The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has challenged Nigerian students to become active drivers of innovation and technological advancement, urging them to harness emerging technologies to develop solutions capable of transforming the nation’s economy.
Tijani made the call on Tuesday during the commissioning and handover of the Renewed Hope–NITDA Innovation Hub at Obafemi Awolowo University.
He described the facility as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future and a platform for nurturing the next generation of innovators.
The innovation hub, established by National Information Technology Development Agency in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative, is equipped with advanced laboratories dedicated to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Additive Manufacturing and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Addressing students, academics, alumni and stakeholders at the event, the minister stressed that innovation is driven by people rather than infrastructure alone.
“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 said.
He explained that the facility was designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical application, enabling students to transform ideas into real-world solutions.
According to him, access to information is no longer the primary challenge facing students in the digital era.
“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.
Tijani noted that innovation hubs such as the newly commissioned centre provide an environment where students can experiment, create and develop technologies that address societal challenges while contributing to national development.
“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,” he added.
The minister also urged students, faculty members and alumni to ensure the facility remains accessible and fully utilised, warning against allowing it to become an underused asset.
He maintained that Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a leading digital economy depends largely on the ability of young people to innovate and create value through technology.
“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 OAU, A. S. Bamire, commended Tijani and the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, for their continued support and investments in the institution’s digital transformation.
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 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 vice-chancellor noted that the partnership between NITDA and the university has played a significant role in preparing students to compete and thrive in an increasingly digital world.
