By DAYO ADESULU
Nigeria’s drive to expand its digital economy has received a fresh boost following a partnership between Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) and AfriLabs to establish a Centre of Excellence in Digital and Creative Skills at the institution.
The initiative is being implemented under the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme and is expected to position YABATECH as a major hub for digital innovation, entrepreneurship and creative technology.
Over the next three years, the centre is expected to train at least 2,600 young Nigerians, equipping them with practical skills needed to compete in the rapidly changing digital economy.
AfriLabs Begins Assessment for YABATECH Innovation Hub
The development was disclosed during an inspection visit to YABATECH by a team from AfriLabs, the organisation selected as the lead implementing partner for the iDICE Entrepreneurship Support Organisation (ESO) Aggregation Programme.
Fumilayo Kokori-Akwalimi, Senior Programme Officer at AfriLabs, said the visit marked the commencement of infrastructure assessment and design for the proposed centre.
She explained that the delegation included architects, infrastructure specialists, environmental consultants and project managers who would work with YABATECH to develop a facility capable of supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.
According to her, the YABATECH project is part of a broader iDICE intervention aimed at establishing Centres of Excellence in selected tertiary institutions across South-West Nigeria.
The regional programme is expected to provide digital and creative skills training to at least 10,000 young people, with YABATECH accounting for no fewer than 2,600 beneficiaries.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that the centre is not only established but also properly managed and institutionalised so that it continues to operate sustainably after the programme ends,” Kokori-Akwalimi said.
Three-Phase Implementation Plan
AfriLabs said the project would be delivered in three major phases.
The first phase will focus on assessing the existing infrastructure and producing the architectural and technical designs for the centre.
The second phase will involve the delivery of programmes such as digital skills training, hackathons, business acceleration programmes and networking events.
The final phase will focus on transferring full institutional ownership of the centre to YABATECH after the initial three-year intervention.
The proposed centre is expected to support innovation programmes, startup incubation, entrepreneurship development, business support services and collaboration between the institution and industry.
These activities are designed to strengthen youth employability while helping students and aspiring entrepreneurs turn innovative ideas into viable businesses.
Facility to Support Emerging Technologies
Justin Finesse, the lead design consultant for the project, said the proposed centre would go beyond simply renovating an existing structure.
He explained that the goal was to create an environment capable of bringing together students, researchers, entrepreneurs and industry players to develop practical solutions to Nigeria’s economic and social challenges.
The YABATECH Physical Planning Unit will also participate throughout the design and implementation process to promote institutional ownership and ensure the facility remains sustainable.
Meanwhile, Dr. Oliver, the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Lead, said environmental sustainability and inclusiveness would be incorporated into the project.
He noted that the design would consider energy efficiency, accessibility for persons living with disabilities and gender-responsive facilities.
Environmental and social management plans will also guide the implementation and long-term operation of the centre.
YABATECH Welcomes Digital Innovation Partnership
Fumi Duarte, YABATECH’s Project Coordinator and Director of the Centre for Research Support and Grants Management, described the initiative as an important milestone for the institution.
Duarte said the college had spent several months preparing for the project and was ready to begin implementation.
She noted that the proposed centre aligned with YABATECH’s broader vision of promoting innovation, product development, entrepreneurship and startup growth.
“We have a vibrant team that has been preparing for this project, and we are excited to begin implementation,” she said.
Rector Seeks Additional Infrastructure
YABATECH Rector, Ibrahim Abdul, welcomed the partnership and pledged the institution’s full cooperation throughout the project.
However, he urged the project team to consider constructing additional structures where necessary rather than limiting the intervention to the renovation of existing buildings.
Abdul explained that the institution’s limited land space meant that vertical development would be important in maximising available infrastructure.
He said YABATECH had already identified suitable locations for the proposed innovation hub but expressed hope that the project could accommodate new construction where required.
“As Nigeria’s first tertiary institution of technology, approaching its 80th anniversary next year, YABATECH deserves facilities that reflect its status and position among leading institutions globally,” the rector said.
He assured the AfriLabs delegation of the cooperation of the institution’s management, staff and students.
Why the YABATECH Digital Centre Matters
The proposed YABATECH digital and creative centre comes at a time when digital skills are becoming increasingly important to Nigeria’s employment and entrepreneurship landscape.
Beyond conventional academic training, the centre could give young people access to practical technology skills, startup support, industry connections and opportunities to develop commercially viable ideas.
For YABATECH, the initiative could also strengthen its position as a leading technology-focused tertiary institution while creating stronger links between education, industry and Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
For the wider economy, training thousands of young people in areas such as digital technology, entrepreneurship and creative innovation could contribute to job creation and the development of technology-driven businesses.
Next Steps
The inspection visit concluded with an assessment of the proposed project site and discussions on the next phase of implementation.
The next stage will involve detailed architectural designs, infrastructure planning and the selection of an Entrepreneurial Support Organisation that will work with YABATECH to manage the centre.
If successfully implemented, the project could provide a long-term platform for students, entrepreneurs and young innovators to acquire relevant skills, build startups and connect with industry opportunities.
The initiative therefore represents more than a new facility. It is an attempt to build a sustainable pipeline of digitally skilled young Nigerians capable of participating meaningfully in the country’s technology and creative economy.
Can this initiative help position Nigerian youths for the future of work? Tell us what you think. 👇
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