The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, on Monday commissioned the Renewed Hope-NITDA Innovation Hub at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, urging students to leverage emerging technologies to create solutions capable of competing in the global marketplace.

‎The commissioning of the state-of-the-art facility was one of the major highlights of activities marking the university’s 65th anniversary celebration.

‎Established by the National Information Technology Development Agency in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative, the innovation hub is equipped with laboratories for Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing), and the Internet of Things, among other emerging technologies.

‎The project is expected to strengthen research, innovation, entrepreneurship and digital skills development among students while positioning the institution as a major hub for technology-driven solutions in Nigeria.

‎Addressing students, staff and stakeholders shortly after unveiling the facility, Tijani described the hub as a strategic investment in the future of Nigeria’s digital economy and challenged students to move beyond the traditional mindset of job seeking.

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‎”This hub is an investment in your potential, not just your certificates. The world is changing rapidly, and the opportunities belong to those who can create solutions. Don’t wait to be hired; build products and services the world wants to buy,” the minister said.

‎He noted that access to cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Additive Manufacturing and the Internet of Things would provide students with the tools required to compete globally and contribute meaningfully to national development.

‎According to him, the facility aligns with the Federal Government’s broader strategy of building innovation ecosystems across tertiary institutions to nurture talent, stimulate entrepreneurship and accelerate technological advancement.

‎The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, represented by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan; the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Rt. Hon. Amb. Rafiu Adejare Bello; the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Kola Oluropo Akinfala; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Development), Prof. Akanni Akinyemi; and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) and Chairman of the OAU@65 Planning Committee, Prof. G.A. Aderonmu.

‎Speaking at the event, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Bello, described the innovation hub as a landmark investment that would significantly enhance the university’s capacity for research, innovation and knowledge creation.

‎”What we are commissioning today is more than a physical structure. It is a centre for ideas, creativity and innovation. It reflects our determination as a university to prepare students for the realities of a rapidly evolving world and to strengthen OAU’s position as a leading institution in Africa,” he said.

‎Bello commended the Federal Government and NITDA for bringing the project to fruition, adding that the facility would create opportunities for students to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions capable of addressing societal challenges.

‎Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Bamire, expressed appreciation to the minister and NITDA for the intervention, describing the project as one of the most significant legacies of the institution’s 65th anniversary celebration.

‎”This is more than a building; it is an investment in the future of Nigerian innovation. The future of technology in this country will be shaped by institutions that can produce solutions, not just certificates, and OAU is prepared to play that role,” Bamire said.

‎The Vice-Chancellor added that the facility would provide students with hands-on experience in emerging technologies and equip them with industry-relevant skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing digital economy.

‎”On behalf of the Senate, staff and students of this university, I express our sincere appreciation to the Honourable Minister and NITDA for this transformative intervention. The impact of this facility will be felt for generations,” he added.

‎In his remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) and Chairman of the OAU@65 Planning Committee, Prof. G.A. Aderonmu, described the commissioning as one of the defining moments of the anniversary celebration.

‎According to him, the facility would help bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical innovation by providing students with opportunities to develop market-ready solutions.

‎”The Renewed Hope-NITDA Innovation Hub represents a new chapter in our commitment to innovation-driven education. We are creating an environment where students can move beyond theory to developing solutions capable of addressing real societal and industrial challenges,” Aderonmu said.

‎The innovation hub is expected to support multidisciplinary collaboration among students in Engineering, Computer Science, Agriculture, Health Sciences, Social Sciences and the Humanities, reflecting the increasingly interconnected nature of modern innovation.

‎Although Tijani departed shortly after the commissioning due to other official engagements, activities marking OAU’s 65th anniversary continued with alumni reunions, cultural performances and other commemorative events across the campus.

‎For many stakeholders, however, the unveiling of the Renewed Hope-NITDA Innovation Hub represents one of the most enduring outcomes of the anniversary celebration, with the potential to shape a new generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and technology leaders from the university.