Ministry of Innovation, Science and Digital Economy
Objectives:
The Ministry of Innovation, Science and Digital Economy (MISDE) aims to address these challenges by fostering a knowledge-based economy, promoting scientific research and innovation, and enhancing digital infrastructure. The goal is to transform Ekiti State into a hub of innovation, scientific advancement, and digital excellence.
Statement of Purpose:
The Ekiti State Ministry of Innovation, Science &Digital Economy is established with the purpose of driving Ekiti State’s Socio-Economic development through the strategic use of Innovation, Science and Technology.
We are committed to creating an ecosystem that fosters creativity, nurtures talent and harnesses the power of technological advancements and research, technology adoption, and entrepreneurship. We aim at positioning Ekiti State as a leading centre for innovation, attract investments and contribute to the sustainable growth and prosperity of the state and its people.
VISION:
To become a globally recognized hub of innovation and technological development, driving sustainable economic growth and improving the quality of life for all citizens in Ekiti State.
MISSION:
The Ekiti State Ministry of Innovation, Science & Digital Economy is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, promoting the development and adoption of cutting-edge scientific and technological solutions, and facilitating inclusive growth and prosperity. We aim to create an enabling environment that nurtures creativity, collaboration and entrepreneurship while leveraging technology to address the challenges faced by the State and enhance its competitiveness on the national and international stage.
Problem Statement
The Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Digital Economy (MISDE) in Ekiti State is addressing the challenge of limited innovation, scientific research, and digital infrastructure hindering the state’s growth potential. The absences of a vibrant innovation ecosystem, inadequate scientific research support, and underdeveloped digital infrastructure have impeded economic progress and societal development in Ekiti State
The Achievements of the Ministry are as followings:
- Formulation of comprehensive ICT and STEAM Policies
- Survey & Audit of ICT Infrastructures in all MDAs
- Digitization readiness assessment of MDAs
- Restoration of Ekiti State Enterprise Broadband Network Infrastructure in Campus B (State Secretariat Complex)
- Migration of the State official E-mail to better hosting company
- Procurement and distribution of Science equipment to all Public Secondary Schools in the State
- School Science Challenge/ Science Fair Competitions
- Payment of the application servers, hosting, in-house applications development
- Upgrade of existing applications for MDAs
- Assessment and monitoring of science, vocational and ICT labs in schools
- Equipping ICT academy with laptops and other infrastructures (Phase I)
- Capacity Building workshop for the staff.
- Construction of Modern Data Center and procurement and installation of Data Center Infrastructure
- Expansion of Ekiti State Enterprise Broadband and Network Infrastructure to important Government institutions
KEY ACTIVITIES/MILESTONES SINCE INCEPTION
- Policy and Strategic Framework Development:
- Establishment of state-wide innovation policies and digital economy strategic documents.
- Adoption of the State Innovation Policy, Digital Literacy Policy, and Cyber security Act.
- Digital Infrastructure Enhancement:
- Rollout of state-wide fibre optics infrastructure.
- Establishment of modern data centres and digital equipment infrastructure.
- Talent Development and Skills Enhancement:
- Implementation of the Skills-Up initiative to foster future-of-work skills.
- Introduction of STEAM education programs across all educational tiers.
- Enterprise Formation and Support:
- Launch of the Start-Up Ekiti and Accelerate Ekiti programs to support tech entrepreneurs.
- Establishment of incubation centres, innovation hubs, and biotechnology laboratories.
- Public Sector Innovation and Digital Transformation:
- Commencement of the transition to paperless governance through e-Government services.
- Formulation of ICT Policy
- Commencement of formulation of Start-Up Act to enhance digital transformation of the State
- Obtained approval for an Innovation Enterprise Fund to improve digital skills and entrepreneurship
4.2 LIST OF PROJECTS OF THE MINISTRY OF INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND DIGITAL ECONOMY SINCE AUGUST 2023
| S/N | Name of Project/Policy | LGA/Location | Status (Completed/Ongoing | Remark/Details |
| 1 | Ekiti Innovation Summit ( 1.0 & 2.0) | Ado Ekiti | Completed | The porgrammes to:
i. Encouragecollaboration and partnerships with policymakers, industry leaders, academia, startups, and investors that drive innovation-led development. ii. Empower youth and entrepreneurs iii. Drivedigital transformation iv. Highlighting Investment Opportunities |
| 2 | Establishment of Incubator Centre/Innovation Hub (Ekiti Start-Up Garage(ESK) | Ado Ekiti | Completed | This project aims to:
i. Create an enabling environment for young entrepreneurs, startups and innovators to develop, test and scale their ideas into viable businesses. ii. Provide Technical and Business Support that equip startups with the necessary skills to succeed. iii. Enhancedigital and technological skills in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, cybersecurity and software development. iv. Promote research-driven innovation and facilitate the development of groundbreaking solutions to local and global challenges. v. Support startups that can create employment opportunities and contribute to the economic transformation of Ekiti State and Nigeria. vi. Facilitateaccess to funding and investment
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| 3 | STEAM Bootcamp | Ado Ekiti | Completed | The STEAM Bootcamp specifically provided an immersive learning experience for a selected group of students in STEAM-focused areas to:
i. Enhance hands-on learning experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) to bridge the gap between theory and practice. ii. Equip students to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills through project-based learning. iii. Encourage creativity and innovation by integrating Arts into STEM education, helping students develop unique and innovative solutions to real-world challenges. iv. Build digital and technological skills in emerging technologies such as robotics, coding, artificial intelligence and 3D printing, preparing them for the digital economy. v. Prepare and boost students’ confidence, teamwork and leadership abilities vi. Support innovation and entrepreneurship mindsets by turning students’ ideas into viable projects that can contribute to economic growth. vii. Strengthen Ekiti State’s position as a hub for Innovation among the youth.
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| 4 | Fountain Wizard Mathematics Competition | Across the State | Ongoing | The Fountain Wizard Mathematics Competition is an educational programme designed to:
i. Improve students’ problem-solving abilities and critical thinking through rigorous mathematical challenges. ii. Promote studentsinterest in Mathematics and its real-world applications. iii. Identify and nurture exceptionally talented students in mathematics and provide them with opportunities for further development. iv. Improveperformance in National and International competitive Mathematics examinations such as Olympiads, JAMB and WAEC. v. Encourage a spirit of academic excellence and competition among students across schools in Ekiti State. vi. Build a strong foundation for STEM careers vii. Support educational development in Ekiti State· |
| ICT Policy | Across the State | Completed | The objectives of ICT Policy are as follows, to:
i. Enhance efficiency, transparency, and service delivery in government operations through the adoption of ICT solutions. ii. Expand digital literacy to the students, teachers, civil servants and the general public with essential digital skills for the modern economy. iii. Ensure the deployment of adequate ICT infrastructure, including broadband expansion and smart technology integration. iv. Implement digital services for seamless public administration, financial transactions and citizen engagement. v. Enhance Cybersecurity and Data Protection of sensitive government and citizen data. vi. Promote digital inclusion by ensuring access to ICT tools and internet connectivity for rural and underserved communities. vii. Improve ICT Adoption in key sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture and other critical sectors for enhanced productivity. viii. Ensure compliance with national ICT policies and international best practices. |
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| Start-up Act | Across the State | Completed | The Start-up Act is aimed basically to;
i. Establish policies and regulations that support the growth and sustainability of startups. ii. Facilitate access to financial support, including grants, capital and tax incentives, for emerging startups. iii. Encourage promotion of research, development and commercialization of innovative solutions. iv. Support business incubation and acceleration that nurture startup growth. v. Create linkages between startups and local, national and international markets. vi. Attractpublic and private sector investments in tech-driven businesses. vii. Simplify and streamline business registration, intellectual property protection and compliance requirements for startups. |
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| Internet Connectivity Across Various GovernmentOffices | Ado Ekiti | Ongoing | Internet Connectivity Across Various GovernmentOffices is primarily to;
i. Enhance government efficiency via communication, data sharing and collaboration across ministries, departments and agencies. ii. Promote e-governance initiatives such as digital records management, online service delivery and virtual meetings. iii. Improving public service deliverybetween the government and citizens through online platforms. iv. Enable real-time data access and decision-making v. Strengthen cybersecurity measures that protect government data and communications from cyber threats. vi. Reducegovernment operational costs. vii. Supportremote work and digital collaboration viii. Create a seamless and connected government ecosystem for improved coordination. |
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| Activation of the official email for the State Officials | Across the State | Ongoing | Activation of official email for state officials is purposely to:
i. Enhance seamless, professional and secure communication among government officials, ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). ii. Facilitate the transition to a fully digital government system, reducing reliance on informal communication channels. iii. Protect sensitive government information from unauthorized access by using secure, government-managed email domains. iv. Standardize communication and prevent the misuse of unofficial or personal emails for government business. v. Facilitateintegration of official emails with digital platforms for improved service delivery, online approvals and record management. vi. Reduce information loss and fragmentation. vii. Enable efficient communication and coordination among ministries, agencies and local government offices. viii. Boosting productivity and administrative efficiency. ix. Modernize government operations and adopt international standards for digital governance. x. Encourage digital documentation, reducing the cost and inefficiencies associated with paper-based communication. |
4.3. Long-Term Goals
- Economic Diversification: To develop a diversified economy through the establishment of a knowledge-based ecosystem that attracts investments and creates high-quality jobs.
- Enhanced Education and Skills Development: To promote lifelong learning and STEAM education to prepare a skilled workforce ready for the jobs of the future.
- Improved Healthcare: To utilize technological advancements to improve healthcare access and outcomes through telemedicine and electronic health records.
- Efficient Public Sector: To achieve a nimble and agile government that delivers efficient public services through digital transformation.
- Global Competitiveness: To position Ekiti State as a global player in innovation and scientific research, attracting international collaborations and investments.
STRUCTURE OF MISDE
Presently, Ministry of Innovation, Science & Digital Economy has three functional departments namely:
- Administration and Supplies: Responsible for administrative responsibilities, personnel management, and support services.
- Finance & Account: In charge of the finances and accounting management of the ministry
- Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics Department: Deals with the promotion and development of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education and promotion of innovative and technology entrepreneurship in the State.
By design, Bureau of ICT is to function as a Bureau under the Ministry.
4. Bureau of Information Communication & Technology: The Bureau is responsible for the effective development of ICT infrastructure and human resources vis-a-vis improvement in the process of governance in the state.
The following departments would be created as things unfolded:
- Innovation and Multi-Sectoral
- Planning, Research and Statistics.
PRINCIPAL OFFICERS OF MISDE
POLITICAL APPOINTEES
- HON. ’SEUN FAKUADE – HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER, INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND DIGITAL ECONOMY
TECH ASST/SPECIAL ASSISTANTS/EXEC.ASST
- AYODELE AYO-AKANDE – TECHNICAL ASSISTANT TO MR. GOVERNOR ON DIGITAL COMMUNICATION AND NEW MEDIA
- SEUN FOLORUNSO – SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE GOVERNOR ON ICT AND SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
- TIWALOLUWA OMOPE- SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE GOVERNOR ON DIGITAL ECONOMY
- ADEDAYO AJAYI – SPECIAL ASSISTANT ON DIGITIZATION AND ARCHIVING
- ADESOPE OLUJOBI – SPECIAL ASSISTANT ON DIGITIZATION AND ARCHIVING
C. MANAGEMENT MEMBERS
| S/N | NAME | DESIGNATION |
| 1. | MR. AYODELE PAUL ADEYANJU | PERMANENT SECRETARY |
| 2. | MRS. EUNICE B. ABAYOMI | AG. EXECUTIVE SECRETARY |
| 3. | MR. BAMIDELE, JEGEDE OLUSUYI | DIRECTOR, ADMINISTRATION AND SUPPLIES, MISDE |
| 4. | MR. TOPE ALABI | DIRECTOR, STEAM |
| 5. | MR. OLUKI VICTOR AWOYEMI | DIRECTOR, FINANCE AND ACCOUNT |
| 6. | MRS. YEMISI AROGUNDADE | DIRECTOR, INFORMATION |
| 7. | MRS FATUKI ADERONKE | DIRECTOR, ADMIN. & SUPPLIES, BICT |
| 8. | MR. GBENGA AJILO | DIRECTOR ICT & TRAINING, BICT |
| 9. | MR. GBENGA OGUNLADE | DIRECTOR NETWORK & TS, BICT |
| 10. | MRS. F.A OLATUNDE | DIRECTOR FINANCE AND ACCOUNT ,BICT |
| 12. | MRS. SERIFAT ADUNMO | CHIEF INTERNAL AUDITOR |
The overarching vision is to transform Ekiti State into Nigeria’s leading innovation and knowledge hub. By investing in scientific research, digital infrastructure, and human capital, the state aims to achieve shared prosperity, drive sustainable development, and enhance the overall quality of life for its citizens. This strategic plan sets the foundation for a future where Ekiti State thrives as a beacon of progress, innovation, and economic vitality.