From Paul Orude Bauchi
Bauchi State Government has earmarked the sum of N100 million in the 2024 budget for the engagement of youths in computer programming and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Governor Bala Mohammed disclosed this at the official inauguration of New ICT Centre at the Sa’adu Zungur University.
The State of the art ICT Centre was donated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility and NNPC-SPDC Joint Venture.
Mohammed, who commended the NNPCL and the SPDC for the donation, reiterated his administration’s commitment towards recognizing the roles of technology in achieving sustainable development.
The governor, who was represented by the Director General, Bureau for ICT, Hayatuddeen Babamaji, said the inauguration of the ICT Centre in SAZU marked an important milestone in the collective journey towards building a sustainable digital eco system in Bauchi State.
“It is also a complement that the relentless efforts of our administration towards providing our students with necessary tools to thrive in the digital environment,” Governor Mohammed stated
“Let me extend my sincere gratitude to the NNPC Limited, SPDC and the JV partners for your partnership to sponsor the execution of this project.
“Your generous contribution has not only made the ICT centre a reality but also demonstrate your support to the advancement of education and technology in Bauchi State.
“I understand that the ICT project is a landmark project aimed at transforming human capital development by cultivating high skilled ICT specialists, equipped with cutting-aged technology.”
The governor acknowledged that the ultramodern facility will no doubt serve as a national catalyst for education, technology advancement, youth empowerment, youth employment, and nurturing of innovative solutions to address critical issues of national development.
The governor however said the Centre will give students the opportunity to explore the boundless possibilities of digital world to acquire valuable skills and to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st Century.
“I therefore encourage all our students to make use of this facility to emanate themselves in the world of information and communication technology, and to become driving force behind the digital technology of our state and our country in general,” he advised.
“It may interest you to know that over the years, Bauchi State has been making significant strides in leveraging technology for efficiency as we have the role of technology driving sustainable development.”
“Our government digital transformation efforts is to enhance service delivery and transparency in government operations, creating job opportunities for youths, promoting e-commerce entrepreneurship and improves citizens access to quality education and health,” he added.
Earlier, Vice Chancellor of Sa’adu Zungur University Professor Fatimah Tahir commended the efforts of the Bauchi State governor for his continuous support to the university.
“This vision and dedication to the development of education in the state has been instrumental in our progress,” Tahir explained.
She also commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and Shell Petroleum Development Company SPDC for the partnership specifically on ICT project, which she said is geared towards enhancing economic development in the university.”
In his remarks, Chief Upstream Investment Officer (CUIO), NNPC Limited Dr. Bala Wunti stressed that Corporate Social Responsibility has always been a hallmark of the NNPC-SPDC Joint Venture (JV).
“For several decades, the Joint Venture has consistently invested in impactful Corporate Social Responsibility initiative across the length and breadth of Nigeria,” Wunti said,
“Today, the Joint Venture is in Bauchi to celebrate the completion of a state-of-the-art ICT centre at the Bauchi State University, Gadau. This is indeed no mean feat and a milestone worthy of celebration.”
Also speaking during the occasion, Managing Director, SPDC & Country Shell Companies in Nigeria, Dr. Osagie Okumbor, the ICT Centre as an important social investment project completed by Petroleum Development Company Joint Venture in North-East Nigeria.
He expressed happiness that the collaboration of Joint Venture partners and Sa’adu Zungur University has resulted in the success of the project, which is a social investment project that demonstrate the commitment to improving access to quality education for every Nigerian.
The state-of-the-art ICT Centre which located at the main campus of Sa’adu Zungur University is fully equipped with the latest technology to ensure effective teaching and learning especially in the area of information and communication.