csrreporters 
In a landmark move to digitally transform Nigeria’s higher education sector, ten federal universities—including Bayero University, Kano (BUK)—have been selected to benefit from a $38 million grant under the Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project. This initiative, launched by the Federal Government and supported by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), aims to revolutionize learning through cutting-edge ICT infrastructure and digital innovation.
The project was officially unveiled on July 1, 2025, at the National Universities Commission (NUC) headquarters in Abuja. It focuses on creating smart campuses, enhancing hybrid learning systems, and expanding digital infrastructure across Nigeria’s top federal institutions.
Representing BUK at the launch, Professor Amina Mustapha, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Development), hailed the initiative as “a groundbreaking intervention” that will close ICT gaps and elevate the university’s teaching and research capacity. She was joined by Project Team Lead, Dr. Faruk Umar Ambursa.
“This support will expand internet bandwidth, provide modern ICT tools, and enhance digital literacy,” said Professor Mustapha. “It will reduce education delivery costs and equip students with digital skills that align with global standards.”
Federal Support and International Collaboration
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the project as a “golden opportunity” to position Nigerian universities for global competitiveness. He noted that the grant will also improve research capabilities, teacher training, and promote the blended learning model—a mix of physical and online education.
Dignitaries present at the event included:
- Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, Executive Secretary of the NUC
- Mr. Marc Fonbaustier, French Ambassador to Nigeria
- Mr. Xavier Muron, AFD Country Director
Together, they formally presented grant letters to the beneficiary institutions.
List of Beneficiary Universities by Region:
- North-West: Bayero University, Kano (BUK)
- North-East: University of Maiduguri; Modibbo Adama University, Yola
- North-Central: Federal University of Technology, Minna; University of Jos
- South-West: University of Ibadan; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
- South-East: University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
- South-South: University of Calabar
This ICT-focused funding represents a significant leap toward building a future-ready academic system in Nigeria—one that blends tradition with technology to meet the demands of a modern, digital economy.