The Federal Government has commissioned a high technology innovation facility at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, as the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, urged students to move beyond acquiring knowledge and focus on applying it to build solutions for Nigeria.

Tijani spoke during the official commissioning and handover of the Renewed Hope NITDA Innovation Hub at OAU, established by the National Information Technology Development Agency in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative.

The facility houses modern laboratories dedicated to Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Additive Manufacturing, and the Internet of Things, and is intended to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical application.

Addressing students, academics, alumni, and stakeholders at the event, the minister stressed that infrastructure alone does not drive innovation. "Innovation does not come from buildings; innovation comes from people. Before all these buildings, this university had been producing talent, innovators, and people who have changed our country for good. It is not these buildings alone that will do it," he said.

Tijani noted that access to knowledge was no longer the primary challenge facing young Nigerians. "A lot of students are in school today at a time when knowledge itself is ubiquitous. There is nothing your teachers want to teach you that you cannot find online. The biggest challenge today is the ability to apply the knowledge that you have been given or that you find," he stated.

He urged students to use the facility to translate learning into action. "If you want to know how to build a helicopter today, you can find it on Generative AI. But the question is, can you translate that knowledge into action? That is what centres like these are meant for," Tijani added.

The minister called on students, faculty, and alumni to protect and maximise the facility. "This is an important asset. You have to take care of it and ensure it serves the purpose for which it was established," he said.

The Vice Chancellor of OAU, Professor A. S. Bamire, expressed appreciation to Tijani and NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa for their support, highlighting contributions including 50 laptops donated to students, a $1,000 fund for student innovators, and a commitment to install a 30 kilometre fibre optic network across the campus.