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 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.
“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.
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.
“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.
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.
“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.
