Cross-section of Federal Government officials from IDICE and partner organisations, during a fact-finding visit to the college.
By Peace Udugba
The Federal Government’s drive to accelerate Nigeria’s digital economy has received a significant boost as officials of the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme, led by AfriLabs, commenced the first phase of establishing a Centre of Excellence in Digital and Creative Skills at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH).
The initiative, under the iDICE Entrepreneurship Support Organisation (ESO) Aggregation Programme, is expected to transform YABATECH into a leading hub for digital innovation, entrepreneurship and creative technology while equipping at least 2,600 young people with industry-relevant skills over the next three years.
Speaking during an inspection visit to the institution on Monday, Senior Programme Officer at AfriLabs, Mrs. Fumilayo Kokori-Akwalimi, said AfriLabs had been appointed the lead implementing partner for the ESO Aggregation Project under the iDICE initiative.
She explained that the visit marked the commencement of infrastructure assessment and design for the proposed innovation hub, adding that the delegation comprised architects, infrastructure experts, environmental consultants and project managers who would work closely with the institution to deliver a world-class facility.
According to her, the project is one of several interventions under the iDICE programme aimed at establishing Centres of Excellence across selected tertiary institutions in South-West Nigeria.
She disclosed that the programme targets the training of at least 10,000 youths in digital and creative skills across the region, with YABATECH expected to account for more 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.
She explained that implementation would be executed in three phases, beginning with infrastructure assessment and design, followed by programme delivery through hackathons, digital skills training, business acceleration and networking events, before transitioning into full institutional ownership after three years.
Members of the AfriLabs delegation said the centre would serve as a platform for innovation programmes, startup incubation, entrepreneurship support, business development and industry collaboration aimed at improving youth employability and enterprise development.
Lead Design Consultant, Engr. Justin Finesse, said the project goes beyond renovating an existing structure, stressing that the vision is to create an ecosystem where innovation can thrive.
“We want to create an environment where innovation thrives by bringing together researchers, industries, students and entrepreneurs to develop practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges,” he said.
Finesse added that YABATECH’s Physical Planning Unit would be actively involved throughout the design process to ensure ownership and long-term sustainability of the project.
Also speaking, the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Lead, Dr. Oliver, said sustainability and inclusiveness would remain central to the project.
He noted that environmental considerations, energy efficiency, accessibility for persons with disabilities and gender-responsive facilities would be incorporated into the final design, alongside comprehensive environmental and social management plans to support long-term implementation.
Welcoming the delegation, YABATECH’s Project Coordinator and Director of the Centre for Research Support and Grants Management, Dr. Fumi Duarte, described the initiative as a major milestone for the institution.
She said the college had spent several months preparing for the project and expressed confidence that the proposed centre aligns with the institution’s vision of promoting innovation, skills development, product design and startup growth.
“We have a vibrant team that has been preparing for this project, and we are excited to begin implementation. The vision you have presented reflects exactly what we want for YABATECH,” Duarte said.
In his remarks, the Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibrahim Adedotun Abdul, welcomed the partnership and assured the project team of the institution’s full cooperation throughout implementation.
The Rector appealed for additional support towards the construction of new structures where necessary, noting that the institution’s limited land space requires vertical development to maximise available infrastructure.
He disclosed that the college had already identified suitable locations for the innovation hub but expressed hope that the intervention would extend beyond refurbishment to include new construction.
“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,” Abdul said.
He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to the success of the project, assuring the delegation of the full support of the college’s management, staff and students.
The visit concluded with an inspection of the proposed project site and discussions on the next phase of implementation, including detailed architectural designs, infrastructure planning and the selection of an Entrepreneurial Support Organisation to co-manage the centre with the institution.
