The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a $40 million initiative, the Blueprint ICT Development (Blueprint-ICT-Dev) Project, to transform the country’s tertiary education system through digital infrastructure and innovation.

During the launch in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the project would be implemented across 10 federal universities nationwide.

The 10 universities selected to pilot the Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project are the University of Calabar, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Ibadan, Federal University of Technology, Minna, University of Maiduguri, Bayero University, Kano, Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and the University of Jos.

According to him, the project reflected a renewed national focus on digital transformation, inclusive education, and human capital development.

“This project is a strategic investment in the future of Nigerian education. It’s about building smart campuses, empowering smart people, and nurturing smart ideas,” Alausa said.

Noting that the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, it is expected to serve as a model for innovation and international partnership in higher education.

He further explained that the project would support universities in digitising administrative systems, creating hybrid and cross-border academic programmes, and enhancing transnational education cooperation.

“The initiative would promote teacher training, improve education data systems, and integrate Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) across university curricula to support skills-based learning,” he added.

Other focus areas include the development of digital libraries, enhancement of research management systems, and connection of all participating universities to the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN).

Coordinator of Special Projects at the National Universities Commission (NUC), Dr. Joshua Atah, noted that the project was structured into two main components:

Component One ($38 million): This would support ICT upgrades in 10 selected federal universities. It included renovation of digital infrastructure, improved campus connectivity, academic staff training, and provision of digital resources for students.

Component Two ($2 million): This would fund the development of a National STEM Transformation Strategy, cover committee formation, labour market research, awareness campaigns, and STEM pilot initiatives.

Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, described the initiative as a major step towards academic excellence through digital transformation.

“With this privilege comes responsibility. Success will be measured not just by infrastructure but by the lives transformed,” Ribadu said.