The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has described the newly commissioned Senator Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) as a critical infrastructure for nurturing the next generation of Nigerian leaders.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Ile-Ife, where he joined the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Inuwa emphasized that the facility is more than just a building; it is a structured environment designed to merge storytelling with modern learning to foster resilience and vision among students.
Inuwa highlighted that the Dream Centre provides a unique space where storytelling, learning, and reflection come together. He noted that by engaging with the First Lady’s life story, marked by faith and service, students can better understand that significant achievements are the result of steady effort and patience rather than overnight success.
“The centre allows young people to engage with Senator Tinubu’s life story in a structured environment designed to reinforce the belief that dreams can be achieved through discipline and consistency,” Inuwa stated. He described the facility as a sanctuary where students can explore narratives that challenge them to develop the confidence needed to thrive in a competitive global landscape.
While the Ooni of Ife conceptualized and donated the physical structure, Inuwa revealed that NITDA played a pivotal role by supplying the IT-enabled devices housed within the facility. This integration of technology ensures that the “Dream Centre” is equipped for the digital age, providing students with the tools to visualize their goals clearly and access the resources necessary for modern research and mentorship.
The NITDA boss underscored the importance of providing physical spaces that encourage “anticipatory intelligence,” the ability for students to visualize their future goals through the lens of real-life experiences. He lauded the First Lady’s decision to expand the original vision from a modest pavilion into a legacy-driven Dream Centre, noting that such spaces are essential for the academic, moral, and emotional growth of the university community.
“This is a space where students can explore narratives that challenge them to develop patience, strength, and confidence in their capabilities,” Inuwa added, aligning the project with the broader national goal of nurturing innovators and dreamers whose aspirations will shape the future of Nigeria.
The Vice Chancellor of OAU, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, echoed Inuwa’s sentiments, describing the commissioning as a milestone that aligns with the institution’s commitment to producing influential personalities. With NITDA’s technological backing and the First Lady’s inspirational legacy, the centre is set to serve as a hub for creativity and excellence for generations of OAU students.