DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is stepping up its efforts to foster collaboration among researchers, technology experts, and academics in a bid to solve national challenges through innovation and cutting-edge technology. During a recent visit by the management team of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), led by Vice Chancellor Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa CCOE, underlined the agency’s dedication to creating a strong research and development ecosystem. This initiative is set to boost Nigeria’s overall capacity for Digital Transformation.
NITDA and NSUK Join Forces to Drive Digital Transformation Through Collaboration and Innovation
During the visit to NITDA’s corporate headquarters in Abuja, Director General Inuwa explained that the agency’s mission is to build a robust technology research ecosystem. He highlighted key focus areas including digital literacy, artificial intelligence (AI), and research and development (R&D). These areas are vital for the country’s development and align perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes digital transformation and equipping students with future-ready skills.
In a statement made during the visit, Inuwa stressed that stronger collaboration between academics, engineers, and entrepreneurs is critical for addressing pressing national challenges such as environmental sustainability, public health, and infrastructure development. He pointed out that the successful implementation of Digital Transformation in Nigeria will rely on integrating innovative technology with academic and practical expertise. “We are working towards creating an environment where innovation and research drive solutions to our national challenges,” he said.
One of the key outcomes of the visit is the planned Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NITDA and NSUK. This agreement is designed to formalize their partnership and set the stage for long-term collaboration. By pooling their resources and expertise, both organizations aim to accelerate innovation in Nigeria’s tech sector, empower students with digital skills, and drive sustainable national development through research-driven solutions. This MoU will serve as a cornerstone for furthering the nation’s Digital Transformation efforts, making it easier to implement technology-driven projects that can address both local and global challenges.
A significant part of the discussion revolved around the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. Inuwa highlighted that AI goes beyond just automating office tasks; it can revolutionize essential services like healthcare and agriculture. He offered a compelling example, saying, “Imagine developing a bot that can provide quality health services to our remote areas. One of the challenges we face in our healthcare system is the lack of professionals. It is difficult to get specialist doctors everywhere, but AI can help fill this gap.” This example underscores the critical role AI can play in improving accessibility to healthcare, especially in underserved communities. Recent studies in Nigeria have shown that AI-powered chatbots, including platforms similar to ChatGPT, can sometimes provide medical prescriptions that are as good as, or even better than, those provided by human doctors. This research further cements AI as a pivotal tool in the ongoing Digital Transformation of essential sectors.
Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman expressed her gratitude for NITDA’s continuous support and highlighted the positive impacts of the collaboration on NSUK. She mentioned that NSUK has emerged as a pioneer in NITDA’s digital transformation program—a model now being considered for expansion to other universities across Nigeria by the National Universities Commission (NUC). According to her, this initiative is a major step forward in ensuring that Nigerian students gain the digital skills necessary to thrive in a global workforce.
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In a clear demonstration of commitment, NSUK has already established a Digital Literacy Center at the Faculty of Engineering. The center is a hub for innovation where students are actively working on developing new technology gadgets and solutions. “Our goal is to ensure that our students are not only well-prepared for the local market but are also globally competitive,” said Professor Liman. The Digital Literacy Center is one of many steps taken by NSUK to embrace Digital Transformation and integrate advanced technology into its curriculum.
The joint efforts of NITDA and NSUK are expected to bring significant benefits to Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. The partnership aims to create a sustainable framework that will drive technology research and innovation. By fostering an environment where academic knowledge meets practical application, the collaboration is likely to inspire more research and development projects. This in turn will encourage a culture of innovation across the country, paving the way for improvements in healthcare, agriculture, education, and infrastructure.
Moreover, by integrating AI into healthcare services, the initiative has the potential to solve real-world problems. With AI-powered solutions, remote communities can access quality healthcare without the constant need for physical presence of specialist doctors. This innovative approach to healthcare delivery is just one example of how Digital Transformation can improve lives and drive social change. The successful integration of such technologies is expected to be a model for other sectors, demonstrating the broad applicability of digital innovation in solving national challenges.
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