By Admin Category May 19 2025 Comments (05)

2025 ComDICT Conference – NUC and NgREN Advocate for ICT development in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdulahi Yusuf Ribadu, ably represented by the Acting Director of Research, Innovation, and Information Technology (DRIIT), Mal. Lawal M. Faruk, delivered a goodwill message at the 2025 edition of the Committee of Directors of ICT of Nigerian Tertiary Institutions (ComDICT-NTI) Conference, held on 12 May 2025 at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

In his address, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) commended the organizers of the conference and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting quality assurance in ICT education through curriculum development and innovation. He noted that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is among the twelve emerging programmes being incorporated into the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for Computing. This initiative, he explained, is in response to the growing demand from universities and professional bodies, following a comprehensive curriculum review process that spanned over two years.

The Executive Secretary further disclosed that a panel of curriculum reviewers has been constituted and will soon engage Directors of ICT (DICTs) in Nigerian tertiary institutions through structured questionnaires. The aim is to collect actionable input that will help identify and address any gaps, leading to the creation of a robust, locally relevant, and globally competitive AI curriculum that reflects national priorities and supports indigenous innovation.

He also announced that the NUC is partnering with DAIMLAS, a U.S.-based AI ecosystem development firm, to establish an AI Centre of Excellence Platform. The platform is envisioned as a collaborative hub where Nigerian academics, lecturers, researchers, and students can connect, share knowledge, and co-create solutions. It is expected to significantly boost capacity development and foster innovation in AI across the Nigerian University System (NUS).

Additionally, Malam Faruk informed participants about the ongoing compilation of the NUS Statistical Digest for 2022, expressing concern that several institutions had yet to submit their data. He urged full cooperation to ensure the Digest is completed and published in a timely and accurate manner.

He concluded by wishing all participants fruitful deliberations and a successful conference.

As part of the plenary sessions, the Coordinator of the Directorate of Special Projects at NUC, Dr. Joshua Atah, was represented by Chief ICT Officer, Mr. Chinedu Otuya, who delivered a conference paper titled “ICT Infrastructure Development in Tertiary Institutions: The Role of Research and Education Networks (RENs).” The presentation examined the vital role of RENs in driving ICT infrastructure development, with a specific focus on the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN). Mr. Otuya highlighted NgREN’s evolution, impact, challenges, and future prospects. He underscored NgREN’s strategic importance in enhancing digital connectivity, fostering institutional collaboration, and strengthening ICT capacity across Nigeria’s higher education system.

In another key session, the NUC was invited to contribute to the panel discussion on “Strengthening Inter-Institutional and Inter-Organizational Partnership and Collaboration for ICT Development.” Representing the Commission, Mr Anthony Adejumo, Deputy Director of ICT, Directorate of Research Innovation and Information Technology, emphasized the critical importance of collaboration within the Nigerian University System (NUS) to accelerate ICT-driven transformation.

The conference was well-attended by key stakeholders in the higher education and ICT ecosystem, including the Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Dr. Akintunde Sawyerr; Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos and Keynote Speaker, Prof. Ishaya Tanko; Acting Director of Research, Innovation and Information Technology at the National Universities Commission (NUC), Mal. Lawal M. Faruk; ICT Director at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Mr. Joseph Odo; Director of ICT at the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Mr. Pius O. Ekireghwo; Head of Special Duties Unit of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Abubakar A. Dahiru; Chairman of ComDICT-NTI, Mr. Daniel Inusa Yakmut; Executive Members of ComDICT-NTI; and Directors of ICT from tertiary institutions across Nigeria—including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Also present were ICT vendors, development partners, sponsors of the conference, and members of the press. 

The conference provided a vital platform for stakeholders to reflect on the progress made in ICT integration across Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, exchange ideas, and explore strategies for deepening digital transformation through strategic ICT leadership, policy development, inter-institutional collaboration, innovation, and capacity building.