By Business AM
The promotion of digital innovation and techpreneurship is at the centre of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that has been signed between Ehizua Hub and Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State. The partnership will expand on Ehizua Hub’s existing collaboration with Torrens University, Australia, to provide students with the option of studying online, receiving upskilling from Igbinedion Hub, financing their education with a Sterling Bank EdPay loan, and continuing their education on any of Torrens campus in Australia.
The partnership’s flagship hub will debut in the first quarter of 2023 on Airport Road, Benin City, Edo State and will feature a virtual studio, smart classroom, coworking space, game room, multimedia studio and a sizable indoor lobby.
Speaking on the innovative hub, Lawrence Ezemonye, professor and vice chancellor of the university, described the hub as a platform for students to develop their innovative skills.
Ezemonye said, “We are using this as a platform for our students to grow into innovators where their ideas will become patented products.”
In addition to facilitating university admissions, scholarships and online programme support, Igbinedion Hub provides Ehizua Hub and Igbinedion University Okada micro-credentials as well as industry-recognised certificates for upskilling. Participants will also be empowered through the Job Assist Programme, Innovation Support Programme and Corporate Venture Capital.
With the development, IUO becomes the first private university in sub-Saharan Africa to drive innovation and digital technopreneurship to meet the growing demand for creative tech talent in the gig economy and the future of work.
Ehizua Matthias, founder/managing director, Ehizua Hub, said, “Students can come and do two months short courses in software development, cybersecurity, data analytics, cinematography, photography and video editing. We have several offers, and, in addition, we provide co-working space for students.”
