As youth unemployment continues to rise in Nigeria, the Ilorin Innovation Hub says it is equipping young people with digital skills that can earn them up to $2,000 monthly through technology and entrepreneurship.
The hub, regarded as the largest innovation hub in West Africa, has launched a range of programmes aimed at equipping youths with globally relevant skills in Artificial Intelligence, AI, software development, digital innovation and entrepreneurship.
Speaking during a tour of the facility in Ilorin, Kwara State, the Managing Director of the hub, Mr. Temi Kolawole, said the initiative was created to bridge the gap between training and economic opportunities for young Nigerians. According to him, one of the hub’s flagship initiatives, Learn to Earn, was specifically designed to ensure participants move beyond skills acquisition to income generation.
“We have a programme called “Learn to Earn” that guarantees that once participants complete the intensive training programme, which lasts for over a year, they begin earning at least $2,000 monthly. The objective is not just to train people but to help them become economically productive,” he said.
Kolawole explained that the facility provides free access to training, co-working spaces, mentorship and business support, removing barriers that often prevent talented young Nigerians from participating in the digital economy.
“We do not charge users for our workspace. Everything is free. We want young people, regardless of their background, to have access to opportunities that can change their lives,” he stated.
Beyond training, the hub also connects innovators with investors and development partners to help transform ideas into viable businesses.
Showing visitors around the facility’s pitch hall, Kolawole said many participants had already secured grants, funding and other forms of support after presenting their projects to potential investors.
“This is where people pitch their ideas. Investors have come here to see what innovators are building and many of our participants have secured grants, funding and support through our network,” he said.
He added that Artificial Intelligence has become a major focus of the hub’s activities because of its growing influence on the future of work. “The number one skill people can learn here today is AI. Whether it is prompt engineering, AI content creation or software engineering powered by AI tools, AI is shaping the future of work and that is where we are focusing our efforts,” he said.
In an interview with Saturday Vanguard, Mr Kolawole said, “Ilorin Innovation Hub is a Kwara State Government initiative, powered by IHS Towers, in partnership with Co-creation Hub (CcHub) and Future Africa and it’s one of West Africa’s largest innovation spaces, covering over 13,000 square meters and built for more than 1,000 users.
“The hub was established following a Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 2023. It officially commenced its incubation and acceleration programs on February 27, 2025,” he said.
According to him, “all programs and work space at the Hub are completely free. Key features include world-class infrastructure fully powered by 631 solar PV panels; modern work spaces with co-working areas, work pods, and phone booths supported by high-speed 5G and uninterrupted power; smart training rooms, a cafeteria, VIP lounge and work space for more than 150 people”.