LASUED, Nigeria Computer Society Explore Partnership to Strengthen Digital Skills and Innovation

Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) and the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Lagos Chapter, are exploring a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening digital talent development, innovation and industry-focused education.

The proposed collaboration was discussed during a courtesy visit by the NCS Lagos Chapter to the university on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Built around the theme, "Building Lagos's Digital Talent Pipeline: Empowering Education, Innovation and Enterprise," the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between academia and industry by aligning academic training with emerging technology demands.

The meeting, held at the Multimedia Complex of the Vice-Chancellor's Office, was chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Daodu Moruf Adedayo, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye.

In his remarks, Professor Daodu highlighted LASUED's transformation since its establishment on February 2, 2022, following the merger of the former Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED) and Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED). He explained that the transition to a university of education became necessary due to declining enrolment in National Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes.

According to him, the university has experienced significant growth, expanding from an initial student population of over 3,000 in 2022 to about 16,000 students across its Oto/Ijanikin and Noforija, Epe campuses. He also announced that LASUED is preparing for its maiden convocation ceremony later this year as its pioneer students conclude their final examinations.

Speaking for the visiting delegation, the Chairman of the Nigeria Computer Society, Lagos Chapter, Dr. Adeshina Adewale, described Lagos as Africa's emerging innovation capital, citing initiatives such as the Art of Technology (AOT) Conference and GITEX as evidence of the state's growing technology ecosystem.

He said the proposed partnership would introduce structured student engagement programmes that would integrate members of the Nigeria Association of Computing Students (NACOS) into professional networks before graduation, enabling them to transform academic projects into commercially viable solutions.

The proposed collaboration will also provide students with access to:

• The Don Etiebet Innovative Prize, a ₦1 million annual award for outstanding final-year computing projects.
• The Salako Mavin Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Prize, which promotes excellence in Artificial Intelligence and robotics.
• Funding opportunities through the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) for viable student-led technology projects.

The partnership also seeks to strengthen teacher education and digital pedagogy through continuous professional development programmes for lecturers and student-teachers, particularly in Artificial Intelligence-enabled teaching methodologies.

The Secretary of the NCS Lagos Chapter, Mr. Fambegbe Emmanuel, noted that the future of work is increasingly remote, hybrid and AI-driven, making practical digital skills essential for graduate success. He also emphasised the importance of responsible Artificial Intelligence usage through Lagos State's STAND framework, warning against threats such as deepfakes and AI-enabled fraud.

Responding, Professor Daodu welcomed the initiative, stating that increased student participation in professional certifications, technology training and industry-oriented programmes would enhance graduate employability while discouraging involvement in social vices.

He added that the proposed framework would serve as the foundation for future collaborative programmes between Lagos State University of Education and the Nigeria Computer Society, Lagos Chapter.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the University Registrar, Mr. Akinfemiwa Opeoluwa.