The National Universities Commission (NUC) confirmed it has received the first tranche of funding from the French government to support ICT development. The NUC ICT grant — amounting to €3 million — will fund information and communication technology upgrades across 10 selected universities.
The deposit marks the start of a larger €40 million (or roughly $40 million) facility secured from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) for nationwide higher-education improvements. The commission’s Executive Secretary, Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, announced this during the inauguration of the 13th NUC Board in Abuja.
Moreover, the NUC ICT grant shows renewed commitment to digital transformation across Nigerian universities. The funding arrives as part of broader efforts to strengthen research, entrepreneurship, digital skills, and quality assurance throughout the tertiary-education system.
Following the grant confirmation, Ribadu said the €3 million tranche has already been deposited into NUC’s CBN account. This deposit triggers the start of the “Blueprint-ICT-Dev” project in the 10 selected institutions. He noted that since assuming office about a year ago, the Commission pushed several initiatives focused on research, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and skills development in the university system.
Furthermore, the Board Chair, Oluremi Raphael Aina, described the grant as a turning point for higher education in Nigeria. He said the board will anchor its work on five key pillars: performance evaluation, improved university rankings, digital literacy, research expansion, and institutional reforms. Aina stressed that Nigerian universities must meet global standards, not just maintain historical practices.
Additionally, the NUC ICT grant will support the licensing of new private universities, expansion of open and distance learning centres, and the approval of new academic programmes. The commission also aims to support the take-off of publicly funded universities and strengthen internal financial management. These efforts align with ongoing quality assurance exercises, including the 2025 accreditation process.
Moreover, the board expects to embrace digital tools actively. Aina mentioned the use of technology to drive administrative efficiencies. The push includes integrating digital platforms, promoting artificial intelligence and ICT skills, and improving regulatory oversight — all aimed at making Nigerian universities more globally competitive.
The NUC ICT grant signals a broader intention to reset and rebuild the national university system. The board pledges to work closely with management and stakeholders to dismantle systemic obstacles to quality, address funding shortfalls, and foster sustainable growth. The expectation remains that the ICT upgrades will form the backbone of long-term institutional reform.
This development — the NUC ICT grant — marks a significant milestone for Nigeria’s higher-education sector. It promises improved digital infrastructure, increased access, and enhanced learning conditions in 10 universities. The initiative sets the stage for a more modern, efficient, and globally competitive university system.
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