Tijani Rallies Students to Turn Ideas Into Solutions at New NITDA Hub
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Tijani Rallies Students to Turn Ideas Into Solutions at New NITDA Hub
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has urged Nigerian students to move beyond acquiring knowledge and focus on developing practical solutions that can drive national development and economic growth.
Tijani made the call during the commissioning and handover of the Renewed Hope–NITDA Innovation Hub at Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, describing the facility as a platform designed to help young people transform ideas into innovations with real-world impact.
The innovation hub, established by the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative, is equipped with laboratories for Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Additive Manufacturing and the Internet of Things.
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Addressing students, academics, alumni and other stakeholders at the event, the minister stressed that the value of the facility would be determined not by its physical infrastructure but by the innovations it produces.
“Innovation does not come from buildings; innovation comes from people,” Tijani said.
“Before all these buildings, this university had been producing talent, innovators and people who have changed our country for good. It is not these buildings alone that will do it.”
He noted that while access to information has become easier than ever, the real challenge facing students today is applying knowledge to solve problems and create value.
“A lot of students are in school today at a time when knowledge itself is ubiquitous. There is nothing your teachers want to teach you that you cannot find online. The biggest challenge today is the ability to apply the knowledge that you have been given or that you find,” he said.
According to him, innovation hubs provide the environment for students to experiment, develop ideas and create solutions capable of addressing societal challenges.
“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. When you are taught, you come here and apply that knowledge to build something,” he added.
The minister urged students, lecturers and alumni to take ownership of the facility and ensure that it remains active and productive.
He warned that Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a leading digital economy would depend largely on the ability of young people to innovate and build technology-driven solutions.
“The leaders can try, but if you do not apply your knowledge to build solutions, we will not get to where we need to be. This is an important asset. You have to take care of it and ensure it serves the purpose for which it was established,” he said.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Prof. A. S. Bamire, commended Tijani and the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, for their continued support towards the institution’s digital transformation efforts.
Bamire disclosed that the minister had previously donated 50 laptops to students, provided a $1,000 support fund for student innovators and pledged to facilitate the deployment of a 30-kilometre fibre-optic network across the university.
He said NITDA’s interventions had strengthened the institution’s digital infrastructure, enhanced students’ technological skills and expanded opportunities for innovation and research.
The vice-chancellor expressed optimism that the newly commissioned hub would serve as a catalyst for technological advancement and entrepreneurship among students.
The Renewed Hope–NITDA Innovation Hub is part of ongoing efforts by NITDA to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, promote digital skills development and equip young Nigerians with the tools required to compete in the global digital economy.
