The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has received a major digital development boost following the award of a $3 million ICT grant aimed at upgrading its technology infrastructure. This milestone was made possible by a proposal led by Prof. Emenike Ejiogu, who also heads the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Power and Energy Development (ACE-SPED) at the university.
Funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), the grant is set to transform UNN’s three campuses by introducing cutting-edge digital tools and infrastructure. According to Prof. Ejiogu, the grant will be channeled toward strengthening digital learning, research, and administrative systems.
“This grant will revolutionize the way UNN operates. From smart classrooms to digital labs, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,” said Ejiogu.
Also Read: SESEI Empowers 40 Young Entrepreneurs with ₦4M in Startup Grants
The proposal, submitted in early 2023, underwent a rigorous evaluation process, including a review by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and field inspections by expert consultants. On July 1, 2025, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, officially handed over the grant certificate to Prof. Oguejiofo Ujam, Acting Vice-Chancellor of UNN, in Abuja.
Driving Innovation Through ICT
The grant will support various sectors beyond academia, including agriculture, healthcare, energy, and climate resilience through digital integration. One of the standout projects is the creation of a state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence and Digital Twin Laboratory, a space that will enable research, innovation, and development in AI technologies.
The university also plans to improve inclusivity, particularly by encouraging female participation in STEM fields through dedicated mentorship and training programs. Ejiogu highlighted that a major share of the funds will be used for digital skills training for both staff and students.
Other upgrades include:
- Installation of smart boards in 17 lecture halls
- Equipping 15 computer and language laboratories
- Expansion of campus-wide internet bandwidth
- Digitization of administrative systems such as transcript processing, staff evaluation, and exam records
E-Learning and Future-Ready Education
The ICT upgrade will significantly enhance UNN’s Centre for Distance and e-Learning (CDeL) and the university’s Sandwich Programme. A digital recording studio will also be established to support the creation of online course content and video lectures.
Prof. Ejiogu, who was recently named Nigerian Content Innovator of the Year, praised his research team’s efforts and acknowledged UNN’s supportive environment as key to securing the grant.
“This is just the beginning. We’ll keep striving for excellence and attracting more global research partnerships,” he stated.
UNN is one of 10 Nigerian universities awarded the ICT grant. Others include the University of Calabar, University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, UNIZIK, UNIJOS, FUTMINNA, UNIMAID, Bayero University Kano, and Modibbo Adama University.
Prof. Ujam expressed his appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Education for the support, noting that ICT development is essential to expanding education access and improving learning outcomes in Nigeria.
