Nigeria plans to establish a new $8 million (₦12 billion) research fund aimed at transforming universities into innovation centers.
The project, designed to accelerate the country’s digital transformation, will distribute the funds across three key areas: artificial intelligence (AI), nationwide connectivity infrastructure, and digital skills and literacy.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijani announced the details of the program during the 18th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV) held in Abuja.
Tijani stated that the program will be supported through research hubs hosted by six universities.
With this project, the Nigerian government aims to deepen academia-led innovation and strengthen global research partnerships, positioning intellectual capital as a driving force for employment, economic growth, and the shaping of the nation’s digital future.