LASUSTECH Launches Digital Literacy Program to Empower Ikorodu Artisans and Traders
The Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) has initiated the Digital Literacy for Ikorodu Trade (DLIT) programme, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) effort aimed at enhancing the digital capabilities of artisans and traders in its host communities. This initiative specifically targets residents in Lambo Lasunwon, Araromi, and Okegbegun within Ikorodu Local Government, with 20 participants selected through a thorough screening process.
Programme Details and Objectives
According to a release from Dr. Steven Anu’ Adesemoye, Team Lead for Digital and Creative Enterprise, the four-week training commenced on April 11, 2026, and will conclude on May 2, 2026. It is being conducted at the NITDA Digital Learning Center on the Ikorodu campus of LASUSTECH, a facility donated by Senator Oluremi Tinubu and commissioned in 2025. The programme offers hands-on sessions covering brand building, digital marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage, and basic graphics design.
The primary goal is to assist traders and artisans in establishing a robust digital presence and improving their business performance in today's highly competitive market environment. By equipping participants with these skills, LASUSTECH aims to foster community development and reduce poverty and unemployment through enhanced business efficiency.
Keynote Address and Vision
In a keynote address titled 'Fulfilling the Mandate of Community Service through Digital Entrepreneurship,' Vice Chancellor Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya congratulated the participants and emphasized the timeliness of the programme. He highlighted that the digital era has rendered traditional analogue business methods insufficient, making digital literacy essential for survival and growth.
Prof. Odusanya explained that digital literacy involves effectively using computers and mobile devices to communicate, create content, store information, and reach wider audiences. He contrasted manual business approaches with digital methods, noting that the latter enable faster transactions, greater accuracy, and broader market access. The Vice Chancellor also underscored how business communication has evolved from oral methods to digital tools, citing examples such as cryptocurrencies and online transactions.
This initiative aligns with LASUSTECH's IMPACT vision, particularly the 'T' for Town and Gown relationship, which focuses on bringing university expertise directly to the host community. Prof. Odusanya expressed gratitude to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for donating the Digital Learning Centre and commended Dr. Steven Anu’ Adesemoye and lead trainer Dr. Stephen Aderibigbe for their dedication to the programme.
Commitment and Future Support
Dr. Ademola Aderogba, Dean of Students’ Affairs, reaffirmed the university's commitment to corporate social responsibility and fostering mutually beneficial relationships with host communities. In his remarks, Dr. Stephen Aderibigbe announced that the programme would include follow-up support for outstanding participants beyond the initial four-week period, emphasizing that universities exist to educate, conduct research, and serve communities through CSR initiatives like DLIT.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Omotolani Abigail expressed gratitude for the opportunity, describing the programme as timely and relevant for improving her small-scale business by strengthening its digital presence. She pledged to maximize the training to scale up her trade effectively.
