By Juliet Umeh
In Nigeria’s fast-evolving digital landscape, one of the persistent challenges facing tertiary education is the gap between theoretical learning and practical, problem-solving skills.
To bridge this gap, global technology company Zoho has partnered with Babcock University through the Babcock Centre for Executive Development, BCED, to empower students with real-world digital capabilities using low-code technology.
Through the Young Creators Program, Zoho trained over 50 students from disciplines such as Computer Science, Business, and Information Technology to design and build business-ready applications using Zoho Creator, the company’s flagship low-code development platform.
Turning learners into problem solvers
The three-day workshop was not just about coding, it was about rethinking how students approach problem-solving in business and technology. Participants learned how to build functional apps without extensive programming knowledge, using the power of cloud-based tools to create solutions tailored to real challenges faced by local businesses.
From process automation to data management and workflow optimization, students were guided to think critically about how digital solutions can transform everyday operations.
“As part of our commitment to supporting local talent development in Nigeria, we are excited to collaborate with Babcock University to equip students with future-ready digital skills,” said Kehinde Ogundare, Country Head, Zoho Nigeria. “Through the Young Creators Program, we aim to empower young innovators to build solutions that solve real business challenges while strengthening the local technology ecosystem.”
Bridging academia and industry
The initiative also represents a new phase of collaboration between Zoho and BCED, designed to make learning more practical and industry-relevant. Beyond the workshop, both institutions plan to introduce continuous training programs, innovation-driven workshops, and interactive events that connect students directly with evolving market needs.
Discussions are also underway to integrate Zoho’s applications into Babcock’s entrepreneurship curriculum. This would ensure that students not only understand how to use digital tools but also how to apply them strategically to tackle Nigeria’s complex business and development challenges.
“We are committed to preparing our students for leadership in a rapidly evolving digital economy,” said Dr. Ayodeji Ajibade, Director of the Babcock Entrepreneurship Development Centre (BEDC). “Partnering with Zoho strengthens our mission by providing students with access to industry-standard tools and practical learning experiences that bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world application.”
Empowering the next generation of innovators
The Young Creators Program is part of Zoho’s global effort to promote digital literacy and innovation among young people. Since its launch in 2022, the program has trained over 2,000 students worldwide, giving them the technical confidence to pursue entrepreneurial ventures and technology-driven careers.
For many of the Babcock students, the experience was a first-hand exposure to how technology can be used to address social and economic challenges — from creating simple automation systems for small businesses to developing tools that can streamline administrative processes.
From skills to solutions
Zoho’s collaboration with Babcock University underscores a growing recognition that solving Nigeria’s economic and social problems requires more than policy—it requires skills. By equipping young people with tools to innovate locally, programs like this are laying the foundation for a new generation of digital problem-solvers capable of shaping the country’s future economy.
