By Joy Onuorah
Ibadan just got smarter, literally. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), has officially opened a cutting-edge IT Community Centre in Oyo State’s capital.
This tech-forward facility, located at Oladipo Alayande School of Science in Oke-Bola, Ibadan, is a major step in closing Nigeria’s digital divide and equipping more women and young people with future-ready digital skills.
The centre is named in honour of Mrs. Onikepo Akande, a notable daughter of Oyo State, and it’s designed to empower the next generation with practical tech knowledge.
Speaking at the commissioning, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, stressed the centre’s importance to the President’s broader mission of accelerating economic growth through digitisation, innovation, and creative industry development.
“We are not stopping here. I am pleased to announce that ten more IT Centres will soon be commissioned across various states,” she said.
She called the Ibadan centre a critical step in Nigeria’s digital journey and urged locals to actively use and care for the facility.
“The success of this centre depends on your active participation and utilisation of available resources.”
*Oyo Governor Backs the Project*
Governor Seyi Makinde praised NITDA and RHI for bringing the project to life in Oyo State, calling the centre’s infrastructure impressive and promising the state’s support to maximize its benefits.
“Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, that is the road to the future, and I am glad that under the Renewed Hope Initiative, you’ve brought this to Oyo State. We will take full advantage of it,” he assured.
*A Future-Ready Learning Space*
The centre isn’t just another classroom. It’s a smart learning hub equipped with the latest technology, built to support interactive and personalized digital education.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, noted that the centre will:
* Help young Nigerians build globally competitive digital skills
* Enable startups and grassroots innovation
* Create local solutions with international impact
*NITDA’s Vision for a Digital Nigeria*
NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, called the initiative a “strategic intervention” to grow Nigeria’s digital talent pipeline. He praised Senator Tinubu’s leadership, saying:
“Your Excellency’s vision and commitment have been instrumental in actualising this initiative. You are giving Nigerians the tools to unlock their potential in the digital economy.”
Inuwa added that this centre is part of a national agenda to promote digital literacy, reduce unemployment, and support innovation-driven growth.
He also revealed that NITDA is working with the Ministry of Education to integrate digital skills into Nigeria’s school curriculum.
To ensure the centre stays active and impactful, Inuwa encouraged both school administrators and community leaders to keep it open and accessible.
“The centre is open to all, and we want to see a cross-pollination between the school and the community.”
With this new IT Community Centre, Ibadan is no longer watching the digital revolution from the sidelines, it’s stepping into the spotlight.
