Beyond the lecture hall: Why innovation hubs must follow education, By Shuaib S. Agaka

Anambra State has launched a major initiative to empower its youth with digital skills, training 480 interns in three key areas of technology—robotics, internet service provider (ISP) engineering, and startup incubation. This program, known as the Tech Skills Scheme under the "Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere" campaign, took place during a ceremony held at the new Government House in Awka. The initiative is part of a broader push by Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo to position the state as a hub for digital innovation and economic growth.

The training program includes 300 participants in robotics, 100 in ISP engineering, and 80 in startup incubation. These numbers reflect a strategic focus on both foundational and advanced technological skills, aiming to build a workforce capable of driving the state's digital transformation. Governor Soludo emphasized the importance of digital technology in modern society, highlighting how it permeates every aspect of life and economic activity. He called upon the graduates to use their newfound expertise to contribute meaningfully to the global stage, underscoring the potential for local talent to make a mark internationally.

The initiative is spearheaded by the Solution Innovation Districts (SID), a body dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Chinwe Okoli, the special adviser to Governor Soludo on Innovation and Business Incubation and CEO of SID, praised the collaborative effort involving government, private sector partners, and educational institutions. She noted that the program's success is built on four pillars: practical training, access to infrastructure, mentorship from industry experts, and support for transforming ideas into viable businesses. Under Governor Soludo’s leadership, Anambra has seen rapid progress in its digital transformation, moving from ambitious plans to tangible results.

Originally, the governor had set a target of training 10,000 people annually, but within the first year, over 30,000 individuals have already been trained. This surge in participation underscores the growing demand for digital skills and the effectiveness of the state’s approach. The governor celebrated the three key programs—robotics training, ISP network engineering, and startup incubation—as vital components of Anambra’s strategy to cultivate a dynamic digital economy. His vision extends beyond immediate skill development, aiming to inspire a culture of innovation among younger generations, starting from secondary schools and extending into primary education.

Meanwhile, academics and educators nationwide are also emphasizing the need for students to embrace digital innovation and entrepreneurship as a response to rising unemployment and the evolving nature of work. At the Inaugural Career Fair 2026 organized by KolaDaisi University, Ibadan, experts urged students to adopt entrepreneurial mindsets, leveraging technology to solve real-world problems. Dr. Jonathan Ikeolumba, a scholar at Lagos Business School, stressed that the labor market cannot absorb the growing number of graduates, making entrepreneurship a crucial alternative. He encouraged students to start small, utilize digital tools, and build resilience, recognizing that failure is often a stepping stone to success.

Professor Adebola Ekanola, a former Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the necessity of acquiring digital, technical, and soft skills to remain competitive in a rapidly changing job market. He warned that without adapting to technological advancements, students risk becoming redundant in the modern workforce. The discussions at the career fair underscored a shared recognition of the urgent need for a shift from passive job seeking to proactive job creation, aligning with the goals of Anambra’s Tech Skills Scheme.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of unemployment and the digital divide, initiatives like Anambra’s Tech Skills Scheme and academic calls for entrepreneurial empowerment highlight a collective effort to reshape the nation’s economic landscape. With increasing investment in innovation hubs and a growing emphasis on practical skills, there is optimism that the next generation of Nigerian professionals will be better equipped to navigate and thrive in a technology-driven world. The path forward involves sustained collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector, ensuring that the momentum generated by these efforts translates into lasting change.