YABATECH, AfriLabs to establish digital, creative centre for 2,600 youth

Nigeria’s digital economy drive received a boost as Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme, led by AfriLabs established first phase of a Centre of Excellence in Digital and Creative Skills at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH).

 

The project, which forms part of the iDICE Entrepreneurship Support Organisation (ESO) Aggregation Programme, is expected to transform YABATECH into a leading innovation hub for digital skills, entrepreneurship and creative technology while equipping at least 2,600 young people with industry-relevant skills over the next three years.

 

Fumilayo Kokori-Akwalimi, senior programme officer at AfriLabs, speaking during an inspection visit to the institution, said the firm had been selected as the lead implementing partner for the ESO Aggregation Project under the iDICE initiative.

She explained that the visit marked the beginning 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 college to deliver a world-class facility.

 

“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 said.

Kokori-Akwalimi disclosed that the initiative targets the training of at least 10,000 young people in digital and creative skills across the region, with YABATECH expected to account 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,” she said.

She emphasised that implementation would be carried out 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.

The AfriLabs team revealed that the centre would host innovation programmes, entrepreneurship support services, startup incubation, business development initiatives and industry collaborations designed to improve youth employability and enterprise development.

Project consultants said the facility would be designed to meet international standards while accommodating emerging technologies and future workforce needs.

Justin Finesse, lead design consultant, said the objective extended beyond renovating an existing building.

“We want to create an environment where innovation thrives—bringing together researchers, industries, students and entrepreneurs to develop practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges,” he said.

He added that the college’s Physical Planning Unit would be actively involved throughout the design process to ensure ownership and sustainability.

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Lead, Dr. Oliver, said sustainability and inclusiveness would be central to the project.

According to him, the team would ensure that environmental considerations, energy efficiency, accessibility for persons with disabilities and gender-responsive facilities were integrated into the final design.

He explained that the project would also include environmental and social management plans to guide implementation and long-term sustainability.

Fumi Duarte, YABATECH’s project coordinator and director of the Centre for Research Support and Grants Management, described the initiative as a significant milestone for the institution.

Duarte said the college had spent months preparing for implementation and expressed confidence that the proposed centre aligned 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,” she said.

Ibrahim Abdul, the rector of YABATECH, in his remark, applauded the partnership and pledged the institution’s full cooperation throughout the implementation process.

Abdul, however, appealed to the project team to consider supporting the construction of additional structures where necessary, noting that the college’s limited land space required vertical development to maximise available infrastructure.

 

He said the institution had already earmarked suitable locations for the innovation hub but hoped the intervention could 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,” he said.

 

He assured the delegation of ‘100 percent cooperation’ from the college management, staff and students, stressing that the institution remained committed to ensuring the project’s success.

 

The visit concluded with an inspection of the proposed project site and discussions on the next stage of implementation, which will involve detailed architectural designs, infrastructure planning and the selection of an Entrepreneurial Support Organisation to co-manage the centre with the institution.