Tosin Eniolorunda, Co-founder and Group CEO of Moniepoint Inc, has announced plans to expand technology and innovation hubs across Nigerian public universities in a move aimed at strengthening practical learning, innovation and workforce readiness among students in STEM-related fields.
The initiative builds on earlier interventions led by Eniolorunda and his team, including the establishment of a CAD/CAM laboratory for the Mechanical Engineering Department at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and similar support provided through the HatchDev Programme at University of Lagos in collaboration with Nithub.
According to Eniolorunda, the original goal of the projects was to create environments where students could move beyond classroom theory and gain hands-on experience in engineering design, prototyping and the practical use of industry tools.
Over time, the facilities reportedly evolved into collaborative spaces where students from different disciplines engaged in experimentation, developed projects and built practical competencies outside traditional academic settings.
He noted that for many participants, access to such environments represented their first exposure to technologies and workspaces comparable to those used in industry, helping bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application.
The planned expansion seeks to establish a broader network of innovation hubs within public universities nationwide, providing students with access to practical technology training, mentorship opportunities, modern equipment and collaborative learning spaces.
As part of the next phase, Eniolorunda disclosed that discussions with Vice-Chancellors of participating institutions are expected to commence, marking the formal rollout of the initiative.
Education and technology stakeholders say investments in innovation ecosystems within universities could play a significant role in addressing Nigeria’s skills gap, strengthening research capacity and preparing graduates for emerging opportunities in engineering, technology and the digital economy.
The initiative also reflects increasing private sector involvement in supporting higher education and talent development, particularly as Nigeria seeks to build a stronger pipeline of innovators and technology professionals capable of driving economic growth.
