Former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has commended the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Bauchi State, Alhaji Usman Adamu Ahmed Suphi, for establishing a 500-seat Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre in Azare.
Saraki said the facility would equip young people with digital skills and provide them with opportunities to compete in the global economy.
Speaking on Sunday at the commissioning of the centre in Azare, Katagum Local Government Area, Saraki described the initiative as a significant investment in education, digital literacy and youth empowerment.
Saraki, who was represented at the event by former PDP National Chairman, Abubakar Baraje, said Nigeria must urgently harness its large youth population by equipping young people with relevant skills.
He noted that the centre could serve purposes beyond computer-based examinations, stressing that it could become a hub for digital literacy, entrepreneurship, innovation and access to global employment opportunities.
“The internet has provided a platform where you can sell your skills and products to the global market. This centre will provide the young people with the opportunity to acquire those skills,” he said.
The former Senate president urged beneficiaries to protect the facility and maximise the opportunities it provides, while calling on its management to ensure proper maintenance.
He also commended Suphi and the Assufiyya Humanitarian Foundation for complementing government efforts through investments in education, healthcare, humanitarian assistance and youth development.
Suphi, speaking at the event, described the centre as a “symbol of hope, opportunity and a commitment to investing in people.”
He disclosed that the facility could accommodate about 500 users, with each workstation equipped with a new laptop, Local Area Network and other facilities required for computer-based testing.
According to him, the centre was established to expose youths and students in Azare and neighbouring communities to digital technology and prepare them for computer-based examinations, professional certifications, emerging technology skills, employment and entrepreneurship.
Suphi said the foundation would continue to expand its interventions in education, healthcare, humanitarian assistance and youth development.
Also speaking, PDP factional National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, described the project as evidence of a practical commitment to human capital development.
Mohammed said digital skills in areas such as software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, digital marketing and artificial intelligence could provide young Nigerians with access to global employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
He described the centre as a “factory for skills, an incubator for innovation, and a gateway” to opportunities for young people.
Mohammed added that increased digital literacy could help address youth unemployment and support development across sectors including agriculture, education and healthcare.
He urged youths in Azare and Bauchi State to take ownership of the facility and make full use of the opportunities it offers.
Saraki subsequently commissioned the centre, which was dedicated to education, innovation, youth empowerment and service to humanity.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by political, traditional and religious leaders, government officials, business representatives, development partners and other stakeholders.
