The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has commissioned a state-of-the-art National Cybersecurity Centre at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), marking a major step in strengthening Nigeria’s digital security infrastructure and enhancing academic research in cybersecurity.

The commissioning ceremony, held on Tuesday, at BUK’s New Campus, was conducted on behalf of the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, by Dr. Jide Ajayi, Director of the Zonal Coordination Department.

SolaceBase reports the event attracted dignitaries from government, academia, and the tech industry.

In his address, Dr. Ajayi described the centre as a “knowledge-driven platform designed to equip our nation with the tools, talent, and infrastructure required to safeguard our digital space and empower the next generation of cybersecurity experts.”

He emphasized that the centre is part of NITDA’s strategic intervention to support cybersecurity education, research, and innovation, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Minister of Communications’ Strategic Blueprint.

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“Cybersecurity has become a critical enabler of trust in the digital economy,” Dr. Ajayi said, noting the increasing risks of cyber threats in a rapidly digitizing society.

He further announced that NITDA, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, will host Nigeria’s inaugural National Cybersecurity Conference from July 9 to 10, 2025, in Abuja.

Highlighting NITDA’s long-standing engagement with Kano State and BUK, Dr. Ajayi said the centre will serve as a hub for cross-sector collaboration among government, academia, and industry, providing hands-on training and facilitating cybersecurity research to protect Nigeria’s critical digital infrastructure.

The Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, expressed profound appreciation to NITDA and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy for what he described as a “visionary and transformative intervention.”

“This Centre is more than just a building—it is a symbol of partnership, foresight, and a commitment to equipping our universities with the infrastructure necessary for 21st-century education and national development,” Prof. Abbas said.

He disclosed that BUK currently offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in Cybersecurity and is set to commence a PhD programme in the field.

He noted that the new centre will significantly enhance the quality of teaching, research, and innovation in cybersecurity while positioning the university as a strategic partner in Nigeria’s digital security architecture.

The vice-chancellor pledged the university’s readiness to collaborate with the ministry and NITDA in areas including staff training, research, and policy development.

The National Cybersecurity Centre is expected to serve not only the university community but also national and regional stakeholders, reinforcing Nigeria’s efforts to build a resilient, inclusive, and innovation-led digital economy.