Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE
It was a moment of quiet but powerful affirmation in Lagos recently, when the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) recommitted itself to a vision that could shape Nigeria’s future: digital inclusion for every citizen, no matter their background or location.
Standing before a small crowd at the commissioning of a new community ICT centre, NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, made a promise that carried both ambition and urgency. “We are setting up 1,600 ICT centres across the country,” he said. “Already, 222 of these are operational in schools, underserved communities, and innovation hubs. The digital age must not leave any Nigerian behind.”
This wasn’t just a ribbon-cutting ceremony. It was a flashback to years of growing digital awareness in Nigeria — a journey from slow dial-up connections to the smartphone revolution. Inuwa’s announcement brought fresh momentum to that journey. For many in attendance, it symbolized something far greater than free internet or computer labs — it symbolized access to opportunity.
A Vision Forged in the Trenches
Over the past two years, NITDA has quietly laid the groundwork for this digital surge. From remote villages in northern Nigeria to bustling urban hubs in the south, these ICT centres have sprouted — some as part of secondary schools, others as standalone tech hubs nurturing young coders and digital entrepreneurs.
Each centre is more than a building. It’s a launchpad for skills acquisition, a classroom for the future workforce, and a bridge connecting marginalized communities to the wider digital world. And in a country with one of the fastest-growing populations of young people globally, such infrastructure could make the difference between a missed opportunity and a transformed economy.
Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
Nigeria’s economic future is increasingly tied to digital transformation. As global commerce pivots online and artificial intelligence reshapes industries, nations must either adapt or be left behind. For NITDA, digital inclusion isn’t just about infrastructure — it’s about preparing the next generation to lead and innovate.
The rollout of the 1,600 ICT centres signals a national strategy that sees technology not as a luxury but as a basic necessity — like electricity or clean water. It’s about equity. It’s about jobs. It’s about Nigeria earning its rightful place in the digital economy.
Challenges Remain — But So Does Resolve
Of course, there are hurdles. Connectivity issues, power supply, digital literacy gaps, and sustainability concerns remain real. But the response from communities where the centres have already been established shows promise. Students now have access to coding bootcamps. Farmers learn to market their produce online. Local entrepreneurs explore e-commerce.
NITDA’s journey is far from over, but if the past two years are any indication, the agency is committed to translating policy into real-world progress.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria continues to navigate the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the message from Kashifu Inuwa and NITDA is clear: inclusion is non-negotiable.
This isn’t just about setting up computers. It’s about unleashing potential — one community, one youth, and one idea at a time.
The digital future is not coming — it’s already here. And with each new ICT centre, Nigeria is claiming its space in that future.
For more on NITDA’s digital inclusion initiatives and community ICT centres, follow our Tech Development section.
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