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Ilorin Innovation Hub

Ilorin Innovation Hub
IndustryTechnology and Innovation
HeadquartersIlorin,
Kwara State
,
Nigeria
Websiteiih.ng

Ilorin Innovation Hub is a technology and innovation centre located in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. It is a public-private initiative between the Kwara State Government and IHS Nigeria in partnership with Co-creation Hub (CcHub) and Future Africa and managed by Temi Kolawole.[1][2] The facility, covering over 13,000m2 and accommodating more than 1,000 users, is one of West Africa's largest innovation spaces and was created to develop digital skills, support startups and young innovators, and promote economic growth.[3][4][5]

History

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External view of the Ilorin Innovation Hub
Exterior view of the Ilorin Innovation Hub

In November 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in November 2023 between Kwara State Government and IHS Nigeria to establish the innovation facility. The hub commenced operations officially in early 2025, launching incubation and acceleration programmes aimed at nurturing digital talents and catalysing economic empowerment in Kwara State.[6][7]

The hub supports national digital initiatives like the 3MTT Learning community and is created in alignment with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on boosting productivity and job creation through investment in digital infrastructure.[8][9]

Programs & Activities

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Front view of the Ilorin Innovation Hub
Hall view of the Ilorin Innovation Hub

The Ilorin Innovation Hub offers a range of structured programs delivered in partnership with Co-creation Hub (CcHub) and Future Africa.[7]

Incubation and Accelerator Programs

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These programs concentrate on areas such as artificial intelligence, agricultural technology, energy innovation, and entrepreneurship. They aim to equip tech startups and innovators with the necessary tools and networks.[10]

Leadership & Ecosystem Development

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In collaboration with Future Africa, the hub runs Advanced Technical Leadership Training, Corporate Innovation and Accelerator Program, and Ecosystem Development and Mentorship Initiative.[10][9]

Art Hackathon

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A pre-launch event in 2024 hosted an Art Hackathon where artists from Kwara State and across Nigeria to submit works around innovation and local development.[11]


Partnerships

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The hub was developed in partnership with IHS Nigeria, Co-creation Hub (CcHub), Future Africa.[12]

References

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  1. ^ Anthony (2025-02-28). "Kwara, IHS target 10,000 jobs from Ilorin innovation hub". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2025-08-03.
  2. ^ pnqbq (2025-03-02). "Ilorin Innovation Hub Goes Live with Program Kick-off". CMC Connect LLP. Retrieved 2025-08-03.
  3. ^ "Challenge Validation". www.ihstowers.com. Archived from the original on 2025-07-16. Retrieved 2025-08-03.
  4. ^ Ibeh, Ifeanyi (2024-08-27). "Ilorin Innovation Hub nears completion, set to transform tech space". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2025-08-03.
  5. ^ Yusuf, Ayo (2025-03-03). "IHS Targets More Unicorns, Begins Tech Innovation Programme in Ilorin Hub". THISDAYLIVE. Retrieved 2025-08-03.
  6. ^ Olaiya, Tope Templer (2023-11-23). "Kwara, IHS Nigeria sign MoU to establish technology innovation facility". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2025-08-03.
  7. ^ a b Okamgba, Justice (2025-03-02). "IHS supports tech innovation drive in Kwara". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2025-08-03.
  8. ^ Anyanwu, Samuel (2025-05-29). "Tinubu's Renewed Hope: Investing In Nigeria's Human Capital". Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation. Retrieved 2025-08-03.
  9. ^ a b Akatakpo, Samson (2025-03-04). "IHS targets 10,000 jobs because it kicks off accelerator packages at llorin Innovation Hub". Business Times Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-08-03.
  10. ^ a b Akintaro, Samson (2025-02-28). "IHS targets 10,000 jobs as it kicks off accelerator programs at llorin Innovation Hub". Nairametrics. Retrieved 2025-08-03.
  11. ^ "IHS Nigeria Sponsors the Ilorin Innovation Hub to Boost Technology, Entrepreneurship and Collaboration". IHS Towers Corporate. Archived from the original on 2025-03-15. Retrieved 2025-08-03.
  12. ^ "Eyeing $180bn digital economy with innovation hub". Daily Trust. Retrieved 2025-08-03.