Connectivity: USPF delivers Emerging Technology Centre to Institute in Ogun

*The Universal Service Provision Fund of the Nigerian Communications Commission commissions and delivers a new ICT project at the Ogun State Institute of Technology, in Igbesa, to enhance students’ learning experience, innovation, as well as Research and Development for the overall growth of the Nigerian economy

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

As a veritable platform to enhance students’ learning experience, the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Thursday, February 20, 2025, commissioned and presented a new Information and Communications Technology (ICT) project to the Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH), in Igbesa, Ogun State.

ConsumerConnect reports the NCC disclosed the project christened, “Emerging Technologies Centre” (ETC) and sited on the OGITECH campus, is aimed at enhancing learning experience of students of the Institute.

The telecoms sector regulatory Commission also said the ICT facility provides a platform for digital innovation, as well as Research and Development (R&D) for overall growth of the Nigerian economy.

Dr. Abiodun Oluseye, Rector of OGITECH, Igbesa

The Commission, at the inauguration and handover ceremony Thursday, also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute towards ensuring the effective utilisation and sustainability of the digital project to attain its objectives.

ETC aligns with Nigerian Government’s digital inclusion drive, says NCC

According to NCC, the ETC is one of the access projects of the USPF and significant milestone towards the Federal Government’s policy direction to bridge digital divide and promote digital inclusion across the West African country.

The Centre is equally 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.

In his remarks at the event, Yomi Arowosafe, Secretary of USPF, said the Centre represents more than just bricks and mortar facility.

Arowosafe noted that the ETC project encompasses a vision, commitment, and investment in the future of Ogun State, and by extension, the future of Nigeria.

USPF committed to ICT access, connectivity in unserved, underserved communities -Arowosafe

In terms of ICT access to the unserved and underserved communities, the USPF Scribe also stated: “Under the strategic direction of the Hon Minister of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani and strategic focus of the Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, the USPF is vested with the mandate of providing ICT access to the unserved and underserved communities across the country.”

Arowosafe further explained through strategic implementation, the USPF has implemented several access and connectivity projects across the six geo-political zones of the country.

These efforts have continued to impact ICT utilisation positively, while deepening connectivity across Nigeria.

He said: “With a student population of 9,300, OGITECH is one of the leading institutions of technology in Nigeria, and we are proud to partner with them to bring this project to fruition.

“The ETC will not only enhance the learning experience of students but also provide a platform for innovation, research, and development.”

The USPF Secretary averred: “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 to collaborate with other institutions and industry partners.”

He as well affirmed that the ETC would 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 Nigerian economy, and we are proud to be a part of it and we look forward to seeing the impact of this project on the institution and the wider community,” he noted.

Arowosafe disclosed the MoU signing has been designed as part of sustainability strategy for future projects of USPF, where the beneficiary organisations, group and communities can take ownership of such project and be committed to taking necessary initiatives to ensure it continually serves them without being abandoned after handover by the USPF.

Rector: We’ll ensure effective utilisation of ICT Centre

In his remarks during the handover ceremony, Dr. Abiodun Oluseye, Rector of OGITECH, applauded the NCC and USPF team for siting the project in the Institute.

Oluseye pledged that the project would be put into effective utilisation to benefit not only the Institute abut its entire community in Igbesa.

The Rector of the Institute also expressed commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the project as outlined in the joint MoU between the OGITECH and the USPF.

He further said: “We will ensure the sustainability of the project and work towards putting it into effective use for the benefits of the entire community.”

The USPF was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria to facilitate the achievement of national policy goals for universal access and universal service to ICTs in rural, unserved and under-served areas in Nigeria.

The NCC noted the Fund is being managed to facilitate the widest possible access to affordable telecommunications services for greater social equity and inclusion for digital consumers in the country.

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