A postgraduate student from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has introduced an educational technology platform called Etude, aimed at increasing access to quality learning through digital content. The platform was launched at the Bank of Industry UNILAG Incubation and Co-Working Hub, located at the university's Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Centre in Akoka. This development is part of the university's growing entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The launch event was attended by prominent figures, including Maruf Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, who was represented by Adebayo Onigbanjo, National Project Coordinator of the Student Venture Capital Grant (SVCG). The Minister described the launch of Etude as living proof of a national strategy to support innovation. The Student Venture Capital Grant (SVCG) had identified 45 students as future innovators and founders in Nigeria, with Waltersam Technologies receiving a 50 million Naira equity-free grant.
Afolabi Lesi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Developmental Services) at UNILAG, spoke about redesigning education for the next generation. He emphasized that reimagining education is not about replacing the classroom with technology, but about expanding the classroom's potential. Lesi highlighted the importance of creating learning experiences that are more accessible, engaging, and responsive to the diverse needs of today's learners.
Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe, board chairman of the National Universities Commission (NUC), commended the launch of Etude, describing it as proof that a young person can succeed without waiting for perfect conditions. He encouraged young people to prioritize developing valuable skills over money, stressing that building valuable skills and demonstrating potential would attract the necessary resources to grow.
Idris Ibikunle, board chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), noted that the launch celebration was only the beginning. He emphasized that true success would be measured by Etude's ability to endure, evolve, and remain relevant over time. Samuel Olamilekan Johnson, CEO of Waltersam Technologies, shared his personal struggles after secondary school, which inspired him and his team to build a mobile learning platform.
The Etude team, including Oluwafemi Seun Paul, the Chief Technical Officer, presented the product and demonstrated its key features. The launch event brought together key stakeholders, including Agunsoye Olumuyiwa Johnson, Dean of Student Affairs, and Henrietta Ugboh, non-executive director at UBA. They shared a common commitment to advancing innovative solutions that can improve the quality of learning for the next generation.
The introduction of Etude marks a significant milestone in Nigeria's education sector, as it aims to improve access to quality learning through digital content. The platform has the potential to make a positive impact on the country's education system, and its success will be closely monitored. The launch of Etude demonstrates the university's commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among its students.
Key points
- The Etude platform was developed with a 50 million Naira equity-free grant from the Student Venture Capital Grant (SVCG).
- The launch of Etude aims to expand access to quality learning through engaging, curriculum-aligned digital content.
- The platform's success will be measured by its ability to endure, evolve, and remain relevant over time.
