Tijani inaugurates OAU innovation hub, urges students to drive Nigeria’s digital economy

Bosun Tijani, minister of communications, innovation and digital economy, has urged Nigerian students to leverage emerging technologies to develop solutions that can support the country’s digital and economic growth.

Tijani spoke during the commissioning and handover of the Renewed Hope-NITDA Innovation Hub at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. The facility was established by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative.

The hub is equipped with laboratories for artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, additive manufacturing and the Internet of Things (IoT), aimed at bridging the gap between classroom learning and practical application.

Tijani described the facility as an investment in Nigeria’s future but stressed that its impact would depend on how effectively students and researchers use it.

“Innovation does not come from buildings; innovation comes from people,” he said, noting that OAU had produced talents and innovators before the establishment of the facility.

According to the minister, access to knowledge is no longer the primary challenge facing students in the digital age, as information is widely available through online platforms and generative AI tools. He said the greater challenge is translating knowledge into solutions that address societal and economic needs.

He explained that innovation hubs provide students with opportunities to experiment, develop prototypes and build products that can contribute to national development and economic growth.

“If you want to know how to build a helicopter today, you can find it on Generative AI. But the question is, can you translate that knowledge into action? That is what centres like these are meant for,” Tijani said.

The minister also urged students, faculty members and alumni to ensure the facility remains accessible and fully utilised, warning against allowing it to become underused.

He said Nigeria’s ambition to build a digital economy would depend largely on the ability of young people to create value through technology.

“The leaders can try, but if you do not apply your knowledge to build solutions, we will not get to where we need to be,” he said.

Adebayo Simeon Bamire, vice-chancellor of OAU, commended Tijani and Kashifu Inuwa, director-general of NITDA, for their support for the university’s digital transformation agenda.

Bamire said the minister had donated 50 laptops to students, provided a $1,000 support fund for student innovators and pledged a 30-kilometre fibre-optic network to improve internet connectivity across the institution.

He also acknowledged NITDA’s investments in digital infrastructure and innovation facilities, saying they have strengthened the university’s adoption of technology, improved students’ digital skills and expanded opportunities for research and innovation.