FUTA, begins work on tech hub

IN a collaborative effort to harness the vast benefits of information and communication technology to transform Ondo State technologically and create employment for youths in Nigeria, the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and the Ondo State government, in collaboration with Emerging Communities Techup Initiative (Akure Techup), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation and development of the Tech Hub Project in Ondo State.

The Tech Hub, whose construction has started, is domiciled in FUTA.

Speaking at the event, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu said the readiness to solve national and global challenges through ICT had added to the wealth of developed countries.

He said if Nigeria would hold its own in the comity of nations, it must be technologically driven, as real political power resides in the establishment and utilisation of technological hubs for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) advancement.

The governor said that the average Nigerian youth has an innate potential to explore and create if given an enabling environment, hence it is important to empower and encourage them towards developing their respective capabilities with the view to making them entrepreneurs.

Akeredolu said it was time for Nigerians to develop indigenous means to do things differently and tap into modern innovative technologies in order to advance the country, as ICT-driven technology guarantees optimal output in all facets of life.

He commended FUTA for living up to its mandate of a university of technology, and that Ondo State, especially Akure, is proud to be associated with the institution.

Akeredolu said FUTA has proved to be a true centre of learning, research and technological advancement, and has set the pace nationwide irrespective of university rankings.