Designed to expand practical technology training for students and young innovators, the facility was unveiled on Monday, June 8, by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, during a ceremony held at the university.

The hub was launched under the National Information Technology Development Agency in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative.

It comes equipped with laboratories focused on artificial intelligence, robotics, additive manufacturing and the Internet of Things. These are areas the government says are highly important to modern industry, both in Nigeria and globally.

Inside the campus, the space is meant to move students beyond theory and into hands-on work. It provides tools that many public universities in the country have found difficult to provide consistently.

Dr Tijani said the NITDA innovation hub should be seen as an investment in young people, both in and outside OAU, rather than just a collection of machines and lab equipment.

He also encouraged students to make use of the facility and take an active role in building solutions that can work in real settings, not just in classrooms.

With this development, the government is linking education more directly with needs across the industry. Officials present repeatedly returned to the idea of practical output, not just academic learning.

The robotics and IoT labs are expected to support hardware development, an area where many Nigerian startups still face limitations due to the cost of equipment and prototyping.

Additive manufacturing, often referred to as 3D printing, also features strongly in the hub’s design. It has growing use across sectors such as healthcare, construction and engineering.

The federal government has in recent years increased attention on digital infrastructure as a foundation for these kinds of projects. Earlier plans outlined by the Ministry include nationwide fibre deployment, expansion of communication satellites, and new rural telecom towers aimed at improving access to connectivity across the country by 2027.

Alongside the government’s initiative, private sector investment is also beginning to impact the direction of innovation hubs in Nigerian universities.

Fintech company Moniepoint has committed about N3 billion to establish innovation centres at Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria Nsukka, and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

The initiative, announced in May 2026, is designed to support training in areas such as artificial intelligence, software engineering, robotics, data science, product development and entrepreneurship.

The company says its engineers and product teams will be involved in mentorship, workshops and internship pathways. The aim is to make sure students are exposed early to how technology products are built and scaled in real business environments.

Government-led programmes and private funding are now being directed towards building a pipeline of tech talent across different regions of the country.

OAU in the South-West, UNN in the South-East and ABU in the North are among the institutions selected for these projects. The idea is to spread access beyond Lagos and Abuja, where most of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem has traditionally been concentrated.

There are still questions about how sustainable these initiatives will be. Funding is still a challenge, particularly when it comes to maintaining advanced equipment and keeping facilities up to date.

Hardware-based innovation also requires consistent technical support, which universities have sometimes found difficult to provide over time.

Connectivity is another factor that will determine how far these hubs can go. Many of the planned activities depend on reliable internet access and stable power supply, both of which are uneven in parts of the country.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the initiative on Thursday after meetings held during the Education World Forum 2026 in London.

The Federal Government said it would fully fund 36,000 training licences in the programme’s first year, removing the cost barrier for participants.

Training will cover Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing and Software Engineering, while successful participants will earn certifications recognised by employers globally.

Alausa described the programme as one of the biggest government-backed digital skills investments in the country.

“On the sidelines of the Education World Forum 2026 in London, I signed a landmark partnership with @coursera to launch the Digital Training Academy (DTA), a major initiative designed to equip Nigerian youths with globally competitive digital skills.”

He added: “Through this programme, young Nigerians will receive world-class training in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Software Engineering and other high-demand digital fields, while earning globally recognised certifications valued by employers across the world.”

The minister said the programme supports President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places attention on youth development, innovation and workforce readiness.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that digital competency is no longer optional. It is foundational,” Alausa said.

“The Digital Training Academy is a direct investment in helping young Nigerians compete and lead in the global digital economy.”

According to the Ministry of Education, the programme will run in partnership with National Open University of Nigeria and Yaba College of Technology.

The government said NOUN would use its nationwide structure to give students across the country access to the programme, while YABATECH would provide technical support, facilitators and industry-focused mentorship.

“Access to training alone is not enough. What truly changes lives is completion, support and accountability,” Alausa stated.

Officials say the academy forms part of reforms introduced by the government to improve technical and vocational education.

In 2025, the Federal Government revised the Technical and Vocational Education Training curriculum, increasing the focus on practical learning with an 80:20 ratio in favour of hands-on training.

Nigeria also signed an agreement with China last year to strengthen vocational education through technical partnerships and practical training support.

The new academy arrives as demand for digital and AI-related skills increases globally. It also comes at a time when Nigeria faces high youth unemployment and underemployment, pushing more young people to seek technology-related careers and remote work opportunities.

Nigeria, home to over 200 million people and one of the youngest populations in the world, has a focus point for technology companies looking to build artificial intelligence skills.

AI is projected to contribute trillions of dollars to the global economy over the next decade, pushing governments and technology firms to invest more in digital skills and workforce training.

Experts say Nigeria has the talent base to become a commendable AI hub if skills development keeps pace with the rapid adoption of technology across sectors such as finance, telecommunications and public services.

TeKnowledge believes there are opportunities, but only if training programmes move beyond awareness and start producing job-ready talent.

The company helped deliver the first phase of Microsoft’s AI National Skilling Initiative in Nigeria last year. That programme introduced more than 50,000 Nigerians to foundational and intermediate AI skills, while over 3,000 participants completed advanced training and earned Microsoft AI certifications.

About 1,700 of those certified trainees were developers drawn from 40 technology companies already working within the Microsoft ecosystem.

Many went on to build working tools during a developer hackathon organised under the programme. The teams produced nine applied AI solutions designed for financial services, including systems for document verification, fraud detection and automated risk analysis.

A career fair held alongside the training connected participants with employers and technology partners. Some secured roles during the event, while others entered job placement pathways with companies looking to expand their AI capabilities.

The next phase aims to expand the pipeline.

TeKnowledge and Microsoft say the AI programme will now focus heavily on students, developers, entrepreneurs and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), one of Nigeria’s largest graduate mobilisation platforms.

Universities are also an important part of the rollout, with physical engagements planned at institutions including the University of Lagos, Lagos State University and Covenant University, where undergraduates will work on applied AI projects.

The initiative also aligns with national capacity building efforts such as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, part of the federal government’s plan to expand Nigeria’s digital workforce.

Olugbolahan Olusanya, territory director for Africa at TeKnowledge, said the Microsoft programme is moving from broad AI awareness to deeper alignment.

“Nigeria stands at a defining moment in its digital journey. AI is no longer a future concept, it is a present opportunity. This next phase is about scale, depth, and measurable impact. We are committing to directly train 10,000 participants in Phase 2, with deliberate focus on youth, women, developers, and decision makers who will drive AI adoption across sectors. 

“The Career Fair ensures this initiative goes beyond training, creating direct pathways from learning to livelihood. We are not simply delivering programmes; we are strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to compete in an AI-powered global economy.”

The training will combine online learning with hands-on projects and in-person workshops. Cybersecurity awareness and responsible AI use will also be included in the curriculum, reiterating data protection as organisations deploy AI systems.

For Microsoft, the initiative aligns with its goal to expand digital skills across Africa. The company has already trained millions of Nigerians in different technology programmes over the past five years, with AI now becoming the central focus of its workforce strategy.

Olatomiwa Williams, chief growth and AI officer for Microsoft Middle East and Africa, said Africa has the chance to move from technology consumption to innovation.

“Africa has an incredible opportunity to become not only a participant, but a builder and co-creator in the global AI economy, but much of this promise depends on building the right skills for this exciting new era. Microsoft’s AI Skilling Initiative plays a critical role in enabling Nigeria’s national digital skilling efforts. 

“Already we have seen wonderful innovation and globally relevant local solutions coming from the talent here in Nigeria. By deepening AI skills and diffusing AI adoption throughout the economy, Nigeria and the African continent stand to benefit.”

TeKnowledge has operated in Nigeria since 2018 and now employs more than 2,000 engineers and technology specialists in the country, supporting global customers from its Lagos hub and delivering services to organisations in more than 90 countries.

Aileen Allkins, the company’s chief executive and president, said the countries that invest early in AI will set the pace for the next phase of economic competition.

“Around the world, nations that invest in AI literacy and responsible adoption today will define tomorrow’s economic leadership. Nigeria has the talent, the ambition, and the entrepreneurial energy to lead in Africa’s AI transformation.

“Our focus is to combine global expertise with strong local execution, ensuring AI skills are accessible, inclusive, and impactful at scale.”

In Nigeria, AI will definitely transform industries, and the process has already begun with TeKnowledge, Microsoft and many other innovators.

This disconnect between talent and global opportunity is one of the biggest challenges in today’s digital economy, and a core reason why platforms such as Propel and AltSchool Africa were built. 

Taking a detailed look at these two organisations, both aim to help African tech talent reach global job markets, but they do so in different ways.

Top Digital Economy Policies to Watch in 2026

Propel is the Connector

Propel is a talent ecosystem platform focused on linking tech professionals, through communities, with job opportunities, projects, gigs and professional growth tools. 

It has built an ecosystem of 200+ specialised tech communities with over 600,000 members across more than 22 countries. 

Propel’s model integrates job listings, learning support, community networking and embedded financing (like device or cash loans) to help talent prepare for jobs, present themselves well and get hired. 

On the other hand, AltSchool Africa is the Educator

AltSchool Africa is an education platform aimed at training Africans with the skills employers want. It provides structured programmes, ranging from diploma courses in software engineering and cloud computing to short nano‑diplomas and masterclasses. 

More recently, it has launched continent‑wide initiatives like “AI for 10M Africans”, aimed at providing free foundational and advanced education in artificial intelligence to 10 million learners. 

How Each Addresses Global Job Access

This is where the contrast becomes most consequential.

Propel: A Direct Bridge to Opportunities

Propel’s global job board curates roles from international companies actively hiring African tech talent, not just adverts scraped from the web, but vetted positions updated weekly with direct application links and smart filters by skill, experience and job type. 

Its Opportunity Hub goes beyond jobs, including internships, hackathons, fellowships and gigs designed to grow your portfolio and visibility. 

The platform works through communities, meaning you don’t search alone, you apply within a network of peers, mentors, recruiters and global employers who value connections over mere CVs. 

Engineers and designers from Propel communities report securing roles with global companies (including household names in tech), now working remotely or in hybrid models with competitive pay. 

AltSchool Africa: Preparing You for the Game

AltSchool’s strength is in skills creation, not job placement per se.

Its programmes are designed to teach practical, in‑demand skills that global employers look for, from software development fundamentals to advanced cloud engineering and cybersecurity skills. 

Importantly, AltSchool runs scholarship programmes with partners such as Binance and Bybit, offering funded training in fields like software engineering and data analytics to hundreds of students. 

The “AI for 10M Africans” initiative goes even further to be a part learning movement and part skills movement. The goal is to demystify AI literacy and make AI education accessible across languages and regions, a cue that AltSchool sees future readiness as a form of job access. 

However, AltSchool does not operate a direct global job marketplace. Instead, its value is in giving learners the confidence, credentials and capacities to be considered for jobs, locally and globally.

Strengths and Limitations: The Practical View

What Propel is Great At

• Job access and matching: curated global listings and tailored opportunities. 
• Community network effects: jobs, knowledge and referrals flow through the community, not just postings. 
• Hindrance removal: tools such as device financing and learning support make career pathways tangible. 
• Feedback and mentorship loops: driven by active peers and professionals. 

Challenges: Being productive depends on engagement within the community, the more you participate, the more visible you become. If you’re not actively networking or building a profile, opportunities can be slower to materialise.

What AltSchool Africa is Great At

• Structured learning: clear step‑by‑step programmes from foundational to advanced skills. 
• Scale through initiatives: “AI for 10M Africans” and scholarships draw learners across the continent. 
• Credentials: recognised certifications and structured diplomas. 

Limitations: Training alone doesn’t guarantee jobs. Learners still need to reach employers, something AltSchool supports via career services but does not own in the way a job platform does.

So…

If you’re starting from scratch, with little coding knowledge and no formal tech education, AltSchool Africa is a strong first choice. You’ll build the skills recruiters globally want, and graduate ready to pass technical interviews.

If you already have some skills or experience, or you’ve completed training, Propel is the better place to connect with employers, project opportunities and international teams who are hiring now.

In many cases, the strongest path is both. Use AltSchool Africa to get qualified and Propel to get seen and hired.

Finally; Complementary, Not Competing

Here’s the honest conclusion, one isn’t categorically “better” than the other, they serve different roles in the talent pipeline.

• AltSchool Africa builds readiness. It helps Africans become competitive globally.
• Propel connects readiness to opportunities. It bridges the gap between ability and employment.

In that sense, they are two halves of an ecosystem, not competitors. Tech careers need platforms that can both groom talent and connect it with opportunity. Propel and AltSchool Africa each occupy an important space in this. 

This means most Africans who could be online are not. Coverage exists, usage does not. Across 39 African countries surveyed last year, only 31% of respondents used the internet daily, and just 47% owned a smartphone. 

At the same time, two-thirds of Africans have no access to a household computer, limiting their ability to engage in anything beyond basic messaging or social media

That gap, between availability and usage, is now the most important digital problem on the continent. It is no longer a problem of cables, towers, or signal strength, but rather whether people, businesses, and institutions can turn digital tools into something useful.

Usage is the next digital divide, and it is already determining who grows, who competes, and who’s left behind.

Access is No Longer the Hard Part

Over the past decade, Africa has done what many thought was impossible. Mobile networks expanded at speed, smartphones became cheaper, cloud services, productivity software, and digital platforms are now accessible to even small firms and public institutions.

In many countries, the basic infrastructure problem has been solved faster than expected. Large parts of Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, and Rwanda now sit under reliable mobile broadband coverage. Even rural areas are no longer entirely disconnected.

But then, when you look beyond map coverage, you see something entirely different.

Millions of people with network access use their phones mainly for calls, messaging, or entertainment. Many small businesses own digital tools they barely touch. Government platforms exist but see limited traffic. Schools have devices but lack the skills to integrate them into learning.

Access opened the door, but most people never walked through it.

The Digital Usage Gap is Where Value is Lost

Usage is where economic value is created, or not.

A farmer with internet access does not benefit unless they know how to find price information, weather data, or digital marketplaces. A small retailer gains little from a payment app if they cannot track sales, manage inventory, or understand customer data. A ministry can digitise services, but without trained staff and clear processes, the systems sit idle.

This is why the usage gap is just as important as the access gap.

Recent surveys across African countries show that while mobile phone ownership is high, regular, productive internet use is still low, especially beyond urban centres. Computer access is even more limited, which restricts skills development, content creation, and higher-value digital work.

What we are seeing is not a lack of technology, but a lack of execution capability, the ability to apply digital tools to problems, consistently and at scale.

Execution is Becoming the Advantage

Execution sounds far-reaching, but you see it in everyday decisions.

Whether a company trains staff beyond basic onboarding, or leadership understands what tools are for, not just what they cost, or if digital projects move from pilot stage into everyday operations.

Two organisations can buy the same software, one improves productivity, and the other sees no change. The difference is barely the tool, but the people, the processes, and the decisions around it.

Across Africa, a small group of firms and institutions are beginning to pull ahead not because they have better access, but because they use what they have better. They invest in skills, measure results, and adapt quickly when something does not work.

This is execution as a competitive edge, and it is harder to copy than infrastructure.

Why Africa is Especially Exposed

Africa’s risk is not that it lacks technology, but that skills and systems are not keeping pace with access.

Education systems still move slowly compared to how fast digital tools change. Many graduates enter the workforce without practical digital skills, even when they are comfortable with smartphones. 

Businesses usually adopt tools without changing how work is organised. Governments prioritise platforms over people.

There is also a policy lag, with digital progress still measured by access indicators including coverage, subscriptions, and device numbers, because they are easy to track. Usage, capacity, and productivity are harder to measure, and harder to fix.

The result is a divide; the few who know how to execute, and the many who are digitally present but economically stuck.

This is Not a Motivation Problem

It is important to be clear about this. Low usage is not about laziness or resistance to technology.

Cost is a limitation for many, data is still expensive relative to income, local content is limited, language is important, trust is important, but skills are the most important of all.

If people do not see clear value, they will not use digital tools as they should, with depth, even when access exists. Usage follows relevance, not infrastructure.

That is why closing the usage gap requires a different approach, one focused on skills, local solutions, and visible economic results.

What Happens if We Get This Wrong

If Africa fails to close the digital usage and execution gap, the consequences will be uneven growth.

A narrow group of firms, cities, and individuals will thrive. The rest will remain connected in name but excluded. Digital tools will exist, but their benefits will concentrate instead of spreading.

If we get it right, the opposite happens. Productivity improves, small businesses scale, public services work better, and young people gain skills that travel across borders.

The difference between these futures is usage, not access.

So…

Africa’s digital sustainability isn’t dependent on how many people can get online. That phase is ending.

It’s those who can use digital tools well to learn, to build, to compete, and to bring results.

Execution is becoming the key advantage. The only thing left to face is whether we are preparing enough people to take it.

Held on Thursday, November 20, at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, the event convened government leaders, founders, investors, creators, technologists and policy makers to map out what tomorrow could look like for Ogun’s fast-growing innovation sector. 

The summit, now in its sixth edition, has become the largest annual gathering of youth and digital talent in the state.

A Summit Framed by Urgency and Opportunity

The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Naimat Salako-Oyedele, described the digital economy as “the backbone of modern development” She stressed that young people are central to the state’s growth strategy.

She described how Ogun has spent the past few years laying the foundations for a thriving technology ecosystem: “We have been intentional here in Ogun state about creating the right environment for technology to flourish.” 

She pointed out the transformation of the Ogun Tech Hub; partnerships with innovation clusters; and new international collaborations, including the Window America initiative, which provides workshops and learning opportunities for young people.

The Deputy Governor also announced the newly commissioned NCC Koba Centre, already training youths in AI engineering, cloud computing and data technologies. According to her, its location in Ogun is “not accidental… It reflects the confidence that national institutions and private partners have in our talent base.” 

But she also warned, “We must not work in silos. We need more coordination, more shared learning and more deliberate linkages between state programs, federal initiatives, private sector projects, university research and community-based ecosystem.” 

A Federal Perspective: Nigeria Must Create, Not Just Consume

Representing the Presidency, Tobi Matthew, director of the PBAT Media Centre, gave a statement reinforcing the federal government’s position on digital acceleration growth.

He noted, “Nigeria must not only consume technology, we must create it and also export it.” 

He outlined three pillars of a functional digital ecosystem, policy, governance and partnership, and emphasised the administration’s focus on reforms that ease doing tech business, expand broadband access and strengthen global partnerships.

According to him, summits like Ogun’s bridge government and the tech community by helping “co-create policies that work in the real world.” 

Legislative Power Meets Tech Vision

The summit received a strong policy perspective from Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, who announced that the long-awaited National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill would soon be signed into law.

The bill, he explained, will compel ministries and agencies to digitise operations: “They are all compared, not as a matter of option. They are compared to digital patients.” 

He described how digital signatures and electronic documents would gain full legal recognition, removing long-standing limitations for startups and online businesses. The Senator called the summit “the largest gathering of youth in Ogun state… gathered for empowerment that truly empowers.” 

Founders and Innovators Urged to Build for Ogun, Not Just From It

Summit Convener Victor Adeleye returned to a central problem; retention. Although many celebrated Nigerian startups originated from Ogun institutions, most relocate to Lagos. He challenged young innovators to stay and build where they were trained.

“The tech skill is not the destination, it’s just the beginning.” 

He added that more than 7,500 talents have been supported since 2020, and that the state is now spotlighting revenue-generating startups built locally.

PaidHR’s Seye Bandele Urges Founders to Build for Africa’s Realities, Not Imported Playbooks

Seye Bandele, co-founder & CEO of PaidHR, told young founders that Africa is in its own “printing-press moment”, a turning point impacted by AI, rapid information flow and a high youth population.

He drew parallels between Gutenberg’s invention and today’s technology wave, stressing that the tools being built now will affect the next 100 years of African innovation.

Seye warned that founders must build with Africa’s realities in mind; weak infrastructure, low internet access and high volatility, not imported frameworks. He urged them to design products that work offline, handle currency swings, embed trust from day one and collect data intentionally.

He also emphasised that Africa’s population surge makes the continent the world’s next major market, and those building today must think in decades, not sprints. For him, progress comes from solving real problems and adapting global ideas to local context.

“You may not see the full impact, but what you build today is what the next generation will inherit.”

Microsoft’s Damila Rashu, lead for AI and Cloud, reiterated the global relevance of Ogun’s emerging talent pool and encouraged founders to join Microsoft’s startup programmes.

“Hopefully, in a few months, a few years down the line, we will have our own global unicorns right here in Ogun state.” 

Earlier, Bola Akindele, group managing director of Courteville Business Solutions Plc, recalled the evolution of his own company and the importance of domain understanding, using examples from his early academic journey.

Messan to Founders: “Traction Is Your Number One De-Risker”

David Lanre Messan, chief venture builder at FirstFounders, explained that most struggles with fundraising come from poor positioning, not lack of ideas.

He stressed that “every investor has an investment thesis,” urging founders to first identify whether they are at the idea, product or revenue stage before approaching anyone.

Messan noted that early-stage success depends on validation and real market demand, noting that “you cannot build anything without automatic demand.” He closed with an insight that investors respond to proof, not promises: “traction is your number one de-risker.”

Dr Solomon King: The Power of Diaspora Capital

From the Lagos Angel Network, Dr Solomon King presented a startling economic context: “17 million Nigerians live in the diaspora, and those 17 million people push back home to Nigeria, 20 billion US dollars on average per year.” 

He argued that this flow of capital, coupled with Ogun’s youth base, positions the region for outstanding investment if structures stay consistent.

Community Leadership: Ogun Tech Community’s Stand

President of the Ogun Tech Community, Adekunle Durosinmi, commended the summit for becoming a reference point. “We have seen the ecosystem growing stronger, more connected, more impactful.” 

He urged attendees to “disrupt Google”, amplify Ogun’s tech story online, and enhance collaboration instead of isolation.

Inspirational Close: What Will You Build?

One of the most memorable reflections at Ogun Digital Summit 2025 came from a keynote speaker who linked today’s creators to historical innovators: “Your code, your content, your companies are the real printing presses of this generation.” 

The challenge was, “What infrastructure are you going to build today that the people of tomorrow will inherit from you?” 

PANEL SESSION HIGHLIGHTS

Panel Session 1: The Creative Economy

Key Highlights

• Defined the creative economy as the movement of goods and services within creative industries.
• Identified various creative sectors, including music, storytelling, photography, design, YouTube content, branding, and cinematography.
• Discussed the role of storytelling and its relevance to audience engagement.
• Raised matters about content creators ignoring policy updates that directly benefit them, including tax reforms and IP protection.
• Emphasised that Ogun has the strongest environment for creative-tech talent development.
• Called for more platforms that highlight policies affecting creators.

Fireside Chat: Journey from Zero to 1 Billion

Key Highlights

• Speakers discussed realistic planning for market size and expansion.
• Warned founders against exaggerated market assumptions that harm investor confidence.
• Emphasised calculating total addressable market (TAM) within one’s region before expanding.
• Explained the investment committee process and how risk assessments shape funding decisions.
• Encouraged founders to build strong roadmaps and avoid premature scaling.

Panel Session 2: Policy, Governance and Talent

Key Highlights

• Examined how data governance, digital payments and financial infrastructure affect tech growth.
• Highlighted existing federal and state programmes supporting innovators, including tech hubs and new digital infrastructure.
• Noted the gap between policies and actual adoption by citizens and creators.
• Stressed the need for intentional inclusion of youth-led tech teams in procurement and governance processes.
• Raised issues about low awareness of policy benefits, especially tax reforms.
• Reemphasised the importance of intellectual property protection.
• Asserted that Ogun should become Nigeria’s digital capital due to its youth population and number of tertiary institutions.

Ogun Digital Summit 2025 stressed that Ogun is no longer waiting for inclusion in Nigeria’s digital growth. The state is supplying talent, building institutions, attracting global partners and implementing policy-driven reforms designed to keep innovators rooted at home.

In Nigeria’s digital economy, Ogun State is now one of the country’s strongest engines.

The report, titled “Humans at the Heart of Education,” reveals that while technology and digital skills are essential, they are not enough on their own. 

With the dynamic nature of AI, the study warns that focusing solely on digital literacy could leave young Nigerians unprepared for a future where human judgement, empathy, creativity, and ethics will matter as much as technological proficiency.

According to Cambridge, “If AI can replace us, then we are not teaching the right things.” The report calls for a renewed focus on education that “builds the whole person”, nurturing knowledge, skills, and values that go beyond test scores and drive both personal growth and national progress.

It also recommends that education reforms should not be top-down. Instead, change must come through collaboration between governments, teachers, learners, employers, and communities. “To get to the heart of education challenges, listen to the people at the heart of education,” the report stressed.

Relevance to Nigeria’s Local Context

The report spotlights that Nigeria’s education must remain grounded in local culture, language, and identity. Evidence shows, it says, that students learn best when education reflects their immediate environment. 

Cambridge commended Nigeria’s recent move to make History a compulsory subject from Primary 1 to JSS 3 and to include a Nigerian language among mandatory subjects in early grades.

This, it noted, will help children develop a clear sense of identity and an understanding of their place in the world. But with AI tools trained predominantly in English, 90% of the data from large language models, Cambridge cautioned that the superiority of English content could limit learners’ engagement and understanding in countries where only about 10% of the population speak English as a first language.

Teachers Must Stay Central, Not Replaceable

The report warned against using technology as a replacement for teachers, arguing that nations that do so risk creating a two-tier education system, where some children learn with teacher-guided digital tools, while others rely on automated platforms with little human interaction.

Instead, Nigeria is encouraged to “empower teachers with technology.” Properly used, technology can ease teachers’ workloads by automating routine tasks such as marking and lesson planning, while also providing better data for tailored instruction.

The Cambridge report cited a World Bank pilot in Edo State, Nigeria, where teachers used free generative AI tools to provide personalised coaching and education.

Acting as “orchestra conductors,” teachers led sessions, mentored students, and guided reflections. The outcome was surprising, students recorded almost two years of learning in just six weeks.

Teaching for the AI Age

Cambridge noted that while AI, big data, and cybersecurity are among the fastest-growing global job skills, Nigeria must teach beyond specific tools. Rather than short-term training, the report advocates for building lifelong digital competence, helping students think critically about how to use technology wisely.

It also advised policymakers to resist the temptation of letting technology drive knowledge acquisition, saying that “education should build skills and knowledge side by side” to develop citizens capable of using AI responsibly.

Furthermore, the report noted the need to strengthen teacher quality as much as teacher numbers. It acknowledged Nigeria’s recent move to realign the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) mandate to raise professional standards but added that teachers must be supported with continuous training and flexible curricula that allow them to adapt lessons to student needs.

‘Keep Humans at the Centre’ – Cambridge Official

Jane Mann, managing director of Partnerships for Education at Cambridge, said the future of education in Nigeria and beyond must balance AI and other technologies with human connection.

“AI is changing education, and the world students will graduate into, at a faster pace than any time in human history,” she said.

According to her, focusing on digital skills alone will not be enough to prepare Nigeria’s youth for what lies ahead.

“But teaching digital skills is just the start. Our report shows that for Nigeria’s next generation to thrive, we must also equip learners with the deeply human knowledge, skills, values and connections that are key to building resilient individuals, and in turn resilient economies and societies.”

Mann added that reforms must remain deeply connected to Nigeria’s realities.

“This includes ensuring education remains highly local to students’ context in Nigeria, and putting teachers and school leaders at the heart of education reforms. The pace of technology means we don’t know exactly what tomorrow’s world of work looks like for today’s students, but by keeping humans at the heart of education, we prepare Nigeria’s next generation for all eventualities.”

Cambridge University Press & Assessment, part of the University of Cambridge, is a global leader in assessment, education, and research. The organisation works closely with national education systems to promote high standards in learning and teaching worldwide.

Themed “Beyond the Degree: Mastering Tech, Entrepreneurship, Creativity & Wealth Creation,” the summit brought together speakers from digital media, education consultancy, tech entrepreneurship, and supply chain strategy. 

Their collective advice was that it’s no longer enough to graduate, you must evolve.

Let’s start with Joan Aimuengheuwa, assistant editor at Techeconomy, who built her career before her final exams were over. “Success is about learning and doing,” she said. “I started working while I was a student, just like you. I didn’t even want to do some of those things at first, but again, I didn’t let opportunities slide by. That’s how I started.”

She recalled taking on roles that only paid enough for data. No prestige or promise, just persistence. “Back then, I worked with a lecturer who had a company, while also working at another media firm. I was juggling school, internships in the media space, data analysis—everything. You can’t survive in this space without being a good analyst or a good researcher.”

When asked what students need to succeed in the digital media space, her answer was direct: “Discipline. You cannot be a writer, editor, or analyst without patience. Your character is very important because it’s your name that’s at stake here, not just your pay. Again, you need to learn SEO, networking, research, and use AI the right way. AI should look up to you, not the other way around.”

But perhaps the most striking insight came from her early career reflection: “Don’t wait till you’re ready. Don’t be afraid to do badly at first. Don’t be afraid to fail. My first boss was strict. She didn’t insult me, but when I made a mistake, it was like, ‘How can you do this?’ I never told her, but in my head, I was like, ‘I’m learning.’ But I went through it. She taught me. And when I applied for my next job, my new boss said, ‘She came in highly recommended.’ Why? Because of my character.”

Pascal Orisakwe the career strategist and supply chain manager at Beta Glass took over. “Success,” he said, “is not how much money you have in your bank account. It is the ability to create value, to solve problems, and reward follows that.”

He warned students about mistaking noise for navigation. “Some people just want to get out of the house. They don’t think of life after that certificate. That’s one major challenge. You don’t just jump into a career because your friend is doing it.”

Pascal shared a tough truth about adulthood. “Someone once said adulthood is a scam. But it’s only a scam if you’re not prepared. And preparation means skills. It means understanding that the world is already being run by AI, robotics, and the Internet of Things. If you’re not evolving, you’re fading.”

For students willing to further their studies abroad, Janet Amosu, business development manager at BWBS Education Consultants, pitched access to students at STS 3.0. “We do not charge for applications. 100% free service. No payment for application processing, no payment for visa submission, no charges for interviews,” she said.

It sounded too good to be true, so when asked about the success rate, she doubled down: “Yes, 100% success rate. We secure scholarships, up to 50% for academically strong students. If you don’t get a job nine months after graduation, we work with schools that refund 50% of your tuition and use the other 50% to re-enrol you.”

Her advice to those looking to study abroad? Start early. “Many students miss out because they didn’t start on time or weren’t aligned with their financial and academic realities. Stay informed. Trust the process.”

And then there was Elias Roosevelt, founder and CEO of Payable. He added weight to the tech entrepreneurship part of the conversation, stressing that “building viable products in the financial tech space, not just talking about it, is highly important.”

Pascal, when asked if he would change anything in his career, said: “In all honesty, I do not think I would change anything. When you alter your yesterday, your today and tomorrow might not come out the way they should. The journey of life requires intentionality.”

He urged students at the STS 3.0 summit and beyond, not to let emotions drive their decisions. “Discipline means waking up early. It means working late. You have to stay the course, even when it doesn’t pay off immediately.”

In our world, where many are now obsessed with immediate returns, that might be the most radical advice of all.

Beyond a panel, STS 3.0 was a roadmap, because in 2025, you don’t need another degree to succeed. You need audacity, resilience, and the humility to learn from strict bosses and unpaid gigs. You need to build a name before you build a brand.

And if you’re lucky, you’ll realise that the classroom ends at the door, but your future doesn’t.

After concluding a pilot phase that reached over 150,000 participants in 12 states, the agency is now taking the initiative nationwide with one objective: to train at least 70% of the population with essential digital skills by 2027, and 95% by the end of the decade.

The DL4ALL programme is part of the Federal Government’s strategy to build a digitally capable society under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The stakes are high, and NITDA is treating this as a national emergency on digital illiteracy.

The structure of the training rests on six practical focus areas: Device and Software Operation, Information and Data Literacy, Communication and Collaboration, Digital Content Creation, Online Safety, and Problem Solving. 

Each area is built to offer hands-on, accessible instruction, targeting not just urban dwellers but also communities in remote locations where access to technology remains limited.

“We are building a future where no Nigerian is left behind,” NITDA said. That statement reiterates the agency’s current approach—direct, ambitious, and firmly rooted in collaboration with local governments, development agencies, and private sector partners.

Unlike previous initiatives that usually stagnated after launches, DL4ALL is designed to evolve. It goes beyond conventional training models, blending digital inclusion with national development goals. 

The idea is not to create millions of software engineers overnight, but to ensure that the average Nigerian understands the basics of digital tools well enough to function, grow, and even innovate within today’s economy.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has consistently pushed for measurable outcomes. Earlier this year, he unveiled plans to train 1.1 million residents in Enugu State alone by 2027, under the same programme. 

It’s part of a wider digital literacy agenda that includes the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative. According to him, “All training programmes of this administration are geared towards ensuring that 90% of Nigerians are digitally literate by 2030.”

Dr. Tijani also made it clear that this doesn’t mean the country is trying to produce 90% software engineers. “Being digitally literate does not mean that 90% of Nigerians will become tech talents,” he said. “It means they would be given the foundation to be able to choose to participate in the digital economy.”

That foundation is exactly what DL4ALL intends to provide; as the programme scales across the country, NITDA has promised to monitor progress, measure impact, and adjust where needed to ensure the outcomes are tangible and inclusive.

This strategic collaboration aligns with Caleb University’s vision of becoming the Centre of Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) Excellence, bridging the gap between education and digital innovation.

Transforming Campus Connectivity

Under this partnership, OneData has deployed high-speed, campus-wide fibre internet, ensuring uninterrupted access to online learning platforms, research databases, and communication tools.

This will modernize the university’s digital infrastructure, creating an environment where students and faculty members can excel in an ICT-driven world.

Fostering Digital Excellence

Beyond providing internet services, OneData is launching “Digital and Entrepreneurial Hubs”, dedicated spaces designed to cultivate innovation, digital literacy, and business acumen for students at Caleb University.

These hubs will serve as incubators where students can develop technological solutions, explore business opportunities, and gain industry-ready skills.

“Reliable internet is not just an educational tool; it is the foundation of a thriving digital economy,” said Mr Olawale Owoeye, CEO of OneData.

“By collaborating with Caleb University, we have not only provided for campus connectivity but are also empowering students with the training, resources, and opportunities needed to lead in technology, media, and telecommunications. This is a game-changer for higher education in Nigeria.”

Similarly, Professor Nosa Owens-Ibie, Vice Chancellor of Caleb University, stated:

“This partnership with OneData is a significant step toward our mission of becoming a centre of excellence in education and innovation. By integrating world-class internet services and fostering entrepreneurial hubs, we are equipping students with the skills and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s digital transformation.”

Expanding Digital Access

OneData’s vision extends beyond Caleb University. The company is committed to scaling this model in universities nationwide, ensuring more students gain access to high-speed internet, education, and entrepreneurial resources.

This initiative is not just about internet access; it is about empowering the next generation to drive Nigeria’s digital transformation.