A technology training hub based in Kwara State, AI Tech Institute, has announced plans to train 5,000 Nigerians annually in high-income digital and mobile repair skills.

The institute, which prioritises hands-on, practical learning, stated it is committed to empowering young Nigerians with profitable iPhone repair expertise, digital tools, and business mentorship through both physical and online platforms.

In an interview with Arewa PUNCH on Wednesday, the Chief Executive Officer, Ogbeni Iyiola Issa, said the vision was driven by the urgent need for Nigeria to catch up with global technological advancement.

"I am well-travelled and came to the realisation that tech development is rapid across the world. Nigeria is a developing country, and looking at the situation of things, we have to invest more in technology in order to meet up with other developed countries like America and others. We have to make sure we are also involved," he said.

Issa further explained that the institute offers structured support for trainees, including flexible payment options and post-training assistance.

"We have packages for our students, and we are making sure to follow them through every process. This is not our first edition. We've been doing empowerment for the past five years. We have another centre where we sell tools and other gadgets.

"When our students are done with their training, we also support them with the sourcing of tools. If they can't afford to pay once, they have the option of paying in instalments. We partner with those who can not stand alone just yet," Issa added.

Our correspondent reports that the institute, located in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, is a pioneer in Nigeria's tech skill space, boasting facilities that enable trainees to learn phone building and repair from scratch in an academy-style environment.

Speaking further, the CEO also highlighted the strategic decision to situate the initiative in Ilorin rather than in larger cities.

"A lot of people have been asking why we chose Ilorin, Kwara State, as our location instead of advanced places like Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt. My replies have always been about visionary; choosing impact over profit," he said.

"The reason we brought the initiative to Ilorin is that the environment is where we started. Growth is from the down to the top, not otherwise.

"Going to Lagos or other advanced places will put us at a great disadvantage due to high competition. Starting from here will give us the opportunity to grow faster and bigger."

He stressed that partnerships would be critical to achieving the target of training 5,000 people annually.

"We are looking forward to a deep partnership with the government. We are talking about training 5,000 people, but this place can not contain all.

"If the government can collaborate with us and provide sponsorship, it will go a long way in making Kwara State an epitome of technological innovation advancement," he pointed out.

"Not only the government, but we are also open to forming partnerships with private investors, individuals, and organisations. We are kickstarting our program on May 1, 2026."

Issa further noted that the programme was designed to accommodate a wide demographic, including young learners.

"During the planning phase, we have put every factor into consideration, including age, starting from 10 years upward, enabling students to balance academic activities with social activities. To make it easier, we have set up online classes to address distance concerns," he disclosed.

Also speaking, the company's manager, Temitope Kadri, said the initiative could significantly reduce unemployment through skills transfer and replication.

"The aim of training 5,000 Nigerians is that when you train some, they can also transfer the knowledge to others, further spreading the skills. You can start from scratch and grow big.

"Imagine training 400 people, and they share the skills with others. The rate of unemployment in Nigeria, especially in Kwara State, will drop drastically," she said.

Arewa PUNCH further reports that the institute offers a tiered training structure, beginning with a two-week foundation programme in iPhone repair at a cost of N150,000, which covers core technical skills such as device architecture, battery replacement, and screen repairs.

It also runs a four-week advanced technician programme priced at N300,000, focusing on complex repairs, iOS troubleshooting, and customer service strategies, as well as a six-week executive mastery programme costing N450,000, which includes motherboard repairs, water damage recovery, and business development training.

Participants receive industry-recognised certifications at each stage, positioning them for immediate entry into the mobile repair market or entrepreneurial ventures.

The institute stated that its model combines technical expertise with business mentorship to produce self-reliant professionals capable of building sustainable income streams in Nigeria's growing digital economy.