As youth unemployment continues to rise in Nigeria, the Ilorin Innovation Hub has intensified efforts to equip young people with digital and entrepreneurial skills capable of generating up to $2,000 monthly through technology-driven opportunities.

The hub, described as the largest innovation centre in West Africa, has launched several programmes focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), software development, digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and other globally relevant technology skills.

Speaking during a tour of the facility in Ilorin, the Managing Director of the hub, Mr. Temi Kolawole, said the initiative was established to bridge the gap between skills acquisition and economic empowerment for young Nigerians.

According to him, one of the hub's flagship programmes, Learn to Earn, is designed to ensure participants move beyond training to sustainable income generation.

"We have a programme called Learn to Earn that guarantees that once participants complete the intensive training programme, which lasts for over a year, they begin earning at least $2,000 monthly. The objective is not just to train people but to help them become economically productive," he said.

Kolawole explained that the hub provides free access to training, co-working spaces, mentorship, and business support services, eliminating barriers that often prevent talented youths from participating in the digital economy.

"We do not charge users for our workspace. Everything is free. We want young people, regardless of their background, to have access to opportunities that can change their lives," he stated.

Beyond skills development, the hub also facilitates connections between innovators, investors, and development partners to transform promising ideas into viable businesses.

While showing visitors around the facility's pitch hall, Kolawole revealed that several participants had secured grants, funding, and business support after presenting their projects to potential investors.

"This is where people pitch their ideas. Investors have come here to see what innovators are building and many of our participants have secured grants, funding and support through our network," he said.

He noted that Artificial Intelligence has become a major focus of the hub due to its growing impact on the future of work.

"The number one skill people can learn here today is AI. Whether it is prompt engineering, AI content creation or software engineering powered by AI tools, AI is shaping the future of work and that is where we are focusing our efforts," he added.

Kolawole disclosed that the Ilorin Innovation Hub is a Kwara State Government initiative powered by IHS Towers in partnership with Co-creation Hub (CcHub) and Future Africa.

He explained that the facility spans over 13,000 square metres, accommodates more than 1,000 users, and officially commenced its incubation and acceleration programmes on February 27, 2025, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in November 2023.

According to him, all programmes and workspace facilities are completely free for users.

The hub boasts world-class infrastructure, including 631 solar photovoltaic panels, high-speed 5G internet connectivity, uninterrupted power supply, smart training rooms, co-working spaces, incubation suites, digital laboratories, a cafeteria, and accessibility features for persons with disabilities.

Kolawole said the facility has impacted more than 30,000 people through over 150 programmes and events across Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo States, and the Federal Capital Territory.

He added that over 170 participants have been trained through the Learn to Earn initiative, while 3,000 entrepreneurs are currently being prepared under the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) entrepreneurship programme, with the potential to create about 2,000 jobs within the first year.

The hub has also accelerated nine startups and incubated ten others through its partnership with Accelerate Africa.

On funding opportunities available to startups, Kolawole explained that participants can access financial support through the accelerator programme, which offers up to ?10 million in funding, as well as through the DBN entrepreneurship initiative.

Some users of the facility also shared positive experiences.

A researcher, Adenugba Joshua, described the innovation hub as a conducive environment for productivity.

"The experience has been impressive. The power supply here is constant, and the staff are respectful. Working here has afforded me the opportunity to meet new people and connect with professionals from different fields," he said.

He commended the government for making the facility accessible and free for users.

Similarly, a student of Kwara State Polytechnic, Roqeeb Armasodun, said the hub had significantly improved her academic performance.

"My result in the last semester was impressive because I ensured that I came here to study. I sincerely thank Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for this initiative. It has greatly helped students, young entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts," she said.

The Ilorin Innovation Hub continues to position itself as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation, providing young Nigerians with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the global technology ecosystem.