By CELINE-DAMILOLA OYEWOLE

First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu on Saturday inaugurated the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund)/Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) ICT Experience Centre at Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the First Lady also announced cash rewards for the institution’s best graduating male and female students during her first official visit to Ekiti State since President Bola Tinubu assumed office.

Tinubu said the ICT Experience Centre was part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing education in Nigeria.

“The TETFund/RHI ICT Experience Centre is more than a physical structure. It is the unveiling of opportunity, innovation, knowledge and hope for the future of our young people.

“This initiative is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Tinubu, which places emphasis on youth empowerment, education, innovation and economic transformation.

“Mr President remains committed to creating opportunities that will equip Nigerian youth with the skills needed to thrive in a modern and competitive world,” she said.

The First Lady expressed appreciation to the people of Ekiti State, particularly Gov. Biodun Oyebanji and his wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, for the warm reception accorded her.

“I am delighted to join you today at the official commissioning of the TETFund/RHI ICT Experience Centre here at Ekiti State University.

“This is my first official visit to Ekiti State, the Fountain of Knowledge, since my husband became President.

“I thank Gov. Oyebanji and his amiable wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, the management of Ekiti State University, TETFund, members of the academic community, our dear students and the good people of Ekiti State for the warm reception.

“I am informed that this facility has been designed as a modern technology centre equipped with ICT laboratories, interactive digital displays, conference facilities and exhibition spaces, which will create an enabling environment for learning, creativity and technological advancement for our students,” Tinubu said.

According to her, six tertiary institutions across the country’s six geopolitical zones benefited from the pilot phase of the project.

She listed the beneficiaries as Ekiti State University, Anambra State Polytechnic, Kaduna State University, Kwara State University, University of Cross River State and Taraba State University.

Mrs Tinubu said the remaining institutions would soon have their centres commissioned.

She added that the next phase of the intervention would cover 15 institutions in Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Katsina, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Yobe, Rivers and Zamfara states, where construction is ongoing.

According to her, the expansion demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that more Nigerian youths, irrespective of location, have access to digital learning opportunities.

“To our dear students, this centre has been established for you, to help you learn, innovate, develop solutions and unlock your full potential.

“I encourage you to take ownership of this facility, maximise the opportunities it provides and use technology positively to transform your lives, communities and the nation as a whole.

“I commend the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Architect Sonny Echono, and the entire board and management of TETFund for this collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative and for their commitment to infrastructure and human capital development across our tertiary institutions.

“As we commission this ICT Experience Centre today, may it inspire creativity, foster technological advancement and contribute meaningfully to the development of our nation,” she said.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of EKSU, Prof. Joseph Ayodele, expressed appreciation to the First Lady, TETFund and the university’s Chancellor, Dr Tunji Olowolafe, for their support to the institution.

“I want to assure you, Ma, that we are going to make the best use of the facility for the development of the students and ensure that our students are well equipped to compete with their peers across the world,” he said. (NAN)

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