By: IndyPress News Desk
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, has asserted that an investment in UI is an investment in the future of education in Nigeria adding that any conversation on the University of Ibadan, being the first university in Nigeria, implies that the future of Nigerian education is being deliberated.
Professor Adebowale made this assertion at the handing over of the Nigerian Communications Commission Digital ICT Park to the University of Ibadan by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the edifice is not merely a building but a beacon of progress, a catalyst for innovation, and a transformative gift to the premier university and indeed to the future of Nigeria.
He appreciated the NCC under the leadership of the Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO, Dr Aminu Maida, for the commission’s foresight, commitment to national development through digital empowerment by funding and establishing the state-of-the-art facility.
Professor Adebowale said facilities in the building will empower cutting-edge research, revolutionize teaching and learning, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, drive digital solutions for society, and enhance university administration.
He stated that UI recognises its pivotal role in preparing the next generation of leaders, innovators and problem solvers equipped to navigate and shape the future saying that the NCC Digital ICT Park was donated at a crucial moment that perfectly aligns with the strategic vision of the university to become a world class institution for research, innovation and digital excellence.
The VC assured that the University of Ibadan will manage, maintain, and maximize the potential of the facility with unwavering commitment, establish robust governance structures and forge partnerships to ensure its sustainability and extend its impact to generations to come.
The Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO, Dr. Aminu Maida was represented by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Engr. Abraham Oshadami who stated that the University of Ibadan occupies a distinguished place in national history and continues to be a beacon of intellectual and societal progress.
Engr. Oshadami, an alumnus of the University of Ibadan, stated that the occasion evokes a profound sense of pride and connection as UI represents more than a place of learning saying that it is a launchpad for pioneering ideas and a catalyst for Africa’s digital transformation, adding that what begins in UI has the power to reshape what happens across the continent.
According to Engr. Oshadami, the facility is one of six flagship digital infrastructure projects strategically established by the Commission in select institutions across the country and forms an integral part of NCC’s broader agenda to foster innovation, strengthen research capacity, and accelerate the development of Nigeria’s digital economy.
He urged the university management, student community, public officials, and the wider Ibadan populace to ensure the maintenance, sustainability, and optimal use of the Digital ICT Park and embrace the infrastructure as a shared asset that will serve both the University of Ibadan and the broader community for generations to come.
The Registrar of the University of Ibadan, Mr Ganiyu Oke Saliu, thanked the NCC for the magnificent edifice and support given over the years.
He affirmed that the facility is truly state-of-the-art and also expressed the confidence that it will significantly enhance the university’s digital capabilities and innovation potential.
The Director, Information Technology and Media Services, Mrs Abiodun O. Alao appreciated NCC for its unwavering commitment to education and kindness which have given a space where learning could flourish, ideas could be nurtured, dreams could take flight and serve as a foundation for the future of countless young minds.
Mrs Alao highlighted numerous interventions and contributions that had been made by NCC to the University of Ibadan, stating that its support had significantly enhanced digital capacity, learning infrastructure, and international competitiveness at the institution.
She explained that digital resonates with the drive of the University for a SMART UI, which has laid structures for the introduction of Smart ID cards for the students and classroom attendance solutions, amongst other developments.
The director said the university is looking forward to more interventions from NCC and other agencies/organisations that would enhance the realisation of the UI vision, equipped with technology.
The Digital ICT Park features a 100-seat main hall, five dedicated ICT hubs, a 24-seater lounge with eight dual-computer workstations, multiple shared workspaces, meeting rooms, conference room, dining room, server room and administrative offices.
The commissioning of the NCC Digital ICT Park for use and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque was done by Engr. Abraham Oshadami, accompanied by the Vice-Chancellor.
The University management team, Deans of Faculties, Directors of Centres/Institutes, other representatives of NCC, Staff, Students’ Union executives, and other members of the University Community witnessed the ceremony.
Credit – UI DIRECTORATE OF PUBLIC COMMUTATION
