NUC Receives €3m To Kick-start ICT Projects In Varsities

The National Universities Commission (NUC) said it has received €3 million as the first tranche of the $40 million loan secured from the French Development Agency to support Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) projects in 10 selected universities across the country.

Executive Secretary of the Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, announced this during the inaugural meeting of the 13th NUC Board in Abuja on Wednesday.

Prof. Ribadu noted that since assuming office about a year ago, the Commission has pushed forward several initiatives centred on research, entrepreneurship, digital transformation and skills development across Nigerian universities.

“We have secured $40 million loan from the French Development Agency for the ICT Blueprint Project in 10 selected universities. We have strengthened – only yesterday, the Director confirmed to me that the first tranche of €3million have been deposited in our CBN account to kick-start the process.

“We have strengthened internal financial management, expanded access to university education through the licensing of new private universities, and approved new programs and units.

“We have also supported the take-off of publicly-funded universities, expanded open and distance learning centers, and continued system-wide quality assurance exercises. Currently, the 2025 Accreditation Exercise is ongoing.

“These priorities continue to form the foundation of the Commission’s direction, and I am seeking your support in advancing them,” he said.

Ribadu assured the Board of the Commission’s full cooperation, saying the management stands ready to draw from the members’ expertise.

“We will rely on your wisdom to guide us as we carry out our duties. I am confident that your collective experience will strengthen the Commission’s capacity to guide the Nigerian university system at a time when higher education continues to evolve. We also look forward to using your networks to help advance projects and partnerships that will benefit the Commission and the entire university system,” he added.

On his part, chairman of the 13th NUC Board, Emeritus Professor Oluremi Raphael Aina, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his sustained support for the university sector.

He said the Board was assuming its mandate at a time of transition for higher education, with global standards rising and expectations increasing.