A technology-driven innovation company, DecisionSpaak, and a youth-focused foundation, Gbenga Fawehinmi Foundation, have formalized a strategic partnership aimed at closing Nigeria’s widening digital skills gap, beginning with secondary school students in Ondo State.
DecisionSpaak Group and the Gbenga Fawehinmi Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Lagos, bringing together two organisations united by a shared commitment to expanding access to artificial intelligence, digital literacy, and STEM education for young Nigerians.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Philip Ade-Akanbi, president and chief executive officer of DecisionSpaak Group, said the partnership reflects a deliberate intervention at a critical moment.
“We want young people to understand that artificial intelligence is not only for professionals or graduates. Students should be exposed to these technologies early enough to shape their thinking, careers, and ability to compete globally,” he said.
Ade-Akanbi noted that the initiative forms part of DecisionSpaak’s broader ecosystem, which integrates research, innovation, training, entrepreneurship, and startup development to strengthen Africa’s participation in the global technology economy.
The company has set an ambitious target of training 10 million Africans in AI and digital skills, building on an existing community of over 500,000 people reached through its training programmes, media platforms, and digital learning initiatives.
As part of the programme, DecisionSpaak has established a ₦50 million scholarship fund to support learners pursuing training in artificial intelligence, business analytics, digital innovation, and other technology-related fields. The company also plans to provide internationally recognised certification opportunities through accredited partners.
A board member of the Gbenga Fawehinmi Foundation, Gbenga Agboola, described artificial intelligence as more than a technological advancement.
According to him,
“AI presents an opportunity to democratise knowledge, expand access to learning, and empower young people, particularly those from underserved communities. It offers an opportunity to bring knowledge closer to communities and empower young people to become creators rather than consumers of technology,” he said.
Agboola added that the initiative would extend beyond technical education to include leadership development, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
The programme will be piloted in selected secondary schools in Ondo State before being scaled based on measurable outcomes. Both organisations acknowledged that implementation may face challenges including school approval processes and digital infrastructure gaps, but expressed confidence that phased implementation and strong stakeholder engagement would ensure the programme’s success.
For Ishola Oluwademilade Festus, a 300-level Computer Science student at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, currently on industrial training with DecisionSpaak, the initiative mirrors the hands-on, innovation-driven environment he has experienced firsthand.
“During my time here, I have applied my technical skills to real-world problems, contributed to software development, and built solutions with global relevance. The experience has helped me grow both technically and professionally,” he said.
Both organisations described the collaboration as a long-term investment in Nigeria’s human capital and a significant step toward equipping young people with the skills required to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
