Hamisu Idris Medugu Brings NITDA-Approved ICT Centre to Kwarhi EYN

A new chapter in digital empowerment opened for residents of Kwarhi, Adamawa State, as Hamisu Idris Medugu, the Sardauna Madagali, formally handed over the National Information Technology Development Agency approval letter for an ICT training centre at the EYN National Headquarters.

The facility, which received official backing from NITDA, represents what community leaders are calling a significant step toward closing the technology gap that has long limited opportunities for young people in the area.

Medugu, who facilitated the project from its early stages, presented the approval document to the President of the Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN), also referred to the “Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, Rev. Daniel Y.C Mbaya, during a visit that brought together church leaders, youth representatives, and community stakeholders eager to see the centre take shape.

“This ICT Centre is expected to serve as a hub for skills development, innovation, and digital learning, helping to bridge the technology gap in Kwarhi and empower community members with tools for education, communication, and entrepreneurship,” Medugu explained, outlining the vision behind the initiative.

The timing couldn’t be better for Kwarhi and surrounding communities. Across Nigeria, access to technology training remains unevenly distributed, with rural and semi-urban areas often struggling to provide young people with the digital skills that have become essential in today’s job market.

For the EYN community, the NITDA-approved ICT centre means church members, students, and youths will soon have access to computer training and technology opportunities that were previously available only to those who could travel to larger urban centers. The facility is designed to serve not just the congregation but the wider Kwarhi community, making it a truly inclusive resource.

Rev. Mbaya, who holds a PhD and leads one of Nigeria’s most prominent Christian denominations, received the approval letter with visible appreciation. Sources at the handover ceremony told The Gazette News (Nigeria) that the church president expressed gratitude for Medugu’s commitment to seeing the project through the often complex approval process with NITDA.

The Sardauna Madagali’s involvement in bringing technology infrastructure to Kwarhi fits within a broader pattern of community development initiatives that traditional and religious leaders across Adamawa State have been pursuing in recent years. His role in facilitating the NITDA approval demonstrates how traditional institutions can partner with federal agencies to deliver tangible benefits to grassroots communities.

What makes this ICT centre particularly promising is its potential to serve multiple purposes. Beyond basic computer literacy, the facility is expected to become a training ground for skills that can translate directly into economic opportunities. Young people learning graphic design, basic programming, digital marketing, or office productivity software will find themselves better positioned to compete for jobs or start small businesses.

The emphasis on entrepreneurship in the project’s framework suggests that organizers understand technology as more than just a learning tool. In communities like Kwarhi, where formal employment opportunities can be limited, digital skills often provide pathways to self-employment and small-scale enterprise that might not otherwise exist.

Students preparing for examinations that increasingly include computer-based testing will also benefit from having reliable access to practice facilities. Many schools in the area lack adequate ICT infrastructure, making centres like the one at EYN National Headquarters crucial for educational equity.

Church members themselves stand to gain from improved digital literacy, particularly as religious organizations increasingly rely on technology for communication, administration, and outreach. The ability to navigate online platforms, manage digital records, and communicate effectively through electronic channels has become important even for faith-based institutions.

NITDA’s approval signals that the centre meets federal standards for ICT training facilities, lending credibility to the project and potentially opening doors for future support or expansion. The agency has been working to increase digital literacy across Nigeria, particularly in underserved areas, making Kwarhi’s new facility part of a national effort.

Community reaction to the news has been enthusiastic, according to youth leaders who spoke about the project. Many young people in Kwarhi have long felt left behind as technology transformed opportunities in larger cities, and the prospect of accessing quality ICT training close to home has generated genuine excitement.

The next phase involves setting up the physical infrastructure, acquiring equipment, and recruiting qualified instructors who can deliver training that meets current industry standards. These practical steps will determine how quickly the centre can begin serving the community that’s already anticipating its opening.

For Hamisu Idris Medugu, the project represents what traditional leadership can accomplish when it focuses on forward-looking initiatives that address real community needs. His facilitation of the NITDA approval process required navigating bureaucratic requirements while maintaining focus on the ultimate goal of bringing technology access to Kwarhi.

As the EYN National Headquarters prepares to implement the ICT centre, the broader message is clear: digital literacy and technology access aren’t luxuries reserved for urban populations. With the right partnerships and commitment, grassroots communities can build infrastructure that equips their young people to participate fully in Nigeria’s increasingly digital economy.