The Federal Government has announced plans to establish six specialised research hubs in artificial intelligence, robotics and cybersecurity across tertiary institutions, in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity in emerging technologies and digital innovation.
The initiative will be implemented through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), which said the centres will serve as advanced training and research platforms for students, academics and technology professionals.
Speaking at the inauguration of an advisory committee in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the fund, Sonny Echono, said the new centres would focus on critical areas, including artificial intelligence, robotics, machine learning, coding and cybersecurity.
According to him, the project is part of efforts to ensure that Nigerian universities are positioned to drive innovation in a rapidly evolving global digital economy.
“We are establishing these Centres of Excellence to strengthen research capacity in emerging technologies that are reshaping the global economy,” Echono said. “Artificial intelligence, robotics and cybersecurity are areas where nations are competing for leadership, and Nigeria must not be left behind.”
He explained that the committee inaugurated by the fund would recommend suitable universities with the technical capacity and infrastructure to host the centres.
“The committee will identify institutions that already have demonstrable strength in these fields and the ability to develop them into globally competitive research hubs,” he said.
Echono added that the initiative would also support the development of skilled professionals capable of addressing complex technological challenges.
“These centres will provide a platform for advanced research, innovation and training. They will help produce graduates with the skills needed to develop solutions in areas such as intelligent systems, robotics engineering and cybersecurity,” he noted.
The new hubs will increase the number of TETFund-supported Centres of Excellence in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, expanding opportunities for specialised research and collaboration between academia, industry and government.
Technology experts have increasingly emphasised the need for stronger research infrastructure in artificial intelligence and digital security as African countries seek to build competitive knowledge economies.
The planned centres are expected to play a key role in fostering innovation, supporting technological entrepreneurship and equipping students with the advanced digital skills required in the global workforce.
Once operational, the institutions hosting the centres will serve as national reference points for research, training and policy support in emerging technology fields.
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