The Ijesa Digital Hub (IDH) has trained more than 350 young people in digital and entrepreneurial skills since it began operations in 2024, helping students and youths develop competencies for careers and business opportunities in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
Established by the Ijesaland Global Alliance for Development (IGAD), the Hub provides specialised training, mentorship, innovation programmes and career development opportunities aimed at bridging the gap between classroom education and industry requirements.
More than 200 participants have completed specialised technology programmes, while 112 have graduated from professional courses in cybersecurity, software development, artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics and UI/UX design.
According to the Hub, several graduates have gone on to secure internships, professional certifications, remote jobs and employment opportunities within Nigeria’s technology sector.
Speaking on the initiative, Executive Director of the Ijesa Digital Hub, Dr Cornelius Adewale, said the programme was designed to connect education with entrepreneurship, innovation and economic opportunities.
“Our objective is to connect education with entrepreneurship and innovation so that every graduate becomes a potential contributor to the economic growth of Ijesaland,” he said.
He said digital education should extend beyond technical knowledge by enabling young people to develop solutions, build businesses and create employment opportunities.
The Hub’s impact was highlighted at the maiden Ijesa Tech Conference held on July 18, 2026, where educators, policymakers, technology professionals, traditional rulers and business leaders discussed the role of education and human capital development in preparing young people for the future economy.
Chairman of IGAD, Prince Abimbola Olashore, described human capital as one of the most valuable forms of infrastructure a community can develop, stressing that sustainable economic growth depends on investment in knowledge, skills and innovation.
A key feature of the Hub’s education initiatives is the Ijesa Tech Prize, which introduces secondary school students to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The maiden competition attracted 65 secondary schools and more than 130 students, who participated in activities designed to promote creativity, innovation and problem-solving.
The conference also saw the presentation of N5 million worth of technology training scholarships, while 46 trainees graduated in software development, cybersecurity, data analytics, UI/UX design and artificial intelligence tools mastery.
IGAD Vice President, Dr Wale Alonge, called for stronger collaboration among government, private sector organisations, development partners and the diaspora to expand access to digital education and career opportunities for young Nigerians.
Representing the Ijesa Development Council, Vice President II, Lady Modupe Ajayi Gbadebo, described the partnership between the council and IGAD as an avenue for accelerating human capital development and creating opportunities for young people across Ijesaland.
The Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, also pledged continued support for initiatives promoting education, innovation and youth development.
The Ijesa Digital Hub said it would continue to expand its digital skills, STEM, scholarship and career development programmes to prepare more young people for employment, entrepreneurship and innovation in Nigeria’s evolving digital economy.