The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Ogoni, Rivers State, are exploring a strategic partnership to strengthen digital learning, improve technology infrastructure and expand digital literacy at the newly established institution.
The partnership was discussed during a visit by the university’s management to NITDA, where both organisations identified areas of collaboration aimed at addressing infrastructure deficits and enhancing the university’s digital capacity.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Prince Chinedu Mmom, said the institution requires critical support, including computers, workstations, reliable internet connectivity and other digital infrastructure to support teaching, learning and research.
Mmom said the university is committed to building strong technology programmes despite existing resource challenges, noting that improved digital infrastructure is essential to delivering quality education and preparing students for the digital economy.
Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, represented by the agency’s Director of Digital Literacy and Capacity Building, Mr. Oladejo Olawumi, welcomed the proposed collaboration and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to advancing digital literacy in tertiary institutions.
Olawumi said NITDA’s digital literacy programme, implemented in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC), is designed to equip students across all levels with essential digital skills.
He proposed the introduction of certified digital literacy programmes, including Cisco certifications, for students and lecturers, while also recommending community digital skills clusters to extend technology training to artisans and informal workers in the Ogoni area.
The NITDA official also expressed the agency’s readiness to support the university’s digital infrastructure development and collaborate on research initiatives that will contribute to Nigeria’s digital economy.
Both organisations expressed optimism that the partnership would strengthen digital education, promote innovation and improve economic opportunities for students and communities in the Ogoni region.
