UI Students to Benefit as NCC Commissions World-Class ICT Park at University of Ibadan

Students of the University of Ibadan (UI) are set to benefit immensely from a new wave of technological empowerment and innovation as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Tuesday commissioned a state-of-the-art ICT Park on campus. The project marks a major step forward in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey and places UI at the forefront of smart campus innovation.

The commissioning and handing-over ceremony, held within the university’s ICT zone, was led by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, who was represented by the Commission’s Head of Technical Standards, Engr. Abraham Osadami. Describing the project, Osadami called the ICT Park a “one-stop hub for innovation”, specifically designed to support student-led research, entrepreneurial ventures, and the practical application of emerging technologies.

In her welcome address, the Director of Information Technology and Media Services at UI, Mrs. Abiodun Alao, highlighted how students stand to gain directly from the facility.

“Between 2014 and 2018, the NCC donated laptops that became the first set of digital teaching tools in our lecture halls,” she noted.

“From 2022 to 2024, 110 all-in-one tablets were deployed for administrative use and extended to students who participated in academic competitions. Some have also benefited from NCC-sponsored training programs. This ICT Park will now serve as a resource centre where ideas long nurtured by our students can finally take flight.”

Speaking on behalf of Dr. Maida, Engr. Abraham Osadami underscored the long-term vision behind the project:

“Having passed through the Great Wall 32 years ago, returning to UI to commission this ICT Park is deeply fulfilling. This is more than an infrastructure project—it’s a strategic initiative to support innovation and strengthen research capacities across Nigeria’s top institutions.”

He continued:

“This facility is equipped with high-capacity computers, intelligent networking systems, a multipurpose hall, and dedicated incubation hubs. It’s designed to nurture emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things. UI students now have access to one of the most advanced digital environments in any Nigerian university.”

Osadami called on the student body and university community to maximize the opportunity:

“We urge students, faculty, and the Oyo community at large to treat this park as a shared legacy. This is not just a building—it is the spark for a digital revolution that must be sustained by innovation, collaboration, and responsible stewardship.”

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, also emphasized the student impact in his remarks:

“This ICT Park is a beacon of progress and a transformative gift to Nigeria’s premier university. It will bridge the digital divide, revolutionize teaching and learning, and create a collaborative environment where students and researchers can develop solutions to real-world problems.”

He added,

“UI recognizes its pivotal role in preparing Nigeria’s future leaders. This aligns perfectly with our vision to empower students through technology and foster an entrepreneurial mindset that can compete globally.”

The ultramodern ICT Park features a 100-seat main hall, five innovation and research hub halls, a 24-seater lounge equipped with dual-user computer workstations, several collaborative workspaces, and administrative offices—all tailored to student use and growth.

Present at the event were the university’s deputy vice-chancellor (administration) Professor Peter Olapegba, the University Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu Oke Saliu; UI SU’ President, Covenant Odedele, the Zonal Controller of the NCC, Mrs. Olubunmi Bamijoko; and several dignitaries from both the NCC and UI communities.