By Abdul-Hafeez Fadehan Bayo Olupohunda
Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, unveils a major initiative to modernise Nigerian universities through technology and digitalisationThe Minister inaugurates the newly reconstituted Governing Councils of federal tertiary institutions, highlighting their critical role in ensuring governance and promoting academic excellenceThe project aims to equip Nigerian institutions with powerful tools, platforms, and systems to thrive in the digital age, enabling hybrid access to quality education
A turning point for Nigeria鈥檚 education sector as Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of the Federal Ministry of Education, unveiled a far-reaching digitalisation plan and inaugurated the newly reconstituted Governing Councils of federal tertiary institutions.
The event, held on Tuesday in Abuja, marked the official launch of the Blueprint ICT Development (Blueprint-ICT-Dev) Project, a major initiative designed to modernise the operations, delivery, and global engagement of Nigerian universities.
Legit.ng gathered that the development, supported by the French Government and the Agence Fran莽aise de D茅veloppement (AFD), is seen as one of the most ambitious efforts yet to transform tertiary education in the country through technology.
While unveiling the project, Dr. Alausa noted that the initiative aligns directly with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
鈥淚t prioritises inclusive growth through human capital development, innovation, digital transformation, and educational reform.
“The Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project addresses all these priorities in a manner that tackles some of the most persistent and pressing challenges in Nigeria鈥檚 education landscape,鈥 Alausa explained
Alausa explained that the project is not just about computerising offices or installing internet in classrooms. It is a holistic framework to equip Nigerian institutions with the tools, platforms, and systems to thrive in the digital age.
He described the effort as one that will enable universities to deliver hybrid and transnational learning, strengthen their data systems, and increase access to quality education using flexible, ICT-enabled models.
鈥淲ith the support of the Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project, the 10 selected institutions can further digitise their systems, deliver hybrid and cross-border programmes, and participate more actively in global academic networks.
鈥淭his is crucial for making Nigerian universities competitive, not only on the continent but also globally.鈥滺e added
The initiative will focus on teacher training, skills-based education, entrepreneurship, and TVET programmes, leveraging the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN) for high-speed internet and content sharing among tertiary institutions.
鈥淚 believe that the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN) is central to coordinating these activities; therefore, I have directed all Vice-Chancellors of the selected universities to be connected to NgREN,鈥 Alausa announced.
鈥淎gain, I extend congratulations to the 10 selected institutions, may your impact be lasting and transformational. Together, let鈥檚 reimagine education for the digital age.鈥 He added
Alausa inaugurates new Governing Councils
Dr. Alausa inaugurated the Governing Councils of federal tertiary institutions, highlighting their critical role in the education sector and the significant responsibilities they carry
鈥淕overning Councils are the highest policy-making bodies in our tertiary education system.
They are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring sound institutional governance, shaping policy, providing financial oversight, and promoting both academic and administrative excellence,” he emphasised.
Dr. Alausa urged the appointees to see themselves not as distant boardroom actors but as strategic collaborators working hand-in-hand with the institutions鈥 leadership.
鈥淚n my keynote address, I urged all appointees to work closely with university management teams, especially Vice-Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts, in a manner that is supportive yet non-intrusive.鈥
鈥淚emphasised the importance of providing strategic direction and ensuring that institutions are governed in accordance with relevant laws and existing policies.鈥 Alausa stated
He further reminded the appointees that their selection was not just an honour but a responsibility to serve with moral clarity and developmental vision.
鈥淚 extend my heartfelt congratulations and commendations to all appointees on your nomination and subsequent confirmation to serve in these critical roles.鈥
鈥淵our appointments are not only a recognition of your individual achievements and contributions to national development, but also a call to serve with integrity, vision, and accountability, 鈥漷he minister noted.
Stakeholders in attendance, including Vice Chancellors, international partners, education innovators, and civil society actors, applauded the two-pronged strategy as evidence of the ministry鈥檚 readiness to shift from policy talk to practical, measurable progress.
As the event wrapped up, what lingered was a sense of purpose, that under the watch of Dr. Tunji Alausa, Nigeria鈥檚 tertiary education system is not only being recalibrated but also reimagined for relevance, resilience, and global standing.
Education minister Alausa’s UK visit
Legit.ng previously reported that Dr. Tunji Alausa, Nigeria鈥檚 Honourable Minister of Education, is charting a visionary path, one that harmonises international collaboration with domestic transformation. His recent strategic mission to the United Kingdom signals not just a diplomatic engagement but a remarkable leap forward in aligning Nigeria鈥檚 education system with global best practices.
At the heart of Dr. Alausa鈥檚 UK visit was a bilateral meeting on Monday, 19th May, with the UK Secretary of State for Education, Rt. Hon. Bridget Phillipson. In what was widely seen as a high-value diplomatic dialogue, the Minister introduced a forward-thinking agenda, shifting from dependence on aid towards strategic, capacity-building partnerships in foundational education, early childhood learning, and technical training.
Source: Legit.ng