UNILAG Hosts Tech Skills & Marketplace 2024 Review, Stakeholders Discuss Strategies for Future Economy

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) reaffirmed its commitment to equipping students with practical skills for the digital economy at the Tech Skills & Marketplace 2024 Review session, held from February 25 to 26, 2025, at the Arthur Mbanefo Digital Resource Centre (AMDRC).

The review session, organized by UNILAG’s Central Industrial Liaison and Placement Unit (CILPU), brought together key stakeholders from academia and industry to assess the programme’s impact and explore ways to enhance its success. Among the notable attendees were representatives from AFRETEC, a network dedicated to advancing technology education across Africa, which acknowledged UNILAG’s progress in fostering startups and scalable business ventures.

Speaking at the event, Programme Coordinator, Professor Johnson Agunsoye, emphasized that the initiative aims to provide startups with motivated and skilled interns to support their operations. He described the Tech Skills and Marketplace Programme as a flagship initiative designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

The pilot programme, which ran from September to December 2024, placed 52 interns across 12 startups operating in three designated hubs: the National Information Technology Development Agency IT Hub (NITHUB), the Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Centre (ESDC), and the Innovation and Technology Management Office (ITMO). Interns received financial support, including a ₦250,000 monthly stipend and an additional ₦100,000 for transportation. UNILAG also provided high-speed internet, accommodation, and mentorship from four supervisors to ensure an enriching experience.

In her presentation, the Acting Director of ITMO, Dr. O. O. Adewunmi, elaborated on the rigorous application and screening process, categorizing candidates into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. She highlighted challenges faced by interns and shared feedback illustrating the programme’s significant impact on participants’ professional growth.

Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa of NITHub emphasized the need for increased participation of women and students with special needs in tech, reinforcing UNILAG’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Similarly, Dr. Stanley Mukasa from Carnegie Mellon University, Rwanda, stressed the importance of such initiatives in preparing students for global industry demands.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Ayodele V. Atsenuwa, praised the programme for providing students with real-world experience and fostering industry partnerships. She emphasized UNILAG’s strategic role in preparing students for careers in the fast-evolving tech sector.

In her closing remarks, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, commended the initiative’s success and actively engaged in discussions on expanding and enhancing the programme. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where AFRETEC representatives shared insights on key expectations for interns and startups to drive future success.