The collaboration at Ogun TechHub signals fresh momentum in bridging Nigeria’s tech skills gap and creating new digital economy jobs.
In the heart of Ogun State’s innovation corridor, the government has teamed up with Cybervilla to empower local youth with hands-on skills in phone and tech device repairs—a move that could redefine the region’s digital workforce.
Cybervilla is a Nigerian tech solutions company focused on repairs, sales, and digital skills training. Its founder and CEO, Ifeanyi Adirika, is an entrepreneur with years of experience in technology services and youth empowerment initiatives. Cybervilla aims to democratize access to technical skills while contributing to Nigeria’s evolving digital economy.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, speaking at the official launch of Cybervilla’s operations at the Ogun TechHub, described the initiative as a catalyst for self-reliance among the state’s young population.
“Ogun TechHub is a place where young people shape ideas into solutions,” he said. “With this partnership, we’re giving them tools not just to earn a living but to build businesses.”
Cybervilla’s training program is set to run for 12 weeks, focusing on repairs of mobile phones, laptops, and office equipment. Participants will also gain business acumen, preparing them to thrive as independent entrepreneurs or skilled technicians.
Cybervilla’s Chief Executive Officer, Ifeanyi Adirika, said that the program would initially train 50 youths, who will also receive work tools and employment opportunities either within Cybervilla or through government-linked placements.
“Beyond repairs, we’re building future entrepreneurs who will contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s digital economy,” Adirika said.
He noted that Ogun’s strategic positioning and tech-friendly policies are attracting firms like Cybervilla, eager to invest in local talent development.
Governor Abiodun underscored the initiative’s alignment with the state’s broader digital economy strategy, emphasizing vocational skills as a pathway to sustainable youth empowerment.
Participants like Timilehin Ajisebutu expressed gratitude for the free training, calling it a chance to become self-sufficient and eventually an employer of labour.
Timelines and Next Moves:
- The first 12-week training cohort has commenced at Ogun TechHub.
- Cybervilla plans to launch device sales and services on-site, allowing trainees to gain practical, commercial experience.
- Future cohorts are planned to expand reach and deepen the tech ecosystem in Ogun State.
Nigeria’s digital economy is booming, yet millions of youths remain unemployed or under-skilled. Initiatives like Cybervilla’s training program represent practical steps toward bridging the skills gap, creating sustainable livelihoods, and diversifying the economy beyond software startups.
Such partnerships could also encourage similar investments across other states, positioning local talent to meet growing demands in the repair, maintenance, and tech services sector.
TALKING POINTS
Ogun State deserves praise for initiating this partnership. But the big question is sustainability.
- Will Cybervilla be around in two years, or will they vanish after the pilot?
- Will graduates find real customers, financing, and affordable rent to open shops, or will they end up unemployed again?
- Will the government keep supporting them with procurement contracts and market access?
Nigeria is full of flashy youth programs that collapse once the cameras leave. That’s what people should watch closely.
Across Africa, there’s an army of young phone repairers, PC fixers, and electronics traders working under the radar. They rarely feature in reports from Silicon Valley investors or international development banks. But they are the silent backbone of connectivity.
Imagine Nigeria without the street-corner guys who replace your cracked screen or fix your dying laptop.
We need policies and credit schemes that help these people formalize, pay taxes, and grow real businesses. That’s how you build an inclusive digital economy—not just one that exists on paper.
