Out of more than 173 Innovation Enterprise Institutions (IEIs) listed under JAMB in Nigeria, SQI College of ICT has emerged as the top-ranked institution in the ICT category, based on first-choice applications in the 2025 UTME cycle .
This ranking highlights SQI’s singular commitment to producing job-ready graduates in software engineering, data science, robotics, and cybersecurity.
Founded in Ogbomoso and rooted in community vision, SQI’s rise to the top is being hailed as a major win for specialized education and a beacon for aspiring tech talents nationwide.
“This isn’t just a win for SQI,” said an alumnus. “It’s a win for every student who wants to turn tech dreams into reality.”
But there’s more to the story than just a top-ten ranking.
A deeper analysis reveals a striking distinction: SQI is the only ICT-focused institution on the list.
The other nine institutions featured in the ranking offer general vocational training or a combination of disciplines. SQI alone is fully committed to Information and Communication Technology, delivering industry-relevant programs in areas such as software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, robotics, and digital business.
“This shows that young Nigerians are now prioritizing digital careers,” said Laurel, the Senior Special Assistant to the Oyo State Governor on Projects. “And SQI is meeting that need with precision. It’s not just an academic success — it’s a strategic national asset.”
A Clear Alignment with Government Priorities
The Nigerian government, through the Federal Ministry of Communications, Digital Economy, and Tertiary Education, has repeatedly emphasized ICT as the cornerstone of future economic transformation. Programs such as the National Digital Economy Policy (2020–2030), Digital Nigeria Initiative, and the Nigeria Startup Act are all geared toward building a digital workforce and positioning Nigeria as Africa’s digital hub.
SQI’s rise into JAMB’s Top 10 as the only pure-ICT institution confirms that these policies are gaining traction — especially at the grassroots level.
“This is what we envisioned when we supported Innovation Enterprise Institutions — that local institutions could become global changemakers,” remarked a state official. “SQI’s achievement reflects a perfect alignment between government goals and private sector innovation.”
In a continent where millions of young people are entering the job market annually, access to focused, high-impact digital education is no longer a luxury — it is a necessity. SQI College of ICT is showing what is possible when vision meets execution.
With students from over 30 Nigerian states, and alumni now working across Europe, North America, and major African tech ecosystems, SQI is already playing a part in Africa’s next wave of transformation.
“From Ogbomoso to the world — our mission has always been to equip the average Nigerian youth with global digital skills,” said Adeyemi C. Aderinto, the institution’s Founder and President. “Being the only ICT institution in JAMB’s Top 10 confirms we’re on the right path — and just getting started.”
Beyond Recognition: A Blueprint for National Development
As SQI pushes forward with its vision to establish a university-grade tech city, the institution is offering more than just education — it is offering a model. A model of how homegrown institutions can scale, innovate, and impact lives without waiting for foreign intervention.
In a time when nations are redefining their future around innovation, data, and code — SQI’s position in JAMB’s Top 10 is more than a milestone. It is a signpost for the future Nigeria wants and Africa needs.