Two-day course in Ilorin draws diverse participants, advancing digital skills, gender inclusion, and employment opportunities as part of a wider mission to bridge the tech gap in Nigeria.
Craft Innovation Hub, Adeta, Ilorin, concluded its highly anticipated free two-day UI/UX Design course on Sunday, July 13th, 2025, equipping dozens of young men and women, students, military personnel, and unemployed youths with cutting-edge digital skills and career insights.
The intensive programme, which ran from July 12th to 13th at the state-of-the-art facility in Adeta, Agbo Oba Road, was organised as part of the Hub’s ongoing mission to drive digital empowerment and bridge the employment divide in Kwara State and beyond. Craft Innovation Hub, founded by Abdulrasaq Ahmed Abiodun (PhD in view), stands as Kwara’s premier centre for digital, vocational, and media innovation, dedicated to expanding access for underserved communities.
A Vision for Inclusive Digital Empowerment
Craft Innovation Hub operates with a unique, cross-sectoral approach, integrating advanced tech training, creative skills, and community outreach. Its vision is to “craft futures, one innovation at a time”, with a mission to provide free and subsidised opportunities for youth, women, and disadvantaged groups, ensuring that no talent is left behind in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving economy.
Speaking on the need for such initiatives, Mr. Abiodun emphasised: “UI/UX skills are now essential for global competitiveness, youth employment, and digital inclusion. Our programmes are designed not only to teach technical expertise but to inspire entrepreneurship, confidence, and collaboration.”
The surge in demand for user experience design and digital problem-solving across Nigerian industries, banking, tech startups, e-commerce, and public services, makes these skills critical for young people entering the workforce or seeking freelance careers.
Practical, Mentor-Led Learning
The UI/UX course featured a carefully structured, hands-on curriculum, combining theoretical foundations with practical, real-world application. Under the mentorship of Bamidele Toyeebah, a passionate Computer Science student at Kwara State University, participants explored design thinking, user research, prototyping, usability testing, and career development strategies. The training focused on the use of Figma, a global industry-standard tool for interface and experience design.
Over 40 participants attended, male and female, including students from the University of Ilorin, Al-Hikmah University, Kwara State University, members of the military, and local unemployed youths. Efforts were made to promote gender balance and accessibility, with special outreach to encourage female participation and remove barriers for disadvantaged community members.
Key topics included:
- Introduction to UI/UX and design thinking
- Research and empathy mapping
- Wireframing and prototyping in Figma
- Usability testing and iteration
- Portfolio building and freelance skills
- Navigating digital career pathways
A Scene of Innovation and Opportunity
The atmosphere at Craft Innovation Hub was one of energy and collaboration. Participants filled the modern, solar-powered training suites, working together on live design challenges, peer feedback, and group projects. Throughout the event, there were lively discussions, portfolio showcases, and social media engagement, highlighting the dynamic learning environment.
The event also featured an exhibition of mini-projects created by attendees, drawing praise from facilitators and visitors alike.
Voices from the Training
For many, the course proved transformational. Abdullahi Kafayat, a female student of Al-Hikmah University, shared:
“This is my first hands-on experience in UI/UX, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. The facilitators made learning easy, and I now feel confident to pursue design as a career. The atmosphere was encouraging for women like me.”
Sheriff Ibrahim Moh’d, a military personnel in attendance, remarked:
“This training opened my eyes to new possibilities outside my field. I appreciate how practical and inclusive it was. I plan to use what I’ve learnt to build digital solutions for my community.”
Facilitator Bamidele Toyeebah noted:
“Helping others learn UI/UX is truly fulfilling. I believe these skills will empower participants to solve real problems, earn globally, and contribute to Nigeria’s tech growth. The passion and curiosity I witnessed here is inspiring.”
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Impact
Organisers announced plans for regular follow-up workshops, an alumni learning network, and expanded access to future free or subsidised tech courses in coding, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship. Mr. Abiodun urged stakeholders, sponsors, and the broader community to partner with the Hub, ensuring that more young people are reached in coming months.
“Our mission is to make world-class digital skills accessible to all, regardless of background or means,” he said in closing. “We invite individuals, corporate partners, and government agencies to join us in crafting a brighter future for Kwara and Nigeria.”
The two-day course has set a new benchmark for inclusive digital training in Ilorin, confirming Craft Innovation Hub’s place at the forefront of youth empowerment and technological transformation.
