27/07/2026
*University of Jos Set to Deepen Digital Transformation as NUC Targets Expansion of Blueprint ICT Development Project*
The University of Jos has been set for digital transformation as one of the 10 beneficiary institutions participating in the National Universities Commission's (NUC) Blueprint ICT Development Project, an initiative designed to transform teaching, learning, research and university administration through modern technology.
The assurance follows the inaugural meeting of the Project Implementation Committee (PIC), where the Executive Secretary of the NUC and Chairman of the Committee, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, announced that the successful implementation of the pilot project would pave the way for its expansion across the Nigerian University System (NUS).
Supported by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the Blueprint ICT Development Project is expected to strengthen Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure and build a more connected, innovative and globally competitive university system.
Professor Ribadu described the initiative as a strategic investment in the future of higher education, stressing that the project extends beyond the installation of computers and networking facilities. He added that, the Blueprint Project is a deliberate effort to reposition Nigerian universities for excellence by creating opportunities for innovation, improving education, public service delivery, and equipping graduates with the digital skills required to thrive in a rapidly evolving global environment.
He noted that the Project Implementation Committee is committed to ensuring transparency, accountability and professionalism throughout the implementation process while closely monitoring progress, engaging stakeholders and ensuring that project resources deliver maximum value.
For the University of Jos, participation in the pilot programme represents another important milestone in its ongoing drive to strengthen digital infrastructure, enhance collaborative teaching and research, and provide students and staff with world-class ICT-enabled learning opportunities.
During the meeting, NUC Director of Special Projects and Project Coordinator, Dr Joshua Atah, reported that despite initial procedural delays, the project has recorded significant progress and is expected to gather greater momentum in the coming months.
Project Management Officer, Engr Afolabi Ogunnusi, presented a comprehensive progress report covering activities from the project's commencement in October 2025 to July 2026. The presentation highlighted the Blueprint's ICT development vision, STEM transformation strategy, governance framework, implementation milestones, achievements, challenges and the next phase of implementation.
Members of the Project Implementation Committee commended both the NUC and the Agence Française de Développement for the progress recorded and expressed confidence in the project's capacity to transform the nation's higher education landscape.
On the primary objective of the Blueprint ICT Development Project, it is designed to deploy harmonized and integrated technology platforms that will support collaborative teaching, learning and research across participating institutions. The initiative also provides for high-capacity networking infrastructure, state-of-the-art ICT services, the integration of digital technologies into university operations, and the development of technical and managerial capacity to ensure sustainability and adherence to international standards.
University of Jos joins nine other leading Nigerian universities selected for the pilot phase of the project, namely the University of Ibadan, University of Maiduguri, Modibbo Adama University, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Bayero University, Kano, Federal University of Technology, Minna, University of Calabar, Obafemi Awolowo University and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
As implementation progresses, the University of Jos looks forward to leveraging the opportunities provided by the Blueprint ICT Development Project to further enhance academic excellence, strengthen research collaboration, improve service delivery and contribute meaningfully to the digital transformation of Nigeria's higher education sector.
The NUC expressed confidence that the lessons and successes recorded during the pilot phase will provide a strong foundation for extending the initiative to universities across the Nigerian University System, further accelerating the country's drive towards technology-enabled education and sustainable national development.
Tongdyen D.S. Dachung
PAR, Info & Pubs / Communications Officer, Blueprint ICT-Developmemt Project.
