Northwest University Kano (NWUK) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) are exploring a strategic partnership to strengthen digital transformation, innovation, emerging technologies and human-capital development.
The Vice-Chancellor of NWUK, Professor Amina Salihi Bayero, made this known during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, in Abuja on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
The engagement focused on identifying practical areas of collaboration that could enhance the university’s digital capacity and contribute to Nigeria’s broader digital development agenda.
Professor Bayero was accompanied by the University Registrar, Dr Adm. Isyaku Adamu; Director of Advancement and Linkages, Professor Abdulmumi Yunusa; and University Protocol Officer, Abubakar Ado Gwaram.
A key focus of the discussions was human-capital development, particularly equipping students, academic and non-academic staff, as well as members of surrounding communities, with relevant digital skills.
The proposed interventions are expected to improve employability, entrepreneurship and technological competence among beneficiaries.
The institutions also discussed possible NITDA support for ICT infrastructure that would serve both the university and neighbouring communities, with the aim of positioning NWUK as a digital development hub in Kano State.
Particular emphasis was placed on integrating emerging technologies into the university’s academic programmes, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud technology and architecture, e-commerce and digital literacy.
The collaboration is expected to ensure that graduates acquire contemporary, industry-relevant skills that align with the demands of the digital economy.
Another major area of discussion was the proposed NWUK Centre for AI and Robotics. Potential NITDA support for equipping and strengthening the centre could enhance practical training, research, robotics development and innovation, while positioning the facility as a regional hub for AI and robotics.
The two institutions also considered jointly developing curriculum components linked to the Graduate Skills Programme (GSP) for undergraduate students.
The proposal draws on similar initiatives implemented in institutions such as Nasarawa State University, Keffi, and the University of Abuja.
Possible support for laptops, Open and Distance Learning (ODL) infrastructure and Computer-Based Test (CBT) facilities was also discussed, although these areas were identified as lower priorities compared with the proposed digital skills and AI initiatives.
To ensure effective implementation and follow-up, the meeting proposed the establishment of a Joint NITDA–NWUK Working Committee.
The committee is expected to develop its Terms of Reference, identify priority projects, define responsibilities, prepare an implementation framework and facilitate the development of a Memorandum of Understanding between both institutions.
The proposed partnership is expected to accelerate NWUK’s digital transformation, strengthen teaching and research, promote innovation and enhance students’ digital competencies.
For NITDA, the collaboration provides an opportunity to deepen digital-skills development, technology education and inclusive digital transformation within the university community and the wider population in Kano State.
The engagement therefore marks an important step towards a structured partnership between NWUK and NITDA, with potential interventions in AI, robotics, digital literacy, human-capital development, curriculum innovation and ICT infrastructure.