UNILAG unveils digital entrepreneurship school
Aimed at promoting job and wealth creation through technology, the University of Lagos has launched its maiden spring school in digital entrepreneurship and digital cultures.
The initiative, according to a statement from the institution, aims to redefine the role of the knowledge industry in driving tech-based human capital development initiatives.
The Director, Centre for Digital Humanities, and the convener of the event, Prof Tunde Ope-Davies stressed that the initiative was also UNILAG’s contribution to the socio-economic development and the growth of the digital economy in Nigeria.
Ope-Davies said, “The Spring School in digital entrepreneurship will focus on technology-based skills acquisition and human capital development for humanities and social sciences graduates and scholars.
“As an annual event going forward, we are hoping to train thousands of graduates in the next couple of years thus increasing the pool of potential critical mass of tech-skilled graduates that will positively impact the ecosystem of our digital economy.”
He added that the initiative showed UNILAG’s commitment to fostering innovation, empowering youth, and driving economic growth in the digital age.
“In a rapidly evolving global landscape, the Spring School in Digital Entrepreneurship is designed to equip fresh graduates, professionals aspiring entrepreneurs with the essential skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to thrive in the 21st century tech-driven workplace ecosystem and digital economy.
“We are not just teaching skills for creating digital-based businesses; we are cultivating a mindset of innovation, resilience, and adaptability.
Our goal is to empower participants to generate innovative tech-based viable business ideas, enhance their tech skills, and build successful businesses. We are hoping to also train them to become successful future leaders that can drive positive change in their communities and the larger society,” he added.
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Femi Hamzat is to chair the inauguration ceremony held today with Chief Executive Officer, New Horizons Ltd, Tim Akano to deliver the keynote lecture.
The Spring School which commenced on Monday will run for one week till Saturday with the Faculty of Arts serving as the venue for the workshops and panel discussions.
The programme covers e-commerce and online business development: building and scaling successful online ventures; data analytics & digital strategy; leveraging data to make informed business decisions.
Others are coding and App development (introductory); laying the foundation for digital product creation and funding and Investment Strategies; navigating the financial landscape for startups.
The Spring School is open to postgraduate students, recent graduates, and aspiring entrepreneurs from across Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking at Monday’s event, the UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof Folasade Ogunsola noted that the program aligns with her administration’s future ready agenda, and the power of leveraging town and gown collaboration for human capital development and innovation.
The VC stressed that the program will feature a blend of lectures, workshops, mentorship sessions, and real-world case studies, delivered by experienced international and local academics, seasoned industry experts, and successful entrepreneurs.
“The launch of our Spring School in Digital Entrepreneurship is a testament to UNILAG’s unwavering dedication to innovation and relevance.
“We recognize the transformative power of digital technology and the urgent need to empower our students and the wider community with the skills to harness its potential. “This program will catalyze the creation of a new generation of digital entrepreneurs, driving economic prosperity and social impact.
“It will leverage the university’s state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge resources to provide a truly transformative learning experience,” Ogunsola said.
