Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, has officially commissioned a state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Experience Centre funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). This milestone fulfills a 45-year aspiration of the institution to advance digital transformation and technology-driven education.
Commissioning Ceremony
During the commissioning event, EKSU Chancellor Dr. Tunji Olowolafe emphasized that the facility represents a significant step in equipping students with essential digital skills for a rapidly evolving global economy. The ceremony was graced by Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Vice President's wife, Hajiya Nana Shettima; Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji; Governor Biodun Oyebanji; Senate Majority Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; the TETFund Executive Secretary; members of the Renewed Hope Initiative; university officials; and other dignitaries.
Chancellor's Remarks
Welcoming the First Lady, Olowolafe praised her dedication to education and youth development, noting that her presence underscores the Federal Government's commitment to strengthening the education sector. He described the ICT Experience Centre as a gateway to digital literacy, innovation, and practical learning for students. "For the greater part of EKSU's 45-year history, the dream of having a world-class ICT Experience Centre remained unrealised. Today, through the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the support of the First Lady, that dream has become a reality," he stated.
Government Education Initiatives
The Chancellor also commended the allocation of N3.52 trillion to education in the 2025 budget, calling it evidence of the government's commitment to educational development and reform. He praised the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a transformative intervention that removes financial barriers to higher education, noting that the student loan scheme has processed over 1.7 million applications and disbursed approximately N282 billion to more than 1.5 million students nationwide.
Olowolafe further disclosed that eight specialized federal universities focusing on medicine, agriculture, engineering, and technology have been established within the first three years of the current administration. He also commended Senator Tinubu for her Renewed Hope Initiative, which has provided scholarships, digital skills training for women, support for students, and raised over N25 billion for the National Library project.
TETFund's Role
Describing TETFund as a critical vehicle for extending educational investments and infrastructure development to tertiary institutions, the Chancellor said the newly commissioned facility will provide students with access to modern technological tools and opportunities to acquire skills needed to compete in the global digital economy.
Call to Students
Addressing students, Olowolafe urged them to maximize the opportunities offered by the centre, emphasizing that it was established to prepare them for a future shaped by technology, artificial intelligence, and data-driven innovation. "Every policy, every intervention, and every investment in education is ultimately about you. This facility is your gateway to opportunities in the modern world. Use it with discipline, curiosity and determination," he said.
He acknowledged the contributions of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Joseph Ayodele, Governor Oyebanji, the Ekiti State First Lady, and the TETFund Executive Secretary towards advancing educational infrastructure and development in the institution.
The ICT Experience Centre is expected to enhance digital learning, research, innovation, and technological capacity development within the university community.
