By Fatima Ndagi
In a bold legislative move that could reshape Nigeria’s digital future, lawmakers are championing a bill to establish the Federal Institute of Information Technology in Idanre, Ondo State — a project seen as a game-changer for Nigeria’s tech-savvy but underserved youth population.
At a packed public hearing in Abuja on Tuesday, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, declared that Nigeria’s greatest untapped asset is its youth — and its greatest opportunity is technology.
Represented by Deputy Chief Whip Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka, the Speaker said the proposed ICT institute could become “a launchpad for young Nigerians to compete in the global digital economy.” The bill, he explained, is not just about infrastructure but about future-proofing an entire generation.
“With the right digital competencies, our youth can go from job seekers to job creators,” he said, calling the initiative part of a broader strategy to diversify the economy and build digital resilience.
The bill, spearheaded by Hon. Festus Akingbaso (Idanre Constituency), aims to bridge the technological divide by offering hands-on training in software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital entrepreneurship.
For many young Nigerians facing a shrinking job market and rising costs of education, this could be a lifeline.
“We’re talking about building a future where a brilliant teen in Idanre can code for Silicon Valley or launch a startup without ever leaving Nigeria,” Akingbaso told reporters.
The event also saw strong backing from Hon. Adedeji Olajide, Chairman of the House Committee on Digital and Information Technology, who described the proposed bill as “a national investment in digital equity and innovation.”
Even the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) threw its weight behind the project. Representing the agency, Mr. Emmanuel Edet said the initiative fits squarely with NITDA’s mission to democratize tech access and foster homegrown talent.
With over 70% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 30, the bill taps into a pressing need: creating an education-to-employment pipeline that is built for the digital age.
However, youth advocates warn that the institute must be more than a building — it must be a hub of creativity, access, and global relevance.
“This can’t be just another federal project; it needs to be a place where innovation breathes and talent thrives,” said Adaobi Nwankwo, a digital rights activist and founder of Tech4Naija.
As the bill moves through the legislative process, the excitement is palpable. For a generation eager to disrupt, build, and lead — this institute could be the catalyst they’ve been waiting for.
