By Chimezie Godfrey
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has challenged Nigerian students to move beyond theory and become active drivers of innovation capable of transforming the nation’s economy through technology.
Tijani made the call during the commissioning and handover of the Renewed Hope–NITDA Innovation Hub at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.
The state-of-the-art facility, established by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative, houses modern laboratories dedicated to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Additive Manufacturing and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Addressing students, academics, alumni and stakeholders, the minister described the innovation hub as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future, stressing that infrastructure alone does not drive innovation.
“Innovation does not come from buildings; innovation comes from people,” he said. “Before all these buildings, this university had been producing talent, innovators, and people who have changed our country for good. It is not these buildings alone that will do it.”
According to him, the hub was designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical application, enabling students to transform ideas into solutions.
“A lot of students are in school today at a time when knowledge itself is ubiquitous,” he said. “There is nothing your teachers want to teach you that you cannot find online. The biggest challenge today is the ability to apply the knowledge that you have been given or that you find.”
He noted that innovation centres such as the newly commissioned facility provide opportunities for experimentation, creativity and problem-solving.
“If you want to know how to build a helicopter today, you can find it on Generative AI,” Dr Tijani stated. “But the question is, can you translate that knowledge into action? That is what centres like these are meant for. When you are taught, you come here and apply that knowledge to build something.”
The minister urged students, faculty members and alumni to ensure the facility remains accessible and fully utilised.
“The leaders can try, but if you do not apply your knowledge to build solutions, we will not get to where we need to be,” he said. “This is an important asset. You have to take care of it and ensure it serves the purpose for which it was established.”
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Professor A. S. Bamire, expressed appreciation to Dr Tijani and the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, for their support towards the institution’s digital transformation.
Bamire highlighted several interventions by the minister, including the donation of 50 laptops to students, a $1,000 support fund for student innovators and a commitment to provide a 30-kilometre fibre-optic network to improve internet connectivity across the campus.
He also commended NITDA for providing critical digital infrastructure and innovation facilities that have strengthened the university’s technology ecosystem, enhanced digital literacy and expanded opportunities for research and innovation.
The Renewed Hope–NITDA Innovation Hub is part of broader efforts by NITDA to deepen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, promote digital skills development and prepare young Nigerians for opportunities in the global digital economy.
The initiative is expected to equip students with practical skills, creativity and entrepreneurial capabilities needed to drive technological advancement and support Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
Tijani Unveils High-Tech Innovation Hub at OAU, Urges Students to Build Solutions for Nigeria’s Future
