…Targets digital literacy, STEM education, and AI skills for Nigeria’s next generation

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries and redefine the future of work, DecisionSpaak Group and the Gbenga Fawehinmi Foundation have launched a strategic partnership to expand access to AI, digital literacy, and STEM education for secondary school students, beginning in Ondo State.The partnership was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Lagos, bringing together a technology-driven innovation company and a foundation known for its commitment to education, mentorship, and youth development.

Both organisations described the collaboration as a strategic intervention aimed at closing Nigeria’s widening digital skills gap and preparing young people for opportunities in the global digital economy.

Preparing Students for an AI-Driven Future

With artificial intelligence transforming sectors ranging from healthcare and agriculture to finance and education, the partners said exposing students to emerging technologies at an early stage has become increasingly important.

The initiative will introduce secondary school students to foundational concepts in artificial intelligence, coding, digital literacy, and STEM, with the objective of developing creators, innovators, and problem-solvers rather than passive consumers of technology.The programme will initially be piloted in selected schools before being expanded based on measurable outcomes.

Intern Shares First-Hand Experience

For Ishola Oluwademilade Festus, a 300-level Computer Science student at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), the initiative reflects the innovation-driven environment he has experienced during his six-month industrial training with DecisionSpaak Group.Currently transitioning from front-end engineering to full-stack development, Festus said the internship has enabled him to bridge classroom learning with real-world software development.”During my time here, I have applied my technical skills to real-world problems, contributed to software development, and built solutions with global relevance.

The experience has helped me grow both technically and professionally,” he said.He explained that he discovered the organisation through LinkedIn and was attracted by its emphasis on innovation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence.

According to him, DecisionSpaak equips individuals and organisations with AI and data-driven tools that improve productivity, decision-making, and innovation.

Democratising AI Education

Speaking at the signing ceremony, President and Chief Executive Officer of DecisionSpaak Group, Philip Ade-Akanbi, said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to making artificial intelligence education accessible to young Africans.

 

He stressed that AI education should begin before students enter the workforce.”We want young people to understand that artificial intelligence is not only for professionals or graduates. Students should be exposed to these technologies early enough to shape their thinking, careers, and ability to compete globally,” he said.Ade-Akanbi noted that the initiative forms part of DecisionSpaak’s broader ecosystem, which integrates research, innovation, training, entrepreneurship, and startup development to strengthen Africa’s participation in the global technology economy.

 

Empowering Communities Through Technology

A board member of the Gbenga Fawehinmi Foundation, Gbenga Agboola, said the organisation views artificial intelligence as more than a technological advancement.According to him, AI presents an opportunity to democratise knowledge, expand access to learning, and empower young people, particularly those from underserved communities.”Artificial intelligence is transforming how people learn and solve problems. It offers an opportunity to bring knowledge closer to communities and empower young people to become creators rather than consumers of technology,” he said.

He added that the initiative would also focus on leadership development, creativity, and problem-solving skills alongside technical education.

 

Scholarships and Long-Term Vision

As part of the programme, DecisionSpaak Group has established a ₦50 million scholarship fund to support learners pursuing training in artificial intelligence, business analytics, digital innovation, and other technology-related fields.The company also plans to provide internationally recognised certification opportunities through accredited partners to enhance participants’ employability and career prospects.

DecisionSpaak said it aims to train 10 million Africans in artificial intelligence and digital skills, building on an existing community of more than 500,000 people reached through its training programmes, media platforms, and digital learning initiatives.Both organisations acknowledged that implementation may face challenges, including school approval processes and digital infrastructure gaps, but expressed confidence that phased implementation and strong stakeholder engagement would ensure the programme’s success.They maintained that the partnership represents a long-term investment in Nigeria’s human capital and a significant step toward equipping young people with the skills required to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.