Nigeria’s 10 Federal Universities, Including Bayero University Kano (BUK), to Share $38M AFD Grant for ICT Development

 

In Nigeria, significant attention has turned to the “10 Nigerian” initiative, which involves ten federal universities selected to share a $38 million ICT development grant funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD). Launched on July 1, 2025, under the Federal Government’s Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project at the National Universities Commission (NUC) headquarters in Abuja, the initiative aims to transform Nigeria’s higher education sector through digitization. 

Representing all six geopolitical zones, Bayero University, Kano (BUK), is among the beneficiaries, alongside other leading institutions.The launch event drew prominent figures, including Education Minister Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa and French Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier, highlighting the project’s significance. BUK’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Amina Mustapha, emphasized that the grant will enhance internet bandwidth, upgrade ICT infrastructure, and boost digital literacy across the selected universities.

 The initiative is designed to create smarter learning environments, reduce the cost of educational services, and improve graduate employability by equipping students with modern digital skills. By modernizing infrastructure, the project seeks to align Nigeria’s higher education with global standards, fostering innovation and accessibility. The selection of these ten universities underscores a strategic effort to bridge regional disparities and promote equitable access to advanced educational tools, positioning Nigeria’s academic institutions for a digitally driven future.

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