The Federal Government has inaugurated the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development, known as Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project, designed to digitally transform 10 selected federal universities across the country.

The initiative, backed by a $40 million credit facility from the French Government through its agency, the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), aimed to strengthen institutional ICT infrastructure, enable hybrid and cross-border learning, improve education data systems for evidence-based policymaking, promote technical and vocational education through digital tools, and expand digital education in underserved communities.

Coordinator, Special Projects, National University Commission (NUC), Dr. Joshua Attah, explained that the project comprises two major components, one with an allocation of $38m, which is for the development of ICT in selected Nigerian universities to improve the quality of teaching and learning, while component two, with an allocation of $2 million, is the elaboration of a National Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) transformation strategy for Nigerian universities.

He recalled that the origin of the project dated back to 2018, when the NUC developed a revitalisation blueprint for the Nigerian university system, identifying ICT as the key to a meaningful reform.

Out of 26 federal universities established before 2011, 10 were selected through a competitive process that included proposal assessments and site visits.

The selected institutions include the University of Calabar in the South-South; University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and Nnamdi Azikiwe University,( NAU), Awka, in the South-East; University of Ibadan (UI) and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, in the South-West; Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) and University of Jos (UNIJOS), in the North-Central; University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) and Modibbo Adama University, Yola, in the North-East; as well as Bayero University, Kano, in the North-West.

These institutions, according to the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, are expected to serve as Centres of Excellence in ICT integration and education innovation, especially in teacher training, digital skills, online learning, and research management.

The Executive Secretary, NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, said the commission is already exploring additional funding avenues to expand the initiative to more universities.

He said: “In line with this vision, I urge all universities, both those participating in the Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project and those awaiting future phases, to begin the automation of institutional processes, including staff and student data management; online processing of academic results and transcripts, as well as digitised governance and administration workflows.”

Ribadu also enjoined vice-chancellors to view the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN) as more than just a broadband network, but rather, as the digital lifeline of the academic community.

The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, described the launch of the Blueprint Project as a decisive leap in Nigeria’s pursuit of inclusive, innovative, and future-ready education.

He reaffirmed his government’s commitment towards providing necessary support for the development of education in Nigeria. Fonbaustier noted that the project represents not just an investment in infrastructure, but in people, systems, and institutional transformation.

Speaking in the same vein, AFD Country Director, Xavier Muron, highlighted the strategic alignment of the Blueprint with the organisation’s commitment to strengthening higher education, fostering digital and entrepreneurial skills, and driving governance reform.

“This project is more than a milestone, it is a reflection of our shared vision to develop ICT-driven solutions that serve both academic and socio-economic goals,” he said.