Technology experts in the country have harped on the need for Nigerian youths to explore potentials in technology ecosystem to tackle local and global challenges through innovative solutions.
Speaking at the seventh edition of Kwarabuild Tech conference in Ilorin, the experts saidd there are lots of potentials in the tech ecosystem that must be explored by the youth.
According to the managing director of the state government-owned Ilorin Innovation Hub, Mr. Temi Kolawole, he said that, “No foreigner will come to build Nigeria’s tech ecosystem for us. It is up to us to rise, acquire the skills, and create the future we desire”.
Kolawole, who emphasized the vast potentials in the tech industry, urged participants to upskill, innovate, and collaborate to solve pressing societal challenges.
He shared his personal journey, recounting how he returned to Nigeria in 2019 after a stint abroad to discuss with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq his intention of having a tech hub in the state which was in tandem with the governor’s plan of establishing the Ilorin Innovation Hub.
The hub, he explained, has attracted attention of major tech companies and industry players eager to support the development of tech businesses in Kwara state and beyond.
Kolawole urged participants at the Kwarabuild conference to make the most of the training sessions and practical workshops at the conference, noting that , “You can gain exposure abroad, but there’s no better place to apply your tech skills than in Nigeria. Solving tech problems here can also be highly rewarding.”
Delivering a lecture, a Lagos-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) developer, Jonathan Enudeme, who is the founder of Zummit Africa encouraged participants to embrace AI as a tool for upskilling and innovation.
He stressed the importance of fact-checking information obtained through AI, particularly in research, to avoid plagiarism and misinformation.
“AI is a powerful tool for developing solutions, but it must be used responsibly. Always verify the accuracy of AI-generated content,” Enudeme advised.
Also speaking, a healthcare manager, Jimoh Habibullahi, who is a medical student at the University of Ilorin, outlined benefits of technology in the healthcare sector, including improved patient outcomes, enhanced diagnostic accuracy, more effective treatments, streamlined clinical workflows, and the empowerment of patients through education.
“Integrating technology into healthcare not only reduces the burden on medical practitioners but also ensures better care and accessibility for patients,” Habeeb explained.
In his welcome address, a co-founder of Kwarabuild, Ibraheem Zulkifli, underscored the importance of the conference theme, “Future Forward: Addressing Local and Global Challenges Through Collaborative Innovation”, saying that Kwarabuild’s mission is to foster talent development, advance technological innovation, and export Nigerian expertise to the global stage.
“We aim to use this platform to grow talents, establish partnerships, and inspire future tech innovations,” Zulkifli said.
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Another co-founder, Kehinde Kamaldeen, described the conference as a hub for collaboration among innovators, startups, and thought leaders,
noting that the event served as a springboard for new ideas and partnerships within and beyond Kwara State.
Participants expressed their gratitude for the insights shared by the speakers.
They also noted how the conference broadened their understanding of the tech ecosystem and inspired them to contribute to solving multifaceted societal challenges.
Nana-Aisha Abubakar, a 200-level Food Science student at the University of Ilorin, praised Kwarabuild for organizing the event, saying, “This conference has been an eye-opener, and I am excited to apply what I’ve learned to my field.”
Similarly, Mariam Abdulkadri Yusuf, a media practitioner, lauded the initiative, noting that it provided a platform to connect with industry experts and gain practical knowledge.
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