Tech Innovation in the Mountainous Terrain: Ekiti's Strategy for Establishing Nigeria's Next Technological Hub

Tech Innovation in the Mountainous Terrain: Ekiti's Strategy for Establishing Nigeria's Next Technological Hub

In the heart of Nigeria, Ekiti State is making waves in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. With a high literacy rate of 95.7% and an out-of-school rate of only 9%, the state is leveraging its strong education culture to create a knowledge-driven tech ecosystem [1][2][3].

Since August 2023, the state government, under the leadership of the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Digital Economy (MISDE), has embarked on a strategic journey to prepare its youth for leadership in AI and future technologies. The focus is on developing future-of-work skills such as robotics, coding, and data science [1].

A major reboot of Ekiti's ICT policy began 14 months ago, with a focus on future-proofing and incorporating AI components [1]. This systematic approach has led to the revamping of the ICT policy, making it fit for AI and other emerging technologies.

Youth-focused innovation programs, such as the Young Innovation Programme and RAVE initiatives, are funding local tech startups and fostering talent development from primary school through lifelong learning [2]. One such initiative is a robotics academy launched in June 2025, which has graduated 400 students [2].

The state is also establishing tech hubs and makerspaces, including Nigeria’s first makerspace dedicated to robotics and 3D printing, to provide creative and prototyping facilities for innovators [2].

A significant project underway is the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ), a $80 million project set to begin construction in 2026. EKZ is designed as a high-innovation district integrating offices, learning spaces, “innovation ports” for R&D, and residential units. The EKZ targets sectors such as agriculture and life sciences, aiming for strong academia-industry collaboration [3].

Infrastructure investments are also a key part of the strategy. A planned fibre-optic ring will connect government institutions, schools, and healthcare facilities, and the EKZ will be located opposite the new airport for investor accessibility [3].

The strategy aims to transform Ekiti’s educational legacy into a competitive, export-driven talent economy capable of generating world-class AI startups and innovation outcomes. It reflects a comprehensive ecosystem approach combining policy, education, infrastructure, industry partnerships, and community engagement focused on AI and emerging technologies [1][2][3].

On a broader scale, Nigeria’s national AI momentum supports Ekiti’s goals, with the country ranked second in Africa for AI startups and forecasted to reach a $1.4 billion AI market by 2025 [4]. This national context aligns with Ekiti’s strategy, contributing to digital job creation and investment attraction within the state.

Lekan Ojulowo's KinPlus Technologies, which has trained over 1,000 people in AI and software development, is now focusing on building AI products to inspire trainees to stay in Ekiti [1]. PurpleBee Technologies, the largest tech hub in Ado Ekiti, has engaged software engineers in Lagos and outside the country for some of its big projects due to a lack of experienced local developers [1]. However, PurpleBee has developed an AI-powered result management platform called PurpleBee Result Vault, which is currently being used in 20 public secondary schools in Ekiti [1].

McKodev Tech Lab, founded by Banji Akole, is developing "Afrocentric" technologies and training software engineers with a curriculum focused on local relevance and sustainability [1]. One of McKodev's flagship innovations, OctopusVAI, allows small business owners to generate fully functional websites using AI [1].

The Commissioner of Innovation, Science, and Digital Economy, Seun Fakuade, is working on a unique project to build a large language model fine-tuned for the Ekiti dialect [1]. This initiative aims to preserve the state's rich linguistic heritage, as Ethnologue reports that 454 languages have already gone extinct in recent centuries, and UNESCO warns that at least 40% of the approximately 6,700 languages spoken today are either already lost or facing extinction [1].

Ekiti State is often referred to as the "Fountain of Knowledge," reflecting its strong emphasis on education. Despite this, the state has approximately 1,178.04 km of fibre-optic cables deployed as of 2023, making it one of the least covered states [1]. The state government is addressing this by investing in fibre optics, broadband, and reliable power to support its AI initiatives and connect public institutions [3].

Education reform in Ekiti State starts early, with robust robotics, digital skills, and AI pilot programs beginning as young as age seven, modeled after education systems like Singapore [1]. The Commissioner emphasized the need for systemic teacher training, partnerships, and salary reforms to attract high-caliber educators who can teach next-gen tech [1].

This comprehensive approach to AI and emerging technology development is set to transform Ekiti State into a hub of innovation and knowledge, fostering a sustainable and competitive tech ecosystem.

1. The Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Digital Economy (MISDE) in Ekiti State is spearheading a venture capital investment in local tech startups, focusing on AI and future technologies.
2. The state's ICT policy reboot aims to incorporate funding for AI components and future-proof its infrastructure for emerging technologies.
3. The Young Innovation Programme and RAVE initiatives are intended to support talent development in AI and technology, from primary school to lifelong learning.
4. Nigeria's first makerspace dedicated to robotics and 3D printing is being established in Ekiti, offering creatives and innovators prototyping facilities.
5. The Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) is set to become a high-innovation district, integrating residential units, learning spaces, R&D facilities, and offices.
6. Infrastructure investments, such as a fibre-optic ring and the EKZ's location near a new airport, are designed to attract investors and connect institutions.
7. The goal is to create a competitive, export-driven talent economy that generates world-class AI startups and innovation outputs.
8. Lekan Ojulowo's KinPlus Technologies is developing AI products to inspire AI and software development in Ekiti.
9. PurpleBee Technologies, Ado Ekiti's largest tech hub, is collaborating with software engineers outside the country due to a lack of experienced local developers.
10. PurpleBee Technologies has developed an AI-powered result management platform being used in 20 public secondary schools in Ekiti.
11. McKodev Tech Lab is focusing on developing "Afrocentric" technologies and training software engineers with a curriculum emphasizing local relevance and sustainability.
12. McKodev Tech Lab's flagship innovation, OctopusVAI, assists small business owners in generating fully functional websites using AI.
13. The Commissioner of Innovation, Science, and Digital Economy is developing a large language model fine-tuned for the Ekiti dialect to preserve the state's linguistic heritage.
14. Ekiti State's strong emphasis on education and fibre-optic cable deployment is not yet comprehensive, with the state having one of the least covered areas.
15. Education reform in Ekiti State includes robotics, digital skills, and AI pilot programs starting as early as age seven.
16. The Commissioner emphasizes the need for systemic teacher training, partnerships, and salary reforms to attract high-caliber educators for next-gen tech education.
17. Ekiti State's comprehensive approach to AI and technology development aims to transform the state into a hub of innovation and knowledge.
18. An investment in fibre optics, broadband, and reliable power supports Ekiti's AI initiatives and connects public institutions.
19. The technology ecosystem in Ekiti State is designed to foster a sustainable and competitive environment for AI and other emerging technologies.
20. The state's strategic journey is preparing its youth for leadership in AI and future technologies, focusing on developing future-of-work skills.
21. Thesysteream's focus on science education creates a strong foundation for AI and technology development in Ekiti State.
22. Nigeria's national AI momentum supplements Ekiti's goals, with the country ranked second in Africa for AI startups and forecasted to reach a $1.4 billion AI market by 2025.
23. The state government is focusing on workplace-wellness, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and mental-health to improve the overall wellbeing of its citizens.
24. Ekiti State's AI initiatives and investments in technology, infrastructure, and education have the potential to revolutionize various industries, including healthcare, finance, space-and-astronomy, education-and-self-development, personal-growth, career-development, and learning.

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