UNILAG, Nigeria Computer Society Partner to Boost Digital Innovation and Student Tech Development

Photographer: Ayo Oloyede

University of Lagos and the Nigeria Computer Society are exploring a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening digital innovation, student development, and industry-driven technology education in Nigeria.

The discussions took place during a courtesy visit by the Lagos Chapter leadership of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) to the University of Lagos on April 30, 2026. The engagement focused on creating collaborative opportunities that would better prepare students for the rapidly evolving digital economy.

The NCS delegation was led by Dr. Adewale Adesina, Chairman of the Lagos Chapter, while the university delegation was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Foluso E. A. Lesi, on behalf of Vice-Chancellor Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola.

Focus on Digital Innovation and Future-Ready Skills

At the centre of the meeting was a shared commitment to bridging the gap between academic learning and practical industry experience in the technology sector.

The Nigeria Computer Society highlighted its vision of promoting innovation, digital capacity building, and professional excellence while strengthening collaboration between academia, government, and industry stakeholders.

According to the Society, the launch of the Artificial Intelligence University Innovation Pod (AI UniPod) at UNILAG presents an opportunity to build stronger partnerships around artificial intelligence, research, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.

Proposed areas of collaboration include:

• Student onboarding and professional induction into the Nigeria Computer Society
• Career mentorship and industry networking opportunities
• Artificial intelligence and innovation-focused research projects
• Digital skills development programmes
• Startup incubation and entrepreneurship support
• Professional certification opportunities
• Industry conferences and innovation challenges

The proposed partnership also aims to improve the connection between secondary schools, universities, and Nigeria’s growing technology ecosystem.

Students Advocate Practical Industry Exposure

Two students from the Faculty of Computing and Informatics at UNILAG joined the engagement, reinforcing the student-focused nature of the proposed collaboration.

Toluwani Ajibare, Deputy Coordinator of the National Association of Computing Students (NACOS), South-West Zone, alongside Jerry Chukwuma Aneke, Vice President of NACOS UNILAG Chapter, welcomed the initiative and emphasized the need for practical digital skills and real-world industry exposure.

They noted that technology students increasingly require hands-on experience and mentorship to remain competitive in today’s global digital economy.

UNILAG Calls for Stronger Industry-Academia Collaboration

Professor Lesi stated that the university remains committed to providing students with access to world-class opportunities in computing, innovation, and emerging technologies.

He explained that many of the proposed initiatives already align with ongoing programmes within the Faculty of Computing and Informatics, particularly under Nigeria’s evolving Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS).

According to him, the updated academic framework creates room for greater participation from industry professionals in curriculum design and practical learning experiences.

Professor Lesi stressed that industry stakeholders are often best positioned to identify emerging challenges requiring academic research and innovation.

He also encouraged the Nigeria Computer Society to consider inducting graduating students into the professional body during UNILAG’s Hooding Ceremonies held before convocation events. The recommendation, he noted, would help students transition more smoothly into professional practice and technology careers.

Partnership Could Lead to Formal MoU

Both parties agreed on the importance of sustained dialogue that could eventually result in the signing of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The proposed agreement would define long-term goals, responsibilities, and collaboration strategies focused on digital transformation, innovation, research, and workforce development.

The engagement reflects a growing recognition that Nigeria’s future digital economy will require stronger cooperation between universities, technology professionals, innovation hubs, and industry leaders.

As Nigeria continues to expand its technology ecosystem, partnerships such as the one being explored between UNILAG and the Nigeria Computer Society could play a major role in preparing students for future careers in artificial intelligence, software development, cybersecurity, data science, and digital entrepreneurship.