Tinubu Pledges Broadband Expansion, Strengthening Of Research Institutions

President Bola  Tinubu has implored new graduates of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and other policymakers in Nigeria to take the lead in driving the nation’s digital transformation and tech-driven economic growth.

This, he said, is premised on plans by his administration to revitalize the NIPSS by fully digitising its operations, developing an advanced e-library, and establishing virtual learning platforms to ensure executive education remains cutting-edge and accessible.

President Tinubu gave the charge yesterday at the graduation ceremony of Senior Executive Course 46 of NIPPS, Nigeria’s premier policy institution, in Kuru, Plateau State.

The president, who was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, in a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, specifically noted that policy research, youth empowerment and technological innovation were indispensable in shaping Nigeria’s future.

He noted that this year’s course theme, “Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria,” perfectly aligned with his administration’s priorities.

“The task ahead is not an easy one, but I have no doubt that you are equal to it. You must return to your organisations and communities with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that the future of our nation rests, in part, on the quality of leadership you provide,” the president said.

He maintained that technology holds a central place in leveraging Nigeria’s youthful population, which constitutes over 60% of the country’s demographics, to propel economic transformation.

He said, “Young people are our greatest asset. Their energy, creativity, and technological prowess must be fully harnessed to propel our country into a new era of economic transformation. This is an investment we cannot afford to take for granted.”

The president promised that initiatives, including the expansion of broadband infrastructure, the development of digital entrepreneurship, and the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy would help the country maximise the potential of its youth population.

“We are going nowhere unless we are well positioned to utilise technology in our daily lives and guide our industries towards the demands of this new wave of industrial revolution,” he stated.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening policy research institutions like NIPSS, describing them as the “fulcrum of strategic thought” in national development.

Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, said the state government would prioritise sending female candidates to the institute, just as he appealed for the state to be given more slots to accommodate the growing demand for the institute’s admission.

“I want to congratulate you on having gone through this course, and I hope that what you have learned here will add value to our national progress,” the governor said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof Ayo Omotayo, said the graduation was a testament to the vision of the class and the institute to foster strategic leadership in Nigeria.

“In past years, we have made significant strides in making our research outputs relevant to today’s critical national issues. The digital economy is reshaping the global landscape, and Nigeria must embrace these technologies. We must drive sustainability for generations to come,” he said.