Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, hosted officials of the Craft Innovation Hub on Wednesday to discuss potential collaboration aimed at significantly enhancing student employability through the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).
The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Craft Innovation Hub, Abdulrasaq Ahmed Abiodun (PhD in view), led the delegation, warmly received by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Noah Yusuf, along with other senior officers including the Registrar, Dr. K.A. Oladimeji; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), the Bursar, and the University Librarian.
Speaking at the meeting, Abiodun expressed appreciation for the university’s visionary approach and hospitality. “We deeply appreciate Prof. Noah Yusuf and his team for their welcoming attitude and foresight. Craft Innovation Hub is dedicated to ‘Crafting Futures, One Innovation at a Time,’ and we see tremendous potential for synergy in empowering young Nigerians with practical, market-ready skills,” he stated.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Yusuf, reiterated the importance of enhancing practical training opportunities. “Al-Hikmah University is committed to providing students with real-world skills needed in today’s competitive job market. We look forward to exploring this innovative partnership further, recognizing its potential to significantly elevate our students’ employability,” he said.
The discussions centered around providing SIWES students with robust, hands-on experiences through subsidised placements, practical exposure to advanced technologies such as shoe and bag making, resin designs, artificial intelligence, data analytics, web development, digital media production, and entrepreneurship.
Craft Innovation Hub, located in Agbo Oba, Ilorin, uniquely combines technology training, vocational skills acquisition, media and podcast production, and community-based projects into a comprehensive innovation ecosystem. This integrated model aims to prepare students not only for employment but also for entrepreneurial success and freelance opportunities.
A steering committee comprising representatives from both institutions will oversee these initiatives and ensure continuous assessment and improvement, especially towards starting with the next phase as soon as possible.
University Registrar affirmed the institution’s readiness to support the initiative, noting that students would greatly benefit from exposure to innovative, practical training beyond traditional SIWES placements.
The exploratory partnership is being positioned as a model for university-industry collaboration in Kwara State, with both parties urging the support of the private sector, government entities, and the broader community. This call to action seeks to build wider support for initiatives aimed at reducing youth unemployment, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable economic growth in the region.
Stakeholders across education and industry sectors are encouraged to join hands in scaling similar collaborative efforts, with the expectation of creating lasting positive impacts for youth employability and economic development in Kwara State and Nigeria at large.
