The Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Professor Ebunoluwa Oduwole, has praised the Federal Government’s N12 billion Digital Economy Research Clusters initiative, describing it as a well-structured and inclusive plan to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy through academic research and innovation.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Prof. Oduwole said the initiative reflects a clear and forward-looking strategy that properly recognises the role of universities in national development. She noted that the framework goes beyond policy statements by creating a practical system where research, collaboration, and innovation can directly support economic growth.
“This is a comprehensive and inclusive framework poised to drive the nation’s gig economy,” she said.
She commended the leadership behind the programme, particularly the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for what she described as a bold and thoughtful approach. According to her, the initiative shows a deep understanding of how academic institutions can contribute meaningfully to building a modern digital economy.
Prof. Oduwole explained that one of the strongest aspects of the initiative is its emphasis on research-driven development. She stressed that a successful digital economy cannot be built on assumptions, but must rely on “rigorous academic inquiry” and evidence-based thinking.
She also pointed to the structure of the research clusters as a major strength. The inclusion of interdisciplinary collaboration, she said, allows experts from different fields to work together, producing more practical and innovative solutions. In addition, the involvement of foreign researchers brings global perspectives that can improve the quality and relevance of the outcomes.
“The interdisciplinary collaborations and the inclusion of foreign researchers significantly enrich the clusters,” she noted.
Another key feature she highlighted is the built-in system for monitoring, evaluation, and accountability. According to her, this ensures that the research outputs are not only credible but also properly managed. She described this as essential for maintaining trust and ensuring that the investment delivers real value.
Her remarks come at a time when the Federal Government is actively repositioning Nigerian universities to play a central role in digital transformation. The research clusters are designed to focus on critical areas such as connectivity, digital infrastructure, skills development, artificial intelligence, and online safety.
Prof. Oduwole said this focus is timely, especially as Nigeria continues to expand its digital economy, which already contributes nearly 20 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. She noted that initiatives like this can help bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application.
“This initiative will build local insight, evidence-based policy, and global research credibility for Nigeria,” she added, echoing the broader vision behind the programme.
She further explained that by bringing together top professors, postdoctoral researchers, and PhD students, the initiative creates a strong pipeline of talent that can sustain innovation over time. This, she said, will not only strengthen universities but also create opportunities for young researchers to contribute to national development.
Prof. Oduwole emphasised that the initiative also aligns with the growing need for universities to move beyond theoretical teaching. She said it encourages institutions to focus more on practical solutions, entrepreneurship, and skills that can drive economic progress.
In her view, the research clusters represent a major step towards building a knowledge-based economy where ideas are transformed into real impact, both locally and globally.
