Tinubu Pledges Broadband Expansion, Strengthening of Policy Research Institutions

President Bola Tinubu has called on the new graduates of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), as well as other policymakers, to lead Nigeria’s digital transformation and foster tech-driven economic growth.

At the graduation ceremony of Senior Executive Course 46 of NIPSS, held on Friday in Kuru, Plateau State, the president emphasized that his administration is committed to enhancing NIPSS by fully digitizing its operations, developing a cutting-edge e-library, and establishing virtual learning platforms to ensure that executive education remains accessible and effective.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the president noted that the theme of this year’s course, “Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment, and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria,” aligns perfectly with his administration’s focus on innovation, youth development, and economic growth.

“The task ahead is not an easy one, but I have no doubt that you are equal to it,” President Tinubu stated, urging the graduates to return to their respective organizations with renewed purpose, understanding that the future of Nigeria depends on the quality of leadership they provide.

He highlighted the central role of technology in harnessing Nigeria’s youthful population—over 60% of the country’s demographics—to drive economic transformation. “Young people are our greatest asset. Their energy, creativity, and technological prowess must be fully harnessed,” the president emphasized, calling this an investment the country cannot afford to neglect.

Tinubu also outlined plans for broadband expansion, the promotion of digital entrepreneurship, and the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy to help Nigeria maximize the potential of its youth. He stressed that technology must be integrated into daily life and industries to harness the benefits of the ongoing industrial revolution.

The president reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening policy research institutions like NIPSS, recognizing their critical role in providing strategic direction for national development. “No nation that cares about its future underfunds the very institutions that provide strategic insights,” he stated, adding that the federal government had recently approved the takeover of the Oba Adetona Post-Graduate School of Policy and Governance Studies to bolster Nigeria’s policy research ecosystem.

Further reinforcing the importance of youth empowerment, Tinubu mentioned initiatives such as the Renewed Hope Skills Acquisition Programme, which equips young Nigerians with practical skills in technology, construction, and the creative industries, alongside support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, while congratulating the graduates, highlighted the state government’s plan to prioritize sending female candidates to the institute and requested additional slots to meet growing demand.

The Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, emphasized that the graduation represented a significant step in fostering strategic leadership in Nigeria. He noted that NIPSS has made great strides in making its research outputs relevant to today’s national issues, particularly in the context of the digital economy. “Nigeria must embrace these technologies to drive sustainability for generations to come,” he said.

Colonel Fakandu Bala, the Monitor-General for Course 46, shared that the 96-member class had developed two humanoid robots using locally sourced materials at the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), a facility owned by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). These robots are designed to improve workplace efficiency in environments such as hospitals and government offices, showcasing Nigeria’s potential to drive its development through homegrown technologies.

The graduation ceremony marked a significant moment in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to integrate technology into national development and empower the next generation of leaders to contribute to the country’s economic and policy transformation.