From Abdulwahab Muhammad, Bauchi
Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has reiterated his administration’s commitment towards enhancing the roles of technology in achieving sustainable development.
Mohammed stated this during the inauguration of the new ICT Centre at Sa’adu Zungur University.
TheNewsZenith reports that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) donated the centre.
The donation is part of their Corporate Social Responsibility and NNPC-SPDC joint venture.
The Director-General of the Bureau for ICT, Hayatuddeen Babamaji, represented the governor at the inauguration.
He said the state government has earmarked N100 million for youth engagement in computer programming and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“This occasion marks an important milestone in our collective journey towards building a sustainable digital ecosystem in Bauchi State.
“It is also a complement that the relentless efforts of our administration towards providing our students with the necessary tools to thrive in the digital environment.
“I thank the NNPC Limited, the Shell Petroleum Development Company and the JV partners for your partnership to sponsor this project,” Muhammad said.
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He further remarked that their generous contribution would make the ICT centre a reality.
“It also demonstrates your support for the advancement of education and technology in Bauchi State.
“The landmark ICT project will transform human capital development by cultivating highly skilled ICT specialists, equipped with cutting-edge technology.”
The governor noted that the facility would serve as a national catalyst for education, technology advancement and youth empowerment.
It would also nurture innovative solutions to address critical issues of national development.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Fatimah Tahir, commended the state government for continually supporting the university.
Tahir said the governor’s dedication towards developing education in the state has brought progress and development to the university.
She also commended the NNPCL and SPDC for their partnership on the project.
The project, Tahir said, will enhance the economic development of the university.
Also speaking is the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPCL, Dr Bala Wunti. According to him, the gesture is part of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of the oil giant.
“This project has a positive impact on the oil and gas industry and the fortunes of our nation. We kindly request your sustained collaboration as we strive to do more.”
“With the upcoming Kolmani Integrated Development Project, Bauchi and Gombe states will become the first two states in Northern Nigeria to join the oil-producing states in the country.”
In his remarks, the Managing Director of SPDC, Dr Osagie Okunbor, said the project was another important Social Investment project completed by Petroleum Development Company Joint Venture in North-East Nigeria.
“This facility was driven by a vision to enhance educational infrastructure, support access to high-demand IT skills and inspire greater IT ecosystem in North-East Nigeria,” TheNewsZenith quoted Okunbor as saying.
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