By Bilesanmi Abayomi
In a remarkable milestone for the SAIL Innovation Lab, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru representing Lagos East Senatorial District announced that the lab has successfully benefited 490 participants since its inception. The disclosure was made during the official commissioning of the SAIL Innovation Lab by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State in Ikorodu.
Senator Abiru, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industries, highlighted the lab’s achievements, including over 2,000 participants engaging in online programs that have witnessed significant milestones. The SAIL Innovation Lab, situated in the Lagos East Senatorial District, offers free-of-charge training to participants from various communities in the district.
The lab provides a Tech Talent Development Program aimed at cultivating technological expertise and entrepreneurial skills among participants. Through the six-month program, complete novices are transformed into full-stack junior developers. The inaugural cohort of 30 participants saw approximately 20 individuals gain employment, with some establishing their own tech businesses. The current cohort of 120 participants is also expected to secure job placements as the lab actively collaborates with the private sector.
Senator Abiru stressed the critical role of the Innovation Lab in equipping young people with the skills necessary to thrive in a world where disruptive thinking and innovation have become routine. He highlighted the importance of embracing the language of technology in the 21st century, with quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoTs) reshaping society at an unprecedented pace.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the SAIL Innovation Lab is managed by Co-Creation Hub, a prominent innovation hub in Africa, along with highly-trained facilitators. Senator Abiru emphasized the lab’s role in bridging the resource gap in digital skills. Future training programs will cover areas such as digital product design, data science, and the metaverse, responding to the high demand for digital expertise.
In her welcome remarks, Mrs. Surat Feyisola Abiru, Co-Founder of the SAIL Innovation Lab, acknowledged the transformative power of technology and innovation. She praised the lab’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of young people and expressed confidence in its ability to create lasting impact.
Dr. Olatubosun Tijani, CEO of Co-Creation Hub Nigeria, highlighted the significant changes the world has undergone in recent years, emphasizing the need to provide an enabling environment for people to thrive. He stressed the importance of leveraging technology for societal progress and prosperity.