Nigeria plans to establish universities as innovation engines with a new $8 million (N12 billion) research fund aimed at speeding the country's digital transformation and strengthening global competitiveness.
The fund, announced by Dr. Bosun Tijani, minister of communications, innovation, and digital economy, would focus on three priority areas: artificial intelligence (AI), nationwide connectivity, digital skills and literacy.
Tijani announced the initiative in Abuja at the 18th International Conference on Theory and Practices of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV), which was held by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
He stated that the program reflects a shift from ad hoc tech solutions to continuous, research-driven development.
“Digital technologies are now central to societal progress. No nation can achieve sustainable development today without embracing them,” he said.
According to him, the program would be carried out through research hubs, each hosted by six universities, expanding on previous support for over 55 nationally supported digital research initiatives.
The minister also revealed a major strategic partnership with the United Nations University (UNU), following a meeting with the institution’s rector, Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, on the sidelines of the conference.
Both sides agreed to work towards the development of a UNU Institute in Nigeria focused on Digital Public Infrastructure, with two additional potential research hubs.
Tijani expressed hope that at least one of the facilities will be launched before the end of his tenure.
Chair of the ICEGOV steering committee, Elsa Estevez, warned that countries must prepare for the social risks of rapid digital disruption, urging governments to regulate emerging technologies like AI while protecting citizens from misinformation.
“Innovation must remain people-centred and ethical,” she said.
NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, revealed that asides from the resources invested into this research, the government will also integrate digital literacy into the national school curriculum by 2026 as part of its broader Knowledge Policy and Digital Literacy Framework.
By deepening academia-led innovation and pursuing global research partnerships, the government is betting on intellectual capital as a catalyst for jobs, economic growth, and Nigeria’s role in shaping the digital future.
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