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Ekiti State University Chancellor Advocates for Unified Efforts to Propel Nigeria’s Digital Economy
Tunji Olowolafe, the Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU) and founder of the Tunji Olowolafe Foundation, has emphasized the urgent need for enhanced cooperation among government bodies, private enterprises, and academic institutions. His call aims to fast-track Nigeria’s evolution into a trillion-dollar digital economy by the year 2030.
Bridging the Gap Between Strategy and Execution
Speaking at the recent Digital Nigeria International Conference 2025, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, Olowolafe stressed that both public and private sectors must move beyond planning to actual implementation. “It is critical that strategic visions translate into measurable results,” he remarked during the event themed Discover. Connect. Transform.
Harnessing the Digital Economy for Inclusive Growth Across Africa
The conference gathered policymakers, innovators, investors, and technology pioneers to explore actionable strategies for leveraging digital technologies as catalysts for inclusive economic development throughout the continent. Olowolafe, represented by Olajide Aboderin, director of the Gbemisola Olowolafe Memorial (GOMTECH) ICT Centre, highlighted the ICT sector’s growing influence, noting its contribution of over 11% to Nigeria’s GDP in the second quarter of 2025.
Learning from Global Digital Success Stories
Drawing inspiration from India’s digital infrastructure, which is forecasted to add nearly $1 trillion to its GDP by 2030, Olowolafe underscored the potential for Nigeria to achieve comparable growth. He advocated for the adoption of integrated identity management systems, robust e-government services, and expansive broadband networks as foundational pillars for this transformation.
GOMTECH: Democratizing Digital Education and Skills Development
At the heart of the Tunji Olowolafe Foundation’s mission is GOMTECH, an initiative dedicated to making digital knowledge accessible and establishing centers of excellence that transcend regional barriers. The pilot center in Are-Ekiti, Ekiti State, exemplifies this vision by offering solar-powered, round-the-clock access to specialized training in cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and other digital competencies.
In collaboration with the Are-Ekiti Progressive Union (APU), GOMTECH provides hands-on learning environments powered entirely by renewable energy, ensuring sustainability and uninterrupted education.
Building a Certified Talent Pipeline for Global Competitiveness
The initiative is focused on cultivating a certified workforce equipped to deliver impactful solutions on the international stage. Utilizing blockchain technology, GOMTECH secures student credentials with immutable records, ensuring compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023 and enhancing trust in digital certifications.
Driving Innovation Across Key Sectors
Olowolafe highlighted numerous success stories where digital innovation has transformed sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, finance, and education. These examples demonstrate the tangible benefits of investing in digital infrastructure and talent development.
A Call to Action for Stakeholders
He urged private sector players to increase their investments in digital skills and infrastructure, while encouraging young Nigerians and academic institutions to pioneer innovative solutions that bolster economic resilience and self-sufficiency.
“When Nigerians commit resources to our own data sovereignty and forge bold partnerships, digital excellence will transcend conferences and become a shared national asset,” Olowolafe concluded.
