YABATECH, AfriLabs Launch Digital Innovation Hub To Train 2,600 Youths In Tech, Creative Skills

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 The Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has commenced implementation of a major partnership with AfriLabs to establish a Centre of Excellence in Digital and Creative Skills, under the Federal Government’s Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme. 

Officials from both organisations began the project’s first phase on Monday with an infrastructure assessment that is expected to culminate in the development of a world-class innovation hub.

The initiative, which forms part of the iDICE Entrepreneurship Support Organisation (ESO) Aggregation Programme, is designed to transform YABATECH into a leading centre for innovation, entrepreneurship and creative technology. Over the next three years, the facility is expected to equip at least 2,600 young Nigerians with industry-relevant digital and creative skills. 

Speaking during an inspection visit to the institution, AfriLabs Senior Programme Officer, Mrs. Fumilayo Kokori-Akwalimi, said AfriLabs had been selected as the lead implementing partner for the ESO Aggregation Project. 

According to her, the visit marked the beginning of detailed infrastructure assessment and facility design, with architects, infrastructure specialists, environmental consultants and project managers collaborating with the college to deliver a world-class innovation ecosystem. 

She explained that the YABATECH facility is one of several centres planned across selected tertiary institutions in South-West Nigeria under the iDICE programme, which aims to train no fewer than 10,000 young people in digital and creative skills across the region. 

YABATECH alone is expected to account for over 2,600 beneficiaries. 

Lead Design Consultant, Engineer Justin Finesse, said the project extends beyond renovating existing structures. 

“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. 

He added that YABATECH’s Physical Planning Unit would actively participate throughout the design and implementation stages to ensure institutional ownership and long-term sustainability. 

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Lead, Dr. Oliver, said sustainability, inclusiveness and accessibility would remain central to the project’s design. 

According to him, environmental protection, energy efficiency, facilities for persons with disabilities and gender-responsive infrastructure have all been integrated into the project’s development framework. 

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 landmark achievement for the institution. 

“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,” she said. 

The Rector, Dr. Ibrahim Adedotun Abdul, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to the partnership and pledged YABATECH’s full cooperation throughout the project. 

He, however, urged the project team to consider constructing additional structures where necessary, noting that the institution’s limited land area makes vertical infrastructure development essential to maximising vailable space.