AI Tech Institute, a technology training hub based in Ilorin, Kwara State, says it plans to train 5,000 Nigerians every year in digital and mobile repair skills as part of efforts to reduce unemployment and prepare more young people for opportunities in the growing tech economy.
The institute, which focuses on practical training in iPhone repair, digital tools, and business mentorship, said the initiative was created to help Nigerians gain profitable skills that can generate sustainable income both locally and internationally.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, the Chief Executive Officer of AI Tech Institute, Ogbeni Iyiola Issa, said Nigeria must invest more aggressively in technology if it wants to compete globally.
“I am well-travelled and came to the realisation that tech development is rapid across the world,” he said.
“Nigeria is a developing country, and looking at the situation of things, we have to invest more in technology in order to meet up with other developed countries like America and others. We have to make sure we are also involved.”
Issa explained that the institute’s training model goes beyond classroom teaching, adding that the academy provides students with support systems that make it easier for them to build careers or businesses after learning the skill.
According to him, the organisation has spent the last five years carrying out empowerment programmes while also building a support structure around mobile repair training.
“We have packages for our students, and we are making sure to follow them through every process. This is not our first edition. We’ve been doing empowerment for the past five years,” he said.
“We have another centre where we sell tools and other gadgets. When our students are done with their training, we also support them with the sourcing of tools.”
He added that trainees who cannot pay their fees at once are allowed to pay in instalments, while some are connected with partners who can support them financially until they are able to stand on their own.
AI Tech Institute said its goal is to create more self-reliant Nigerians by combining technical knowledge with entrepreneurship and mentorship.
Located in Ilorin, the institute trains participants in phone building and repair from beginner to advanced levels in what it described as an academy-style learning environment.
Issa also defended the decision to establish the training hub in Kwara State instead of major commercial cities like Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt.
“A lot of people have been asking why we chose Ilorin, Kwara State, as our location instead of advanced places like Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt,” he said.
“My replies have always been about visionary; choosing impact over profit.”
According to him, the organisation decided to build from Ilorin because it offers room for growth and community impact without the pressure of excessive competition.
“The reason we brought the initiative to Ilorin is that the environment is where we started. Growth is from the down to the top, not otherwise,” he added.
“Going to Lagos or other advanced places will put us at a great disadvantage due to high competition. Starting from here will give us the opportunity to grow faster and bigger.”
The CEO said the target of training 5,000 Nigerians yearly would require strong collaboration with both the public and private sectors.
“We are looking forward to a deep partnership with the government. We are talking about training 5,000 people, but this place can not contain all,” he stated.
“If the government can collaborate with us and provide sponsorship, it will go a long way in making Kwara State an epitome of technological innovation advancement.”
He added that the organisation is also open to partnerships with investors, organisations, and individuals interested in youth empowerment and digital development.
Issa disclosed that the programme officially commenced on May 1, 2026, and has been designed to accommodate people from different age groups, including children from the age of 10.
“During the planning phase, we have put every factor into consideration, including age, starting from 10 years upward, enabling students to balance academic activities with social activities,” he said.
“To make it easier, we have set up online classes to address distance concerns.”
Also speaking, the company’s manager, Temitope Kadri, said the initiative could help reduce unemployment by creating a chain effect where trained participants pass their knowledge to others.
“The aim of training 5,000 Nigerians is that when you train some, they can also transfer the knowledge to others, further spreading the skills,” she said.
“You can start from scratch and grow big. Imagine training 400 people, and they share the skills with others. The rate of unemployment in Nigeria, especially in Kwara State, will drop drastically.”
The institute currently offers three levels of training programmes. Its two-week foundation course in iPhone repair costs N150,000 and covers areas such as battery replacement, screen repair, and device architecture.
It also offers a four-week advanced technician programme priced at N300,000, focusing on iOS troubleshooting, advanced repairs, and customer service strategies.
The highest level is a six-week executive mastery programme costing N450,000. The course includes motherboard repairs, water damage recovery, and business development training for participants interested in building repair businesses of their own.
Nigeria Startup News reports that participants are issued industry-recognised certifications after each stage of training, positioning them for employment opportunities or entrepreneurial ventures in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
What do you think about this?
Drop your opinion in the comment section.
FOLLOW US & Share this with someone who needs to see this.
