Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has stated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is prioritizing the digital economy as a key driver of economic growth, aiming to elevate its contribution to 21% of the nation’s GDP.
Speaking during a visit to his former secondary school, Anglican Grammar School, Onikolobo in Abeokuta, the minister highlighted that the digital sector already accounts for 16% to 18% of Nigeria’s GDP, with strategic efforts underway to increase this figure significantly.
Massive Fibre Infrastructure and Educational Investment
Tijani announced a national fibre optic rollout of 90,000 kilometers, describing it as a transformative step that will deliver high-speed internet connectivity to schools across the country. “This isn’t just about technology—it’s about empowering classrooms with real infrastructure that improves learning,” he said.
He reassured the students that their backgrounds do not define their potential. Reflecting on his own time at the school, Tijani encouraged them to dream big:
“I once sat where you are now. What I learned here shaped my journey. You can be anything—ministers, ambassadors, governors, even the President. Your background should never limit your dreams.”
To further promote academic excellence, Tijani unveiled a fellowship programme for the school’s top-performing students in JSS 1–3 and SS 1–2. The initiative will benefit about 70 students annually, each receiving:
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₦100,000 yearly stipend
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A laptop
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New school uniforms
He also pledged to renovate a school building, introduce digital learning equipment, and upgrade the science laboratory to improve STEM education access.
Driving Innovation and Tech in Agriculture
Later, at a tech industry roundtable with digital entrepreneurs in Ogun State, Tijani emphasized the importance of leveraging innovation in agriculture to tackle food insecurity and increase productivity.
He urged Nigerian farmers to adopt digital technologies like mobile apps, drones, and smart sensors to modernize traditional practices.
“We cannot continue to rely on outdated methods to feed a growing population. Agriculture must be driven by data and smart tools,” he said.
Tijani referenced Ukraine’s agricultural resilience, even during wartime, as an example of how strategic investment in agri-tech can safeguard food systems.
He concluded by stressing that embracing such tools would not only increase local food supply but also cut down on costly imports and conserve foreign reserves.
