Nigeria Takes Bold Step in Cybersecurity with New National Centre in Kano

In a significant move to strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)  on the 20th May, 2025 commissioned a state-of-the-art National Cybersecurity Centre at Bayero University, Kano (BUK) . The facility, unveiled, is poised to become a national hub for digital defense, innovation and talent development.

Speaking during the commissioning, NITDA Director-General, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, described the center as more than just a physical structure—“a national asset”.

Represented by Dr. Jide Ajayi from the Zonal Coordination Department, Mr. Abdullahi noted that the Centre represents a strategic intervention to enhance cybersecurity education, research and cross-sector collaboration across Nigeria.

“This is not just the unveiling of a facility, it is the activation of 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 added that the center aligns with the objectives of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Minister’s Strategic Blueprint, serving as a springboard for collaboration among government, academia and industry stakeholders. It will support research, hands-on training, and act as a resource hub for regional and national partners working to secure Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.”

-Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, NITDA Director-General, Nigeria. 

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, expressed deep appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and NITDA’s leadership for what he described as a visionary and transformative investment in Nigeria’s higher education and national development.

“This Centre is more than just a building—it is a symbol of foresight, partnership and the Federal Government’s commitment to equipping our universities with critical infrastructure for 21st-century education. Indeed, the entire Bayero University community is agog with happiness”.

-Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano.

The event was well attended by a distinguished audience, including the Principal Officers of Bayero University, senior management staff from BUK,  NITDA, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, and a large number of academic and administrative staff, along with enthusiastic participation from students..