NITDA, varsity move to bridge digital skills gap
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NITDA, varsity move to bridge digital skills gap
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA and North West University have begun discussions on a strategic partnership aimed at bridging the gap between university training and the skills required in Nigeria’s technology-driven economy.
The proposed collaboration will focus on digital infrastructure, research, innovation, computer-based testing, open and distance learning, emerging technologies and human capital development.
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, stated this during an engagement with the management of the university, stressing that the partnership must produce sustainable outcomes rather than become another one-off intervention.
Inuwa said universities had a critical role to play in Nigeria’s digital transformation because they were responsible for producing the skilled workforce, knowledge and research needed to drive technological advancement.
He said, “We need to create an ecosystem where the university produces the human capital required by government and the private sector, while industry also contributes to the development of relevant skills and research.”
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The NITDA boss identified the mismatch between university training and industry requirements as one of the factors affecting graduate employability, urging institutions to strengthen partnerships with employers and technology companies.
He called for regular reviews of academic curricula to expose students to emerging technologies and equip them with practical skills that would make them competitive in both the Nigerian and international labour markets.
Inuwa also urged North West University to integrate digital literacy into its General Studies programme, noting that NITDA was promoting digital literacy through the National Digital Literacy Framework.
Beyond basic digital skills, he encouraged the institution to expand academic programmes in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, robotics and other emerging technologies.
He further advised the university to leverage the National Universities Commission’s Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards framework to develop programmes that respond to technological developments and emerging opportunities in the economy.
According to him, the collaboration between NITDA, Nasarawa State University and Cisco demonstrated the benefits of connecting universities with industry, particularly through practical training, professional certifications and academic recognition.
Inuwa said the proposed partnership with North West University should extend beyond infrastructure to research and innovation capable of addressing real-world challenges.
He advocated the early involvement of government agencies and private-sector players in university research, saying such collaboration would help move research findings from classrooms and laboratories into practical solutions.
He identified technical training, innovation laboratories, research collaboration and partnerships with global technology companies as areas where NITDA could support the institution.
The NITDA DG also cautioned against measuring digital development by the number of computers and other devices supplied to an institution.
He said while equipment could become obsolete, investments in knowledge, skills, research and innovation would continue to deliver benefits.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of North West University, Prof. Amina Salihi, said her administration had placed digital transformation and research at the centre of its development agenda.
Salihi said the university’s 14-point agenda was designed to reposition the institution as a competitive 21st-century university, noting that technology was essential to improving its academic standards, global visibility and ranking.
She said the university, established in 2012, had grown from four faculties, one campus and about 1,000 students to 10 faculties and approximately 30,000 students.
The Vice-Chancellor, who assumed office in December 2025, said her administration had conducted an assessment of the university’s needs, with infrastructure, power and digital technology identified as key priorities.
She disclosed that construction of a Computer-Based Testing centre was underway through the intervention of a philanthropist, and appealed to NITDA to provide the required information technology equipment.
According to her, the facility could be developed into an accredited centre for recruitment examinations and professional tests.
Salihi also disclosed plans to establish an Open and Distance Learning Centre, saying the initiative would require reliable digital infrastructure and technical support.
She appealed for additional digital devices, including laptops, to improve academic and administrative operations.
The Vice-Chancellor said the institution had received interventions from the state government, TETFund, the Energy Commission and private philanthropists, particularly in student accommodation and renewable energy.
She added that a two-megawatt solarisation project was being implemented at the main campus, while another solar power project was underway at the city campus.
Salihi expressed optimism that the engagement with NITDA would result in a structured partnership that would address the university’s technology needs while opening opportunities for research, innovation and digital skills development.
The discussions are expected to culminate in specific areas of cooperation aimed at strengthening digital education and innovation in the university and contributing to Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda.
