology companies.
According to him, regular reviews of academic curricula to ensure that students are exposed to emerging technologies, and acquire practical skills relevant to both the Nigerian and international labour markets.
Inuwa further stated: “We need to create an ecosystem where the university produces the human capital required by government and the private sector, while industry also contributes to the development of relevant skills and research.”
He also disclosed that NITDA is promoting digital literacy through the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF) and encouraged the University to integrate digital literacy into its General Studies programme.
Beyond basic digital skills, the Director-General advised the institution to strengthen academic programmes in areas, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, robotics, and other emerging technologies.
Inuwa encouraged the University to take advantage of the National Universities Commission’s Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards framework to develop programmes that respond to technological developments and emerging opportunities in the Nigerian economy.
Inuwa cited the collaboration between NITDA, Nasarawa State University and Cisco as an example of the benefits of bringing academia and industry together to provide students with practical exposure, professional certifications and academic recognition.
The proposed relationship with North West University, he stated, should also extend to research and innovation, particularly projects capable of addressing real-world challenges.
Inuwa advocated early involvement of government agencies and private-sector players in university research.
Such collaboration could improve the transition of research findings from the laboratory and classroom into practical solutions.
The NITDA Chief further identified technical training, innovation laboratories, research collaboration and partnerships with global technology companies as possible areas of the agency’s support.
Inuwa argued that sustainable digital development should not be measured by the number of computers or other devices supplied to an institution.
While equipment will eventually become outdated, Inuwa added that investments in knowledge, skills, research and innovation would continue to produce benefits.
Earlier, Prof. Amina Salihi, Vice-Chancellor of North West University, had said her leadership of the institution had placed digital transformation and research at the centre of its development agenda.
Prof. Salihi said the University’s 14-point agenda was designed to reposition the institution as a competitive 21st-Century University.
She noted that technology is indispensable to improving the institution’s academic standards, global visibility and ranking.
The University has undergone significant expansion since its establishment in 2012, growing from four faculties, one campus and about 1,000 students to 10 faculties and approximately 30,000 students, Prof. Salihi explained.
According to her, the institution had also expanded its infrastructure, academic programmes and support facilities, including a teaching hospital for its medical programme.
The Vice-Chancellor, who assumed office December 2025, said her administration had carried out assessments to determine areas requiring urgent attention, with infrastructure, power and digital technology identified among the key priorities.
She disclosed that construction of a Computer-Based Testing centre was underway through the intervention of a philanthropist who had committed to providing the facility.
Prof. Salihi, therefore, appealed to NITDA to assist with the required IT equipment.
The Vice-Chancellor also explained that the centre could be developed into an accredited facility for recruitment examinations and professional tests.
Prof. Salihi also announced plans to establish an Open and Distance Learning Centre, stressing that the initiative would require reliable digital infrastructure and technical support.
She appealed for additional digital devices, including laptops, to enhance the effectiveness of academic and administrative operations across the university.
The Vice-Chancellor said the institution had benefited from interventions by the state government, TETFund, the Energy Commission and private philanthropists, particularly in student accommodation and renewable energy.
A two-megawatt solarisation project was being implemented on the main campus, while another solar power project was underway at the city campus, she stated.
Prof. Salihi expressed optimism that the engagement with NITDA would lead to a structured partnership capable of addressing the University’s technology needs while creating opportunities for research, innovation and digital skills development.
NITDA said the proposed collaboration was expected to provide a framework for joint initiatives in digital infrastructure, Computer-Based Testing (CBT), open and distance learning, emerging technologies, research, innovation and human capital development.
The IT sector regulatory agency noted both institutions are expected to continue discussions towards defining specific areas of cooperation, and developing a sustainable partnership that would contribute to strengthening digital education and innovation in Nigeria’s University system.