Ijesa Tech Prize Scholars Begin Training at the Ijesha Digital Hub
Seventeen of the twenty winners of the Ijesa Tech Prize have resumed at the Ijesha Digital Hub to begin the Young Innovation Lab, a six-week, hands-on technology training programme designed to equip them with practical skills in data analytics, product design, software development, and cybersecurity.
The Young Innovation Lab is part of the scholarship package awarded to the winners of the inaugural Ijesa Tech Prize, an initiative designed to identify, support, and develop promising young technology talents across Ijesaland.
Three of the Ijesa Tech Prize scholars proudly display their Jobberman certificates at the Ijesa Digital Hub. L–R: Oluwadarasimi David of Redeemer’s International Academy, Ifewara; Stephen Sarah of Atakunmosa High School, Osu; and Olatunji Love of Mustard Seed International School, Ibokun.
From Orientation to Hands-On Training
The scholars began the programme on August 4 with registration and orientation at the Ijesa Digital Hub. The first day provided an opportunity for the scholars to meet one another, interact with facilitators, and become familiar with the Hub and the programme ahead of their technical training.
On August 5, the scholars participated in Jobberman Soft Skills training, covering essential workplace competencies including communication, time management, and digital professionalism.
Technical training commenced on August 6, with the scholars divided into their respective areas of interest and beginning hands-on instruction across the four programme tracks.
What the Scholars Are Learning
The Young Innovation Lab is structured around four technology tracks, with an emphasis on practical learning, project development, and real-world application.
Data Analytics
Scholars are learning how to collect, clean, analyse, and interpret data and use insights from data to support informed decision-making. The training introduces them to the tools, processes, and analytical thinking required in modern data work.
Product Design
This track introduces scholars to the fundamentals of UI/UX design, including user research, wireframing, prototyping, and understanding user needs. The goal is to help them develop the skills required to design useful, intuitive, and engaging digital products.
Software Development
Scholars are being introduced to programming fundamentals and practical web development, with an emphasis on building functional applications and developing problem-solving skills through hands-on projects.
Cybersecurity
The cybersecurity track introduces scholars to digital security, safe online practices, common cyber threats, and basic approaches to identifying and responding to security risks. The training is designed to help young people develop a strong security mindset as they navigate the digital world.
Scholars working through a module during the Soft Skills training on Day 2.
About the Ijesa Tech Prize Scholarship
The Ijesa Tech Prize scholarships, valued at a total of ₦5 million, were announced in July 2026 at the maiden Ijesa Tech Conference.
The scholarships are funded through a partnership between the Ijesa Development Council (IDC) IVETP Programme and the Ijesa Global Alliance for Development (IGAD). Twenty students were selected from a pool of more than 130 participants representing 65 secondary schools across Ijesaland.
The scholarship provides each winner with fully funded participation in the Young Innovation Lab, together with additional support to enable them to participate fully in the programme.
Depending on their location, scholars also receive:
Free accommodation at the Hub’s hostel facility for scholars coming from outside the area.
Free transportation to and from the Hub through the dedicated IDH shuttle for scholars commuting from home.
Jobberman professional certification(s) as part of the scholarship package
Commenting on the initiative, Prince Abimbola Olashore, Chairman of IGAD, said
“The greatest investment any community can make is in its people. Through the Ijesa Digital Hub, we are not simply training young people; we are building the human capital, innovation capacity, and leadership that will shape the future of Ijesaland and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s digital economy.”
The 20 Ijesa Tech Prize Scholars
| No. | Student Name | School |
| 1 | Kolawole Musbaudeen | Adebisi Model College, Ilesa |
| 2 | Stephen Sarah | Atakumosa High School, Osu |
| 3 | Ajiboye Oluwakemisola | Babalola Memorial Girls Grammar School, Ilesa |
| 4 | Ajao Idris | Bibo Oluwa Academy, Ilesa |
| 5 | Labade Olamiposi | Calvary Baptist Schools, Isua |
| 6 | Karonwi Oluwanifemi | Christ Model College, Ibokun |
| 7 | Jeffie Ettah Emma | Christ The King Academy, Ilesa |
| 8 | Awe Marvellous | Christian Model College, Ijebu-Ijesa |
| 9 | Adediji Solomon | Goodnews Secondary School, Ilesa |
| 10 | Omilegan Olamilekan | Ijebu-Jesa Grammar School, Ijebu-Ijesa |
| 11 | Oyedepo Akorede | Ilare Community High School, Ilare |
| 12 | Abigael Akinola | Iloko Model College, Iloko-Ijesa |
| 13 | Olowe Boluwatife | Methodist High School, Ilesa |
| 14 | Olatunji Love | Mustard Seed International School, Ibokun |
| 15 | Abdulrahman Babasanya | Olashore International School, Iloko-Ijesa |
| 16 | Adewale Oluwagbemileke | Power of Faith Academy, Ilesa |
| 17 | Oluwadarasimi David | Redeemer’s International Academy, Ifewara |
| 18 | Bada Hudah | Success Grabbers School, Ilesa |
| 19 | Taiwo Omisope | The Living Model International School, Osu |
| 20 | Raji Kaosara | Zumaratus Soliheen Muslim Grammar School, Ibokun |
Established in early 2024, the Ijesa Digital Hub has rapidly evolved into a growing technology and innovation ecosystem dedicated to developing the digital capacity of young people in Ijesaland.
The Hub provides specialised training in areas including software development, cybersecurity, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital skills. To date, it has trained more than 350 young people, with graduates going on to secure internships, professional certifications, and opportunities in the technology sector.
Through initiatives such as the Young Innovation Lab and the Ijesa Tech Prize, the Hub continues to provide young Ijesa people with access to the skills, mentorship, infrastructure, and opportunities needed to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.