The Fintech Association of Nigeria recently visited the SAIL Innovation Lab in Ikorodu, Lagos, to witness first-hand the transformative work being done to bridge Nigeria’s digital skills gap.
The visit, led by Dr Stanley Jacob (President, Governing Council of the Fintech Association of Nigeria), Dr. Jameelah Ayedun (Vice-president, Governing Council of the Fintech Association of Nigeria), and Dr. Segun Aina (Chairman, Fintech Association of Nigeria and Africa Fintech Network), aimed to explore potential areas of collaboration between the fintech community and SAIL’s fast-evolving innovation ecosystem.
A Vision Rooted in Real-World Challenges
Speaking on the origins of SAIL, founder Senator Tokunbo Abiru shared how a personal encounter revealed the urgent need to equip young Nigerians with skills beyond formal education.
He noted that many talented individuals struggled to secure meaningful employment because they lacked the technical and entrepreneurial skills demanded by today’s rapidly changing world.
This inspired the creation of SAIL which aims to be not just as a hub with computers, but an engaging, future-ready space designed to inspire young people in underserved communities. Partnering with Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), SAIL has grown over the past three years into a leading catalyst for tech education and innovation.
Programmes Driving Impact
During the visit, the SAIL faculty, led by Blessing Adeolu-Adediran, showcased several of its flagship initiatives, aligned with SDGs 4 (Quality Education) and 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth):
- Tech Talent Development Programme: Identifies young people interested in careers in technology, offering training in software development, data science, digital marketing, blockchain, game development, and generative AI.
- Startup Accelerator Programme: Supports entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas, helping them develop sustainable models, secure market fit, and attract funding.
- STEM Programme: Introduces students aged 11–18 to coding, robotics, programming, and 3D modelling through platforms like Arduino, nurturing problem-solving skills with real-world applications.
- SAIL Teachers’ Fellowship: Equips educators with inquiry-based learning techniques and technology integration skills, empowering them to deliver improved learning outcomes in classrooms.
Further to this, SAIL’s commitment to measurable impact was evident in the figures shared:
- 6,417 teachers equipped with innovative teaching tools.
- 1,981 participants trained in tech skills.
- 713 students equipped in STEM disciplines.
- 349 tech talents placed in jobs.
- 38 entrepreneurs supported to scale their startups.
After touring the facility and interacting with participants in software development and data science cohorts, Dr. Segun Aina commended SAIL’s work and encouraged trainees to see themselves as solution providers and job creators.
“Don’t complain about problems,” he advised. “See them as opportunities to innovate and contribute meaningfully to society.”
Looking Ahead
As SAIL continues to adapt its programmes to Nigeria’s dynamic tech landscape, collaboration with the fintech sector promises to open new pathways for talent development and entrepreneurship.
The visit underscored a shared commitment to equipping Nigeria’s youth with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in the digital economy.
