A €38 million credit facility from the French Government to support the modernisation of Nigeria’s public universities through a new project, the Blueprint-ICT-Dev, has been launched in Abuja.
The facility, secured by the National Universities Commission (NUC), seeks to enhance digital infrastructure and ICT capacity in 10 selected federal universities.
The institutions include University of Calabar (South South); University of Nigeria, Nsukka (South East); University of Ibadan (South West); Federal University of Technology, Minna (North Central) and University of Maiduguri (North East).
Others include Bayero University, Kano (North West); Modibbo Adama University, Yola (North East); Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (South West); Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (South East); and the University of Jos (North Central).
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at the formal launch of the Blueprint ICT Development (Blueprint-ICT-Dev) Project, Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, described the project as an ambitious step toward a digitally empowered higher education sector in Nigeria.
The minister applauded the French Government and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) for their visionary investment and unwavering support for the country.
The project, he said, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises human capital development, innovation, and educational reform.
According to him, the initiative aims to enhance education data systems, support teacher training, and promote digital literacy, flexible learning models, and community outreach.
Dr Alausa said it will also embed Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and entrepreneurial education across university curricula, stressing that it will strengthen research infrastructure and knowledge production capacity, enabling Nigerian universities to compete globally.
“With the Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project, we have a golden opportunity to enhance teacher training, improve content delivery through digital platforms, and enable continuous professional development.
“I urge the universities selected for this project to serve as centres of excellence for teacher innovation and instructional design, equipping educators with 21st-century tools and pedagogical skills,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, said the project aims to enhance digital transformation, promote innovation, and improve the delivery of quality education in a post-pandemic era.
Prof. Ribadu said the selected universities will benefit from improved ICT infrastructure, digital innovation, and enhanced institutional capabilities in technology-enhanced teaching, learning, and research.
The NUC Executive Secretary urged universities to automate institutional processes, leverage the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN), and view ICT as a strategic tool for enhancing teaching, research, administration, and governance.
The NUC boss clarified that the 10 selected universities are spread across all six geopolitical zones and will serve as pioneers in the digital transformation of the Nigerian University System.
In his remarks, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Marc Fonbaustier, described the launch of the Blueprint Project as “a decisive leap forward in Nigeria’s pursuit of inclusive, innovative, and future-ready education.”
He commended the foresight of the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission, and the leadership of the selected universities, noting that the project represents not just an investment in infrastructure, but in people, systems, and institutional transformation.
Echoing this sentiment, the AFD Country Director, Xavier Muron, highlighted the strategic alignment of the Blueprint with AFD’s commitment to strengthening higher education, fostering digital and entrepreneurial skills, and driving governance reform.
“This project is more than a milestone, it is a reflection of our shared vision to develop ICT-driven solutions that serve both academic and socio-economic goals,” he said.
He further emphasised the participatory and locally grounded design of the initiative, reaffirming AFD’s commitment to providing continued financial, technical, and strategic support to ensure long-term impact.
