Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has been named one of ten federal universities selected to benefit from a \$38 million Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Development Grant funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), under the Federal Government’s Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project.
The official launch of the transformative initiative took place on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at the National Universities Commission (NUC) headquarters in Abuja. The project is aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s tertiary education system through the establishment of smart campuses, enhancement of digital infrastructure, and adoption of innovative learning technologies.
Representing the Vice Chancellor of BUK at the event was the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Development, Professor Amina Mustapha, who was accompanied by the institution’s Project Team Lead, Dr. Faruk Umar Ambursa. The event also drew high-level attendees including the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa; Executive Secretary of the NUC, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu; French Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Mr. Marc Fonbaustier; and AFD Country Director, Mr. Xavier Muron.
During the event, the Honourable Minister of Education presented grant award letters to the ten selected universities, which represent all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria:
North-West: Bayero University, Kano
North-East: University of Maiduguri and Modibbo Adama University, Yola
North-Central: Federal University of Technology, Minna and University of Jos
South-West: University of Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
South-East: University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
South-South: University of Calabar
In his remarks, Dr. Alausa emphasized the project’s goal of repositioning Nigerian higher education institutions to compete globally. He noted that the initiative will strengthen digital systems, expand hybrid learning models, enhance research capacity, and improve teacher training through advanced technologies. “This is a golden opportunity to digitally transform our universities and improve the overall quality of education,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the BUK management, Professor Amina Mustapha reaffirmed the university’s commitment to effectively implementing the project’s goals. She highlighted that the grant would address significant ICT infrastructure gaps, enhance digital literacy, boost internet bandwidth, and ultimately improve the teaching, learning, and research environment at BUK.
“The Blueprint ICT-Dev Project will reduce the cost of educational service delivery, elevate institutional performance, and improve graduate employability by strengthening digital competencies,” she added.
The project aligns with the NUC’s vision under the Blueprint for the Rapid Revitalization of University Education in Nigeria, focusing on maximizing ICT integration and strengthening human capital across the tertiary education landscape.
