The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has declared that building a technology-powered Nigeria is fundamentally dependent on cultivating strong, future-facing academic institutions.
The Minister made this assertion while delivering the convocation lecture at his alma mater, the University of Jos (UniJos), during its 35th and 36th Convocation Ceremony, which coincided with the university’s 50th Anniversary.
In his lecture, titled “Building a Prosperous Nigeria: Academic Institutions and the Architecture of a Technology-Powered Society,” Dr. Tijani emphasized the central role universities must play in the nation’s development, even as he stressed that academic institutions must serve as engines of research, innovation, and talent development to drive Nigeria’s progress in the digital age.
Dr. Tijani underscored the urgent need to bridge the gap between education and practical application, calling for strengthened collaboration between academia, industry, and the government. This synergy, he noted, is essential to ensure that knowledge and research produced within educational institutions translate into tangible, real-world impact and economic value.
In a significant move aligning with this vision, the Minister announced the Federal Government’s commitment to establishing a National Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence at the University of Jos. The Centre is intended to serve as a vital hub for AI research, skills development, and innovation, positioning UniJos as a key contributor to Nigeria’s emerging AI ecosystem and the government’s broader digital transformation agenda.
Reflecting on his return to the institution that shaped his intellectual foundation, Dr. Tijani expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, and the university leadership for the invitation and warm reception. The Minister concluded his visit, “encouraged by the energy and ambition” of the University of Jos, reaffirming his belief that empowered academic institutions are the true architects of a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.