By Ahmed Ahmed
The Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has reiterated his administration’s commitment towards recognizing the roles of technology in achieving sustainable development.
The governor stated this during the official inauguration of New ICT Centre at the Sa’adu Zungur University which was provided by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility and NNPC-SPDC Joint Venture.
Represented by the Director General Bureau for ICT, Hayatuddeen Babamaji, the governor said the state government has earmarked the sum of one hundred million naira (N100m) in the 2024 budget for the engagement of youths in computer programming and Artificial Intelligence AI.
He said, “This occasion marks an important milestone to our collective journey towards building a sustainable digital eco system in Bauchi State.”
“It is also a complement that the relentless efforts of our administration towards providing our students with necessary tools to thrive in the digital environment”
“Let me extend my sincere gratitude to the NNPC Limited, the Shell Petroleum Development Company and the JV partners for your partnership to sponsor the execution of this project.”
The governor added that, “Your generous contribution has not only made the ICT centre a reality but also demonstrate your support to the advancement of education and technology in Bauchi State.”
“I understand that the ICT project is a landmark project aimed at transforming human capital development by cultivating high skilled ICT specialists, equipped with cutting-aged technology.”
The governor acknowledged that the ultramodern facility will no doubt serve as a national catalyst for education, technology advancement, youth empowerment, youth employment, and notouring of innovative solutions to address critical issues of national development.
The governor however said the centre will give students the opportunity to explore the boundless possibilities of digital world to acquire valuable skills and to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st Century.
He said, “I therefore encourage all our students to make use of this facility to emanate themselves in the world of information and communication technology, and to become driving force behind the digital technology of our state and our country in general.”
While assuring the government commitment, the governor said, “It may interest you to know that over the years, Bauchi State has been making significant strides in leveraging technology for efficiency as we have the role of technology driving sustainable development.”
“Our government digital transformation efforts is to enhance service delivery and transparency in government operations, creating job opportunities for youths, promoting e-commerce entrepreneurship and improves citizens access to quality education and health,” he added.
Earlier, Vice Chancellor of Sa’adu Zungur University Professor Fatimah Tahir commended the efforts of the Bauchi State governor for his continuous support to the university, saying that, “His vision and dedication to the development of education in the state has been instrumental in our progress.”
She also commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and Shell Petroleum Development Company SPDC for the partnership specifically on this project, which she said is geared towards enhancing economic development in the university.”