First Lady Commissions TETFund/RHI ICT Centre at Kwara State University
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has commissioned a TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) ICT Experience Centre at Kwara State University, Malete, as part of efforts to expand access to digital learning and equip young Nigerians with skills for the technology-driven economy.
The commissioning took place on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, with the First Lady represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima.
Kwara State University is one of six tertiary institutions selected for the pilot phase of the ICT Experience Centre initiative, with one institution representing each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Similar centres have already been commissioned at Ekiti State University on May 30, the University of Cross River State on September 4 and Anambra State Polytechnic on September 10, 2026. Centres at Kaduna State University and Taraba State University are also ready for commissioning.
Speaking at the event, Senator Oluremi Tinubu described the ICT Experience Centre as a platform for “opportunity, innovation, knowledge, and hope” for young people in Kwara State and beyond.
She said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on youth empowerment, education, innovation and economic transformation.
According to her, the centre provides modern facilities, including ICT laboratories, interactive digital displays, conference facilities and exhibition spaces designed to support learning, research, creativity and technological development.
The First Lady disclosed that the next phase of the intervention would extend to 15 additional tertiary institutions across Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Katsina, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Yobe and Zamfara states, with construction already ongoing in the beneficiary institutions.
She said the expansion was aimed at ensuring that Nigerian youths, regardless of their location, have greater access to digital learning, innovation and technology opportunities.
Addressing the students, Senator Tinubu urged them to take ownership of the facility and maximise the opportunities it provides, encouraging them to use technology positively to transform their lives, communities and the country.
She commended the Chairman of the TETFund Board of Trustees, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, CFR, and the management of TETFund for their collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative and continued investment in infrastructure and human capital development in tertiary institutions.
The First Lady also appreciated the Vice-Chancellor and management of Kwara State University for their support towards completing the centre, expressing confidence that the facility would be properly maintained and effectively utilised for present and future generations of students.
In his remarks, Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, urged the university management to leverage the new ICT centre to promote innovation, create employment opportunities and develop practical solutions to societal challenges.
The Governor stressed that universities must go beyond producing graduates to generating ideas capable of improving lives, while appreciating the First Lady for facilitating the intervention and commending TETFund for its investment in the institution.
The wife of the Kwara State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, described the centre as a significant opportunity for young Nigerians.
She said the facility would help equip young men and women with functional digital skills and ensure that they are not left behind in the rapidly changing digital economy.
The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Architect Sonny Echono, described the centre as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s digital future.
Represented by the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Architect Olajide Babatunde, Echono said the facility would expose young Nigerians to critical areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics and other emerging technologies.
He said the intervention would contribute to bridging the digital skills gap, improving graduate employability and aligning Nigeria’s tertiary education system with global technological developments.
The Vice-Chancellor of Kwara State University, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Alade Jimoh, expressed appreciation to the First Lady for selecting the institution for the intervention, describing the centre as an investment in the future of Nigerian youths.
He said the project had brought renewed hope to Malete while strengthening the university’s relationship with its host community.
According to him, the centre would support research, promote entrepreneurship and encourage greater community participation.
The commissioning ceremony concluded with a tour of the new facility by Hajiya Nana Shettima, who represented the First Lady, and other dignitaries.
First Lady Commissions TETFund/RHI ICT Centre at Kwara State University