The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Tuesday commissioned a state-of-the-art ICT Park at the University of Ibadan, reiterating its firm commitment to fostering an enabling environment for Nigeria’s ICT sector to thrive.
Speaking at the commissioning, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the facility is part of a broader initiative encompassing six flagship digital infrastructure projects executed across the country to promote innovation and strengthen research capacity.
The EVC NCC, represented by the Commission’s Head of Technical Standards, Abraham Osadami, described the new ICT Park as a “one-stop hub for innovation,” designed to support emerging technologies and nurture homegrown digital solutions that meet Nigeria’s unique challenges.
“The facility is poised to become a powerhouse for innovation, research, and entrepreneurship in the Southwest region,” Maida said. “This is a major milestone in our digital transformation journey.”
Osadami, an alumnus of the university, reflected on the personal and national significance of the project.
“Having passed through the Great Wall 32 years ago, this moment is the fulfillment of a national assignment,” he said.
He explained that the choice of UI was strategic due to its historic role in advancing education and research in Nigeria, adding “UI is not just Nigeria’s oldest university—it is a launchpad for ideas. This campus represents more than a place of learning; it’s a springboard for real societal change.”
According to him, the facility is designed to support cutting-edge developments in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and other emerging technologies.
“It is equipped with high-capacity computers, intelligent networking systems, a multipurpose hall, and collaborative workspaces—all tailored to meet the demands of a growing digital economy,” he added.
Osadami urged the community, students, faculty, political leaders, and the broader Oyo community to treat the ICT Park as a shared legacy, adding “This is not just a building; it is a spark for a digital revolution.”
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, commended the commissioning as a defining moment for the institution.
“This ICT Park is a beacon of progress—a transformative gift to Nigeria’s premier university.
“We deeply appreciate the foresight and generosity of the NCC,” he said.
Prof. Adebowale stated that the facility would help bridge the digital divide, transform teaching and learning, and foster collaborative efforts to tackle global challenges.
“The world is undergoing a digital industrial revolution, and UI recognizes its role in preparing for the future. This investment is not just in UI—it is in Nigeria’s future,” he emphasized.
The ICT Park features a 100-seat main hall, five ICT hub halls, a 24-seater lounge with eight dual-computer workstations, collaborative workspaces, administrative offices, and high-capacity computing infrastructure with incubation centres.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Executive Director of ICT at the university, Mrs. Abiodun Alao, thanked the NCC for its numerous interventions, which she said had significantly enhanced digital capacity, learning infrastructure, and the institution’s international competitiveness.
Dignitaries in attendance at the event include: Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Peter Olapegba; University Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu Oke Saliu; and the Zonal Controller of the NCC, Mrs. Olubunmi Bamijoko, among others.
