Under the Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project, a revolutionary Federal Government initiative backed by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), ten federal universities in Nigeria, including Bayero University, Kano (BUK), have been chosen to receive a $38 million award. The project’s goal is to use infrastructure development and digital innovation to transform the nation’s higher education system completely.
On July 1, 2025, the project was formally introduced at the National Universities Commission (NUC) headquarters in Abuja. It seeks to greatly enhance ICT infrastructure throughout Nigerian universities, create smart campuses, and support hybrid learning approaches.
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At the launch, Professor Amina Mustapha, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Development) for Bayero University, Kano, referred to the project as “a groundbreaking intervention” that will aid in closing the institution’s long-standing ICT gaps. Dr. Faruk Umar Ambursa, the Project Team Lead, accompanied her.
“This intervention will enhance digital literacy, expand internet bandwidth, and provide access to modern ICT tools,” Professor Mustapha said. “It will ultimately improve teaching, learning, and research at BUK, reduce the cost of education delivery, and improve graduate employability by equipping students with globally relevant digital skills.”
Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, praised the initiative, calling it a “golden opportunity” to reposition Nigerian universities for global competitiveness. He underlined that the funds will promote teacher preparation, increase research capacity, and hasten the deployment of integrated learning platforms.
AFD Country Director Mr. Xavier Muron, French Ambassador to Nigeria Mr. Marc Fonbaustier, and NUC Executive Secretary Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu were also in attendance at the launch event. To the chosen institutions, the three formally delivered grant letters.
Universities that Benefit from the ICT Grant by Region:
- North-West: Bayero University, Kano (BUK)
- North-East: University of Maiduguri; Modibbo Adama University, Yola
- North-Central: Federal University of Technology, Minna; University of Jos
- South-West: University of Ibadan; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
- South-East: University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
- South-South: University of Calabar
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