On a sunny afternoon in Oko, Anambra State, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu officially opened a new N1 billion ICT Experience Centre at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko (OkoPoly). The ceremony drew a host of dignitaries, including the state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, his wife, and 16 other governors’ wives, alongside academics, industry leaders, politicians and local residents.
During the inauguration, Senator Tinubu highlighted the centre as a “major investment in the digital future of Nigerian youths,” stressing that such facilities are essential for equipping young people with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy. She noted that the project aligns with the technical mission of OkoPoly, where practical knowledge and industry‑relevant skills are central.
Rector Dr Chioma Awuzie welcomed the centre, describing it as a landmark achievement that would provide students and lecturers with hands‑on exposure to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, software development and other emerging technologies. “The future belongs to those institutions that can equip their students and young people with the skills to create, innovate and compete globally,” she said.
Dr Awuzie also explained that OkoPoly has positioned itself at the forefront of Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda by integrating digital innovation into its strategic direction. The ICT Experience Centre is part of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Initiative, a TETFund‑sponsored programme that selected six institutions nationwide as pioneer beneficiaries, each receiving N1 billion for the project.
“The intervention recognises the increasing importance of technology to education and national development while supporting programmes under the Renewed Hope Initiative,” said Aminu Bello Masari, chairman of the TETFund Board of Trustees. “It is an enduring platform for translating the First Lady’s vision for youth empowerment into tangible opportunities.”
Executive Secretary Sonny Echono added that the project represents an investment in human capital and a commitment to a knowledge‑driven economy, thanking President Bola Tinubu for creating a policy environment conducive to people‑centred interventions. The centre will be powered by a solar system to ensure regular power supply, and the polytechnic plans to partner with professional ICT consultants for its sustainability.
In addition to the ICT hub, the inauguration saw the launch of an ultra‑modern chemical engineering department and a digital examination centre. The event also showcased other developmental strides under Dr Awuzie’s administration, such as the completion of a TETFund‑sponsored building, a fully furnished skills acquisition centre, and the revival of the polytechnic’s water factory and bakery. The rector called for urgent intervention to address challenges like erosion around the campuses, perimeter fencing, and road rehabilitation to support the institution’s continued growth.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
