Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, commissioned the St. Bakhita ICT/CBT Center at the Catholic Secretariat in Sokoto State, a 250-seat facility aimed at expanding digital access and learning opportunities.
Obasanjo, speaking at the event, emphasized that education and knowledge remain the most unifying factors for national development.
“What we are here for is what should unite us—learning and education. We need knowledge, education, and skills to empower ourselves. No gender, no tribe, and no linguistic group should be excluded from this center,” he said.
The former president also urged Nigerians to look beyond current technologies, warning that Artificial Intelligence will take over many jobs within the next 15 to 20 years.
In his welcome remarks, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto highlighted the significance of the centre, disclosing that it is equipped with 250 laptops, 50 tablets, and free Wi-Fi to ensure access for young people.
“Our children must begin to interact with computers from the age of five. Sadly, many of our young people—even in universities—study computer science without ever operating a computer. This centre will bridge that gap and prepare our children for the future,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chief of Staff to the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Halliru, who represented the governor, described the project as a milestone for education and economic development.
On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, described the initiative as “timely and impactful,” stressing that education remains the best gift for the younger generation in an era dominated by Artificial Intelligence.
The centre, supported by partners including Chief Babalola, will be managed by Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
