In a collaborative effort to harness the vast benefits of information and communication technology to transform the state technologically and create employment for youths in Nigeria, the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA 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 has added to the wealth of developed countries.
He said if Nigeria will hold its own in the comity of nations, it must be technologically driven as real political power resides in the establishment and utilization 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 of 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.
The Governor 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.
He said FUTA has proven to be a true Centre of learning, research and technological advancement and has hitherto set the pace nationwide irrespective of University rankings. The Governor expressed confidence that the Tech Hub will drive unprecedented growth by developing societally relevant solutions for FUTA, Ondo State, Nigeria, Africa and the globe as a whole.
Also speaking the Vice-Chancellor, FUTA, Professor Joseph Fuwape appreciated the governor for extending a hand of fellowship to the Institution describing it as a long awaited opportunity to partner with the government for the common good and mutual benefits of the good people of Ondo State, FUTA and Nigeria.
He said FUTA is willing to further collaborate with the state Government on renewable energy, Biotechnology capacity building, Food security and other areas of its core competence.
He lauded the Governor on the initiative which he said will go a long way to transform the fortunes of the good people of Ondo State and create an enabling environment for people to develop different skills in information and communication technology.
In his remarks at the occasion, Co-founder, Techup Akure, Joel Ogunsola, said the Tech Hub will create employment as well as contribute to the economic development of the State.
He said that he set Techup is set to advance technological development in Ondo State through the assistance of the State government and FUTA with provision of man power and resources.
The MoU was signed by representatives of the State Government, FUTA and Techup, Akure