The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has announced the launch of its first-ever Spring School in Digital Entrepreneurship and Digital Cultures, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping graduates, professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs with the essential skills to thrive in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
The programme marks a significant step in UNILAG’s commitment to fostering innovation, empowering youth, and driving economic growth through technology-driven education. It aligns with the university’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a leader in human capital development and tech-based entrepreneurship.
Pioneering a Digital Future
Speaking on the initiative, Professor Tunde Ope-Davies, Director of the Centre for Digital Humanities and convener of the event, emphasized that UNILAG is once again making a bold statement in innovation.
“After establishing the first digital humanities center in Africa, we are now taking the lead in launching this initiative to promote job and wealth creation through technology,” he said.
According to Ope-Davies, the Spring School will focus on technology-based skills acquisition for graduates of humanities and social sciences, equipping them with the tools needed to participate in Nigeria’s digital transformation.
“This will be an annual event, and over the next few years, we hope to train thousands of graduates, increasing the pool of tech-skilled professionals who will drive growth in the digital economy.”
A Comprehensive Learning Experience
The intensive and immersive programme will feature a blend of lectures, workshops, mentorship sessions, and real-world case studies, delivered by a mix of international and local academics, industry experts, and successful entrepreneurs.
Participants will gain hands-on training in key areas such as:
- E-commerce & Online Business Development – Building and scaling online ventures.
- Data Analytics & Digital Strategy – Leveraging data for informed decision-making.
- Coding & App Development (Introductory) – Foundations of digital product creation.
- Funding & Investment Strategies – Navigating the financial landscape for startups.
Vice Chancellor Professor Folasade Ogunsola hailed the initiative as a game-changer, reaffirming UNILAG’s commitment to innovation and relevance in the digital age.
“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,” she stated.
Bridging Town and Gown
The Spring School aligns with UNILAG’s “future-ready” agenda, which focuses on leveraging university-industry collaboration to drive digital transformation. The programme will also feature a business networking zone, enabling participants to connect with like-minded innovators and potential investors.
The event will officially kick off with an inauguration ceremony on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, chaired by Lagos State Deputy Governor Femi Hamzat. The keynote address will be delivered by Tim Akano, CEO of New Horizons Ltd.
The Spring School is open to postgraduate students, recent graduates, and aspiring entrepreneurs from across Nigeria and beyond. The sessions will take place at the Faculty of Arts, UNILAG, from Monday, March 17, to Saturday, March 22, 2025.
Beyond Skills—A Mindset Shift
Beyond teaching technical skills, UNILAG’s Spring School aims to cultivate a mindset of innovation, resilience, and adaptability.
“We are not just training participants to start businesses; we are preparing them to be future leaders who can drive positive change in their communities and beyond,” Ope-Davies concluded.
With this initiative, UNILAG is setting a new standard for digital education in Nigeria, ensuring that its graduates are well-equipped to compete globally and contribute meaningfully to the digital economy.
