The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), has officially commissioned a state-of-the-art IT community centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey to bridge the digital divide and empower its citizens, particularly women and youth, with vital digital skills.
The centre, located at Oladipo Alayande School of Science in Oke-Bola, Ibadan, was named in honour of Mrs. Onikepo Akande, a renowned daughter of Oyo State and advocate for national development. Designed to provide top-tier digital skills training, the facility is part of a broader initiative to equip young Nigerians and women with the tools to thrive in the global technology ecosystem.
At the commissioning event, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, delivered a special address, describing the initiative as pivotal in fulfilling one of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s core objectives, accelerating economic diversification through digital innovation, industrialisation and creative enterprise.
She noted that the centre is more than just a building; it is a platform to empower, inspire and unlock potential. “This initiative is a step forward in our collective mission to empower Nigerians, especially women and youth, with the skills needed to compete in today’s digital economy. We are not stopping here. I am pleased to announce that ten more IT Centres will soon be commissioned across various states,” she declared.
Tinubu also revealed that five other digital economy centres have already been equipped and activated in different states, urging the local community to take full ownership and ensure the centre becomes a hub of learning, collaboration and innovation.
“The success of this centre depends on your active participation and utilisation of the available resources. We want to see it buzzing with energy, creativity and impact,” she added.
Oyo State governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde who was represented at the event, expressed gratitude to NITDA and RHI for choosing Oyo State for such a transformative project. He pledged the state government’s full support for the sustainability of the facility.
“Information Technology and artificial intelligence are the future and with this initiative under the ‘Renewed Hope’ banner, I assure you that Oyo State will take full advantage. We will work to ensure that this centre changes lives,” he affirmed.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani described the centre as a gateway for local youth to access global opportunities. He said the facility would serve as a launchpad for young Nigerians to acquire in-demand digital skills, establish startups and develop tech-driven solutions.
In his welcome address, director-general of NITDA, Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi described the collaboration with RHI as a strategic intervention designed to expand Nigeria’s digital talent pipeline. He explained that the Ibadan IT Community Centre features cutting-edge technology to deliver personalised and immersive learning experiences.
He praised the First Lady for her leadership, vision, and deep commitment to empowering underserved communities. “Your Excellency’s commitment to digital inclusion has brought us to this historic moment. You are giving Nigerians the tools to unlock their future,” he said.
Abdullahi disclosed that the project is part of a national agenda to deepen digital literacy, reduce unemployment, and promote innovation-led development. He revealed that NITDA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has developed a national digital literacy curriculum that will be integrated into schools to institutionalise tech education.
He encouraged the school and surrounding community to actively use the centre, saying, “This facility is open to all. We expect strong collaboration between the school and the wider community to ensure its success and sustainability.”
