10 Nigerian Federal Universities to Share $38 Million ICT Grant for Digital Transformation

Ten federal universities in Nigeria, including Bayero University, Kano (BUK), have been selected to benefit from a $38 million grant under the Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project, a transformative initiative by the Federal Government supported by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD). The project is geared toward revolutionising the country’s higher education system through digital innovation and infrastructural development.

The project was officially launched on July 1, 2025, at the National Universities Commission (NUC) headquarters in Abuja. It aims to establish smart campuses, promote hybrid learning models, and significantly improve ICT infrastructure across Nigerian universities.

Representing Bayero University, Kano at the launch, Professor Amina Mustapha, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Development), described the initiative as “a groundbreaking intervention” that will help bridge longstanding ICT gaps at the institution. She was accompanied by the Project Team Lead, Dr. Faruk Umar Ambursa.

“This intervention will enhance digital literacy, expand internet bandwidth, and provide access to modern ICT tools,” Professor Mustapha said. “It will ultimately improve teaching, learning, and research at BUK, reduce the cost of education delivery, and improve graduate employability by equipping students with globally relevant digital skills.”

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, commended the initiative as a “golden opportunity” to reposition Nigerian universities for global competitiveness. He emphasized that the funding will strengthen research capacity, support teacher training, and accelerate the adoption of blended learning systems.

Also present at the launch event were the Executive Secretary of the NUC, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu; the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Marc Fonbaustier; and the AFD Country Director, Mr. Xavier Muron. The trio formally presented grant letters to the selected institutions.

Beneficiary Universities by Region:

• North-West: Bayero University, Kano (BUK)
• North-East: University of Maiduguri; Modibbo Adama University, Yola
• North-Central: Federal University of Technology, Minna; University of Jos
• South-West: University of Ibadan; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
• South-East: University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
• South-South: University of Calabar