The 1st Lagos Spring School in Digital Entrepreneurship & Digital Cultures (LSSDEDC-2025), anchored by the Centre for Digital Humanities, University of Lagos (CEDHUL), has formally kicked off on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, with an opening ceremony at the Tayo Aderinokun Memorial Hall, UNILAG.
The ceremony was marked by thought-provoking discussions on Africa’s digital future and the urgent need for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Convener and Director of CEDHUL, Professsor Tunde Ope-Davies set the tone for the event by highlighting the transformative power of technology in reshaping economies and empowering individuals.
“Technology empowers individuals to think beyond conventional paradigms and to contribute to the prosperity of their communities from a place of autonomy and agency,” he noted.
Re-affirming the University’s commitment to digital advancement, Prof. Ope-Davies emphasized the FUTURE-READY AGENDA of the Vice-Chancellor’s administration. He called on participants to embrace curiosity and collaboration as tools for unlocking opportunities in digital entrepreneurship. He urged them to “…push the boundaries of what is possible and unlock the immense value inherent in digital entrepreneurship”.
Springboard to a Brighter Future
The incoming Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Prof. Afolabi Lesi, represented the Vice-Chancellor at the event. He underscored the shifting dynamics of business, culture and society due to disruptive technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), and also emphasized the imperative of digital inclusion.
In his words: “The landscapes of business, culture, and society are rapidly evolving and powered by disruptive technologies like AI, and it is imperative that we leave no one behind.”
Prof. Lesi stressed that digital skills are no longer optional but a necessity for full participation in the modern workforce. Encouraging students of Humanities to step beyond their traditional boundaries, he remarked, “Let this spring school be your springboard to your future in technology.”
No Longer in the Luggage Compartment
Delivering the keynote address, MD/CEO of New Horizons Limited, Mr. Tim Akano painted a sobering picture of Africa’s historical positioning in major global revolutions. Tracing back to the 17th century, he pointed out that with each industrial revolution, Africa has remained in the “luggage compartment of the world limousine.”
He warned that, “…now at the dawn of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, driven by AI and Quantum Computing, Africa risks being left further behind if urgent measures are not taken”.
Mr. Akano identified some critical battles Africa must win to secure its place in the global digital economy. These include:
- AI Leadership: Africa must get into the front seat of the AI-driven future by investing in technology and democratizing its knowledge among its vast youth population.
- Entrepreneurship & Skills Development: Focus on critical thinking that addresses complex problems while promoting youth-driven innovation.
- Communication & Innovation Ecosystem: Build platforms that encourage a free flow of ideas and foster innovation.
- Digital Sovereignty: He cautioned against a growing “digital colonization” by the U.S. and China and urged African governments and universities to push back by strengthening local technological capabilities.
- Monetisable Solutions: Drawing inspiration from Israeli universities, he called on institutions like the University of Lagos to become hubs of solution-driven research that can be commercialized globally.
1st Lagos Spring School in Digital Entrepreneurship & Digital Cultures (LSSDEDC-2025)
LSSDEDC-2025 is an intensive one-week, hands-on training designed to equip participants with the skills, tools, knowledge, and mindset needed to thrive in the digital economy of the 21st century.
The school which will run till Saturday, March 22, 2025 at the Faculty of Arts, UNILAG, has the theme: Digital Technology and Digital Entrepreneurship as Catalysts for Innovation, Socio-Cultural Transformation, and Economic Empowerment.
With this inaugural edition of the School, UNILAG has positioned itself as a key player in shaping the digital destiny of Africa. As participants embark on the one-week immersive journey, the challenge remains clear: to ensure that Africa moves from being a passive consumer to an active innovator in the rapidly evolving digital world.
Report: Isaiah Kumuyi
Photography: Ayo Oloyede
