Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi, has launched the Institute for Future Skills and Innovation (IFSI) as part of efforts to equip students and professionals with competencies required for the digital economy.
The institute, an interdisciplinary academic and innovation hub, aligns with the university’s Strategic Priority 8: Digital Transformation, and is designed to prepare learners for emerging, technology-driven sectors.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Daniel Nwachukwu, who disclosed this, reiterated the institution’s commitment to preparing graduates for the realities of the modern global economy.
ALSO READ: Letters show Ibadan’s new obas using new titles before coronation day
According to him, “the world of work is changing at an unprecedented pace, and universities must evolve to prepare graduates for new industries driven by digital technologies and innovation.”
He explained that the institute is being developed in partnership with the African Skills and Innovation Network (ASIN), an organisation focused on advancing digital learning, innovation ecosystems, and future skills development across Africa.
Professor Nwachukwu stated that IFSI would focus on key areas, including artificial intelligence, data science, financial technology, cybersecurity, digital governance, entrepreneurship, and agritech.
He noted that the institute would combine academic programmes, applied research and professional training to equip learners with both functional knowledge and practical skills.
The Vice-Chancellor further disclosed that the institute would operate a digital-first learning model, supported by an advanced Learning Management System and global faculty collaboration.
“Through this approach, students will engage with instructors, researchers and industry experts from across Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
He added that the institute would commence with flagship undergraduate programmes such as Artificial Intelligence and Applied Data Science; Financial Technology and Digital Banking; Applied Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics; Digital Business and Innovation; Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Technology; Digital Product Design and Emerging Technologies; as well as Smart Agriculture, Agritech and Rural Innovation.
According to him, the programmes will be delivered through a blended, online-first model combining digital lectures, collaborative learning platforms and real-world innovation projects, alongside periodic in-person sessions including workshops, innovation labs and capstone demonstrations.
He further stated that additional undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and executive programmes would be introduced progressively across six academic pathways.
“A key feature of the institute is its distributed faculty model, which will bring together leading academics and industry practitioners from Nigeria and across the globe, thereby expanding access to high-quality learning,” he added.
The institute will operate across six interdisciplinary pathways, namely: Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems; Digital Economy and FinTech; Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Leadership; Digital Governance and Cyber Systems; Human-Centred Digital Technology; and Sustainable Systems, Agritech and Rural Innovation.
Beyond degree programmes, the institute will also offer professional certificates, executive education, apprenticeships, and corporate training to support workforce development.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of the institute, Professor Chinedu Ekuma, said the initiative is aimed at expanding access to future-focused education while linking learning with real-world impact.
“Our vision is to build one of Africa’s leading centres for future skills, interdisciplinary technology education and innovation,” he said.
He added that the institute would bring together global faculty, industry practitioners, and innovation networks to prepare learners not only to study emerging technologies but also to apply them across various sectors.
Professor Ekuma stressed that the institute places strong emphasis on applied learning and innovation.
“Students will not only study technology; they will build solutions, launch ventures and collaborate on interdisciplinary innovation projects that address critical challenges in Africa and the global economy,” he said.
He noted that the establishment of the institute comes at a time when demand for advanced digital and interdisciplinary skills in Nigeria is on the rise.
According to him, the initiative will help bridge existing skills gaps and strengthen capacity for leadership in the knowledge economy.
The launch of IFSI, he added, positions AE-FUNAI among forward-looking institutions adopting innovative, technology-driven education models in Nigeria and across Africa.
WATCH TOP VIDEOS FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE TV