The National Universities Commission (NUC), Abuja has selected Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti as one of the Universities to host the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprise (iDICE) hub programme in Nigeria.
The shortlisting was conveyed in a letter dated 17th June, 2025, addressed to the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele and signed by the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Abuja, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu.
According to NUC, the programme, which is a strategic national initiative aimed at promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and digital skills development within Nigeria’s higher education system is jointly supported by the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Bank of Industry (BOI), in collaboration with key development partners including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Agence Française de Dévelopment (AFD).
The project also seeks to foster the emergence of job-creating enterprises and equip young Nigerians with 21st century skills in the areas of technology, creativity and innovation which will be achieved by establishing digital innovation hubs within selected tertiary institutions.
NUC described the shortlisting of the university as a “reflection of EKSU’s potential demonstration and readiness to contribute meaningfully to the transformative initiative”.
The initiative is also aimed at strengthening the role of universities as engines of innovation and enterprise, the letter concluded.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Babatola Ayodele expressed delight at the development and assured that the university would continue to be relevant in the comity of universities.