Students of the University of Cross River State, UNICROSS, are set to gain greater access to digital education and emerging technologies following the commissioning of a N1 billion Information and Communication Technology, ICT, Digital Experience Centre at the institution.

The facility, commissioned on Friday at the university’s main campus in Calabar by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is designed to provide free access to laptops, desktops and other digital resources, particularly for students who cannot afford personal devices.

The centre is an initiative of the Renewed Hope Initiative in partnership with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, and forms part of a wider intervention targeting tertiary institutions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Speaking at the commissioning, Senator Tinubu said the initiative was intended to remove device ownership and electricity challenges that often prevent young Nigerians from taking full advantage of digital learning opportunities.

She said the centres would provide students with the opportunity to learn, create and develop digital competencies needed to participate effectively in the modern economy.

The Chairman of the TETFund Board of Trustees, Rt. Hon. Aminu Masari, disclosed that six institutions were selected as pioneer beneficiaries of the intervention under the Fund’s 2024 activities, with each geopolitical zone receiving an ICT Experience Centre.

According to him, N1 billion was approved for each zone, with UNICROSS serving as the South-South hub.

Masari said the facility would expose students and lecturers to critical areas such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics and software development.

He added that the centre would also promote the application of emerging technologies in key sectors including agriculture, healthcare, security, media and mining.

The TETFund Chairman said the intervention was designed not only to improve access to technology but also to enhance graduate employability, stimulate innovation and prepare Nigerian youths for competition in the global technology-driven economy.

Also speaking, Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, described the centre as an important investment in digital empowerment and education.

He said the facility would help reduce the digital divide among students while equipping them with skills required to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Earlier, TETFund Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, said the project represented the Fund’s commitment to expanding technology-enabled learning and strengthening digital infrastructure in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Echono urged the university management to ensure proper maintenance, security and regular upgrading of the facility and its equipment.

He stressed that the centres should be viewed beyond physical infrastructure, describing them as platforms for creating opportunities, promoting research and developing the skills needed to build a knowledge-based economy.

The initiative is expected to particularly benefit students without personal digital devices, giving them improved access to technology and helping to promote greater equality in education and digital learning.