By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The federal government has taken a decisive step towards fortifying Nigeria’s digital frontier with the launch of a world-class National Cybersecurity Research Centre at Bayero University, Kano (BUK). The multimillion-naira facility, fully funded and equipped by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), was officially commissioned on Tuesday.
At a time when digital threats are increasingly becoming sophisticated, the centre is expected to serve as a research powerhouse, training ground, and strategic hub for collaboration between academia, government, and private industry.
Speaking at the commissioning, NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi—represented by the Director of the agency’s Zonal Offices Directorate, Jide Ajayi—described the establishment of the centre as a proactive response to Nigeria’s growing digital security needs.
“This centre will serve as a springboard for cross-sector collaboration,” he said. “It will support cybersecurity research, facilitate hands-on training, and serve as a resource hub for stakeholders working to protect Nigeria’s critical digital infrastructure.”
He added that the initiative aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which aims to position Nigeria as a secure, innovation-driven digital economy.
“Through interventions like this, we address local realities and unlock the potential of Nigerians to fully participate in the global digital economy,” he said. “Our goal is to make Nigeria a global digital powerhouse that is secure, inclusive and innovation-led.”
The centre is also expected to be a catalyst for national security, given the rising incidents of cybercrime, data breaches and digital threats in both public and private sectors.
The Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, expressed appreciation for the initiative, calling it a “landmark achievement” not just for the university but for the nation’s cybersecurity landscape.
“This couldn’t have come at a better time,” he said. “We already offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in cybersecurity and are finalising plans to launch a PhD programme. This centre will greatly enhance the practical and research capacities of our students and faculty.”
With the commissioning of this centre, Bayero University is poised to become a national leader in cybersecurity training and innovation, offering new hope for safeguarding Nigeria’s digital future.