Bosun Tijani Challenges OAU Students to Drive Innovation as NITDA Unveils AI, Robotics Hub
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has challenged Nigerian students to become active drivers of innovation and technological development, urging them to harness emerging technologies to create solutions capable of transforming the nation’s economy.
Tijani made the call during the commissioning and handover of the Renewed Hope–NITDA Innovation Hub at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. The facility, established by National Information Technology Development Agency in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative, features advanced laboratories for Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Additive Manufacturing, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Addressing students, academics, alumni, and other stakeholders, the minister described the innovation hub as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future, stressing that its success would depend on how effectively it is utilized.
“Innovation does not come from buildings; innovation comes from people,” Tijani said, noting that OAU had produced generations of innovators long before the establishment of the new facility.
According to him, the hub was created to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical application, providing students with an environment where ideas can be transformed into real-world solutions.
He observed that access to knowledge is no longer a major challenge in the digital era, as information is widely available online. However, he said the real challenge lies in applying that knowledge to solve problems and create value.
“If you want to know how to build a helicopter today, you can find it on Generative AI. But the question is, can you translate that knowledge into action? That is what centres like these are meant for,” he said.
Tijani urged students, lecturers, and alumni to ensure the facility remains active and accessible, warning against allowing it to become an underutilized asset.
He further emphasized that Nigeria’s ambition to become a leading digital economy depends largely on young people developing innovative solutions that address societal challenges and stimulate economic growth.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of OAU, A. S. Bamire, commended the minister and the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, for their contributions to the institution’s digital transformation.
Bamire revealed that Tijani had donated 50 laptops to students, provided a $1,000 support fund for student innovators, and pledged to facilitate a 30-kilometre fibre-optic network to improve internet connectivity across the university.
He added that NITDA’s interventions have strengthened the institution’s digital infrastructure, improved students’ technology skills, and expanded opportunities for innovation, research, and technology-driven learning.
The Renewed Hope–NITDA Innovation Hub is part of broader efforts by NITDA to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, promote digital skills development, and equip young Nigerians with the tools needed to compete in the global digital economy. The initiative is expected to foster creativity, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement among students while supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
