NWUK, NITDA Explore Strategic Partnership on Digital Transformation, AI, Robotics and Human Capital Development

The Vice-Chancellor of Northwest University Kano (NWUK), Professor Amina Salihi Bayero, has paid a strategic courtesy visit to the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, in Abuja, with discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in digital transformation, innovation, emerging technologies and human-capital development.

The visit, which took place on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, provided an opportunity for both institutions to explore practical areas of partnership that could enhance the University's digital capacity while contributing to Nigeria's broader digital development agenda.

The Vice-Chancellor was escorted on the visit by the Registrar, Dr. Adm. Isyaku Adamu; Director, Advancement and Linkages, Professor Abdulmumi Yunusa; and the University Protocol Officer, Abubakar Ado Gwaram.

A major area of discussion was human-capital development, with emphasis on providing students, academic and non-academic staff, as well as members of the wider community, with relevant digital skills to improve entrepreneurship, employability and technological competence.

The meeting also considered possible NITDA support for ICT facilities that would serve both the University and surrounding communities, positioning NWUK as a potential digital development hub for Kano State.

Particular attention was given to the integration of 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 help ensure that NWUK graduates acquire contemporary and industry-relevant skills.

The proposed development of the NWUK Centre for AI and Robotics was another key area of discussion. NITDA support towards 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 explored the possibility of jointly developing curriculum components relating to the Graduate Skills Programme (GSP) for undergraduate students. Similar initiatives have been undertaken with institutions including Nasarawa State University, Keffi and the University of Abuja, providing a potential model for NWUK.

Possible support for laptops, Open and Distance Learning (ODL) infrastructure and Computer-Based Test (CBT) facilities was also discussed, although these areas were considered of comparatively lower priority.

To ensure effective follow-up, the meeting proposed the establishment of a Joint NITDA–NWUK Working Committee. The Committee would develop a Terms of Reference, identify priority projects, define responsibilities, prepare an implementation framework and facilitate the development of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions.

The proposed partnership is expected to accelerate NWUK's digital transformation, strengthen teaching and research, expand innovation and improve students' digital competencies. For NITDA, the collaboration offers 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 courtesy visit therefore marks an important step towards establishing a structured partnership between NWUK and NITDA, with the potential to deliver sustainable interventions in AI, robotics, digital literacy, human-capital development, curriculum innovation and ICT infrastructure for the benefit of the University, Kano State and Nigeria.