The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday inaugurated a Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Experience Centre at Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra.
Tinubu, accompanied by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, his wife, Dr Nonye Soludo, and other dignitaries, described the facility as a major investment in the digital future of Nigerian youths.
The centre is designed to equip students and lecturers with digital skills in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, robotics and software development.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Chairman of the TETFund Board of Trustees, Alhaji Aminu Masari, said Federal Polytechnic, Oko, was one of six institutions selected nationwide as pioneer beneficiaries.
Masari said the projects, approved under TETFund’s 2024 activities, were implemented across the six geopolitical zones at a total cost of one billion naira per zone.
He said the intervention recognised the growing importance of technology to education and national development while supporting programmes of the Renewed Hope Initiative.
“The centre will provide an enduring platform for translating the First Lady’s vision for youth empowerment into tangible opportunities,” Masari said.
Also, the Executive Secretary, TETFund, Mr Sonny Echono, described the centre as an investment in human capital and the future of Nigerian youths.
He said the initiative aligned with TETFund’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s human capital and promoting a knowledge-driven economy.
Echono thanked President Bola Tinubu for providing the policy environment that encouraged people-centred interventions across the country.
He also commended the First Lady for her commitment to women empowerment and youth development.
Earlier, the Rector of the polytechnic, Dr Chioma Awuzie, described the project as a landmark achievement for the institution.
Awuzie said the centre would provide students with opportunities in digital skills, employment, entrepreneurship, innovation, educational resources and networking.
The rector, however, appealed to the First Lady and other stakeholders for urgent intervention to address challenges confronting the polytechnic, particularly the threatening erosion in parts of its environment.
