By Omoniyi David
The Federal Government plans to invest N12 billion in digital economy research to boost Nigeria’s global competitiveness and accelerate digital transformation.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, announced this on Tuesday at the opening of the 18th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV), in Abuja, organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Tijani said the funds will support three research clusters hosted by six universities each, focusing on artificial intelligence, connectivity, and digital skills and literacy.
He said the initiative aims to deepen research capacity and drive inclusive digital development.
The minister stressed that no nation can achieve sustainable growth without embracing digital innovation, adding that Nigeria’s participation in the 2024 ICEGOV earned it the right to host the 2025 edition.
Also speaking, ICEGOV Chair Ms. Elsa Estevez called for ethical and people-centred innovation, while NITDA Director-General Malam Kashifu Inuwa revealed plans to integrate digital literacy into school curricula by 2026 as part of the government’s Knowledge Policy Framework.
