The National Universities Commission (NUC) has received the first tranche of a €40 million loan secured from the French Development Agency (AFD) to fund ICT initiatives in 10 selected Nigerian universities. The initial disbursement of €3 million has been deposited into the Commission’s Central Bank account to begin implementation.
Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, Executive Secretary of NUC, described the project as a key step toward strengthening research, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and skills development across the university system.
He said: “We have secured €40 million from the French Development Agency for the ICT Blueprint Project in 10 universities, and the first tranche of €3 million is already in our account to commence the process.”
Ribadu highlighted other achievements of the Commission over the past year, including improved internal financial management, licensing of new private universities, approval of new academic programs, and the expansion of open and distance learning centers.
He added that the Commission has continued to support the establishment of publicly funded universities and maintain system-wide quality assurance, with the 2025 Accreditation Exercise currently underway.
The ICT Blueprint Project aims to modernize digital infrastructure, enhance teaching and research, and equip students with critical skills to thrive in Nigeria’s evolving digital economy.
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