Tijani Challenges Students to Build Nigeria’s Future as OAU Unveils High-Tech Innovation Hub

“Innovation does not come from buildings; innovation comes from people.” Says Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy

.... Says "OAU had long been a breeding ground for talents and innovators before the construction of the facility."

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has challenged Nigerian students to move beyond acquiring knowledge and focus on developing practical solutions capable of transforming the nation’s economy.

Speaking at the commissioning and handover of the Renewed Hope–NITDA Innovation Hub at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Tijani described the facility as a strategic investment designed to nurture innovation, entrepreneurship and technological advancement among young Nigerians.

The state-of-the-art hub, established by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative, features advanced laboratories dedicated to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Additive Manufacturing and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Addressing students, academics, alumni and stakeholders, the minister stressed that innovation is driven by people rather than infrastructure, urging students to maximise the opportunities provided by the new centre.

“Innovation does not come from buildings; innovation comes from people,” Tijani said, noting that OAU had long been a breeding ground for talents and innovators before the construction of the facility.

He observed that access to knowledge is no longer a major challenge in the digital era, arguing that the real test for students is their ability to apply what they learn to solve real-world problems.

According to him, innovation hubs are designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical application by providing a platform where ideas can be transformed into products and solutions that address societal challenges.

Tijani also urged students, lecturers and alumni to ensure the hub remains active and productive, warning against allowing the facility to become underutilised.

He maintained that Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a leading digital economy would largely depend on the capacity of its young population to innovate, create value and develop technology-driven solutions.

In his remarks, OAU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A.S. Bamire, commended Tijani and NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, for their sustained support towards the institution’s digital transformation agenda.

Bamire highlighted several interventions by the minister, including the donation of 50 laptops to students, a $1,000 support fund for student innovators and a commitment to provide a 30-kilometre fibre-optic network to improve internet connectivity across the campus.

He also praised NITDA for providing critical digital infrastructure and innovation facilities that have enhanced students’ digital skills, strengthened research capacity and expanded opportunities for technology-driven learning.

The Renewed Hope–NITDA Innovation Hub is part of broader efforts to deepen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, promote digital skills development and equip young Nigerians with the tools needed to compete in the global digital economy.