The University of Maiduguri has been selected among ten federal universities in Nigeria to benefit from the highly competitive Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project, securing a landmark $4 million grant aimed at transforming its digital infrastructure and services over the next four years.
The project, launched on July 1, 2025, in Abuja by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in collaboration with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), is backed by a €38 million funding facility from the French Government. The initiative seeks to strengthen ICT capacity and enhance digital services across selected Nigerian universities.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Mohammed Laminu Mele, received the official award letter from the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, who commended the University for emerging successful in a rigorous and transparent selection process.
Prof. Mele was accompanied by Prof. Mohammed Dauda, Chairman of the Proposal Development Committee, whose team prepared the University’s winning entry titled “Integrated ICT Infrastructure and Platform for University Services.” The proposal stood out among 28 submissions from other shortlisted institutions.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor stated that the $4 million funding would enable the University of Maiduguri to significantly upgrade its digital infrastructure, automate administrative processes, expand e-learning platforms, and build robust digital skills among staff and students.
“This award is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our team, particularly the efforts of Prof. Mohammed Dauda and his committee,” he said. “It marks a major step in achieving our vision of a smart campus that empowers people and nurtures innovation.”
The Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project is a key component of the NUC’s “Blueprint for the Rapid Revitalisation of University Education in Nigeria,” developed in 2018 to address infrastructure deficits, ICT gaps, and inefficient academic service delivery.
At the official launch in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Alausa, described the initiative as “a strategic investment in the future of Nigerian education,” adding that it is aimed at “building smart campuses, empowering smart people, and nurturing smart ideas.”
Also speaking, the NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, emphasized the alignment of the project with Nigeria’s broader digital transformation goals.
“Our vision for Nigerian universities is one where technology becomes the nervous system of governance, learning, and research. Digital transformation must become the standard,” Ribadu said.
With the successful implementation of the Integrated ICT Infrastructure and Platform for University Services, the University of Maiduguri is expected to reposition itself as a leader in digital innovation, academic excellence, and institutional efficiency in Nigerian higher education.
