Ilorin Innovation Hub trains youths to earn $2,000 monthly

*We’re transforming thousands of youths, students, entrepreneurs, civil servants, corporate workers – MD

By Demola Akinyemi & Juliet Umeh

As youth unemployment continues to rise in Nigeria, the Ilorin Innovation Hub says it is equipping young people with digital skills that can earn them up to $2,000 monthly through technology and entrepreneurship.

Governor Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq

The hub, regarded as the largest innovation hub in West Africa, has launched a range of programmes aimed at equipping youths with globally relevant skills in Artificial Intelligence, AI, software development, digital innovation and entrepreneurship.

Speaking during a tour of the facility in Ilorin, Kwara State, the Managing Director of the hub, Mr. Temi Kolawole, said the initiative was created to bridge the gap between training and economic opportunities for young Nigerians. According to him, one of the hub’s flagship initiatives, Learn to Earn, was specifically designed to ensure participants move beyond skills acquisition to 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 facility provides free access to training, co-working spaces, mentorship and business support, removing barriers that often prevent talented young Nigerians 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 training, the hub also connects innovators with investors and development partners to help transform ideas into viable businesses.

Showing visitors around the facility’s pitch hall, Kolawole said many participants had already secured grants, funding and other forms of 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 added that Artificial Intelligence has become a major focus of the hub’s activities because of its growing influence 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 said.

In an interview with Saturday Vanguard, Mr Kolawole said, “Ilorin Innovation Hub is a Kwara State Government initiative, powered by IHS Towers, in partnership with Co-creation Hub (CcHub) and Future Africa and it’s one of West Africa’s largest innovation spaces, covering over 13,000 square meters and built for more than 1,000 users.

“The hub was established following a Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 2023. It officially commenced its incubation and acceleration programs on February 27, 2025,” he said.

According to him, “all programs and work space at the Hub are completely free. Key features include world-class infrastructure fully powered by 631 solar PV panels; modern work spaces with co-working areas, work pods, and phone booths supported by high-speed 5G and uninterrupted power; smart training rooms, a cafeteria, VIP lounge and work space for more than 150 people.

“There are also incubation suites, and digital labs; structured incubation, acceleration, and training programs with a strong networking platform; and an inclusive, accessible design with ramps, lifts, and accessibility support throughout.

“To date, the Hub has transformed over 30,000 lives across more than 150 events and programs. This includes a community of over 10,000 students, corporate workers, civil servants, business owners and entrepreneurs spanning eight states; Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo and the FCT).

“170 participants trained through Learn2Earn, 3,000 entrepreneurs are being prepared through the DBN program with potential to create 2,000 jobs after the first year and a multiplier effect of 5-10x year on year, 9 startups accelerated and 10 incubated with Accelerate Africa. The Hub is run by a dedicated team of over 20 staff.” he stressed.

On access to funds and fund Tracking by its users, Temi explained that,” Startups access funding through structured pathways, including the accelerator program, which offers up to ₦10 million in funding and the DBN entrepreneurship program.”

One of the users of Ilorin Innovation Hub, Adenugba Joshua, who came to use the facility for his research work said, ”The experience has been impressive. The power supply here is constant, even the staff here are very respectful, they’re not saying because we use the facilities free, they will treat us anyhow. Working here has afforded me the opportunity to meet new people and connect with other people in different fields,” he said.

Adenugba also commended the government saying, “the government has really done a great job to make this available. I decided to just come here first and see what was happening and how I would be treated. You are free to choose where you want to sit, whether in an enclosed or open space, office-like or even sitting room type setting, everything is here. So it depends on what you want to do. I think it was designed for tech guys who just want to work. I come here mainly because of the power supply to charge my devices.”

Roqeeb Armasodun, a student of Kwara State Polytechnic told Saturday Vanguard that the innovation hub has greatly helped her in her studies.

“My result in the last semester was impressive because I ensured that I came here to study. The advantage for me is that I live around here, so it’s like this innovation hub is located here because of me. I sincerely thank Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for doing this, it has greatly helped the students, young entrepreneurs and tech guys. More kudos to him.” she said.

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