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Collaboration includes MoU for tech research, digital literacy centers, and AI-driven telemedicine solutions.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has deepened its commitment to leveraging technology for national development through a strategic partnership with Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK). The alliance, formalized during a high-level visit by NSUK’s leadership to NITDA’s headquarters, aims to harness artificial intelligence (AI), digital literacy, and research to address critical challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure.

“AI isn’t just chatbots—it’s a lifeline for rural healthcare. Our pilot with ChatGPT showed AI prescriptions matched or exceeded human doctors’ accuracy. Imagine deploying this across 774 LGAs, saving millions in avoidable medical trips,” said Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General, NITDA.

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Key Collaboration Areas

  1. AI for Healthcare: Developing AI-powered telemedicine bots to bridge Nigeria’s doctor-patient gap (1 doctor per 5,000 citizens, WHO).
  2. Agri-Tech Innovation: AI-driven solutions for crop yield prediction and soil health monitoring.
  3. Digital Literacy Hubs: Scaling NSUK’s Faculty of Engineering Digital Center to train 10,000 students annually.
  4. MoU Framework: Joint R&D projects, startup incubation, and curriculum redesign to meet global tech demands.

MoU will make NSUK ‘Silicon Valley’ of North-Central Nigeria

“Since partnering with NITDA, we’ve become a model for the National Universities Commission. Our students now build IoT devices for smart farming and emergency health drones. This MoU will make NSUK the ‘Silicon Valley’ of North-Central Nigeria,” said Prof. Sa’adatu Liman, NSUK Vice Chancellor.

Data-Driven Urgency

  • Healthcare Crisis: Nigeria has only 4% of required specialist doctors (NMEDS).
  • Digital Skills Gap: 12% of Nigerian graduates possess advanced tech skills (NBS).
  • Agricultural Losses: 40% post-harvest waste due to poor infrastructure (FAO).

NSUK’s Track Record

  • Pioneer Digital Hub: Trained 2,500 students in 2023 on AI, robotics, and 3D printing.
  • Global Recognition: 15 student projects shortlisted for international tech grants.
  • NUC Endorsement: Blueprint for 50+ universities under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Tinubu’s Vision Alignment
The partnership advances

  • 1 Million Tech Jobs: Digital literacy for 95% of NSUK graduates by 2027.
  • AI National Strategy: Position Nigeria among top 5 African AI hubs by 2030.
  • SDG 3 & 9: Quality healthcare and industry innovation through tech.

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