The Kaduna State University (KASU), in partnership with VarsityScape and Technology Workforce Africa (TWA Africa), has launched a new Campus Learning Lab aimed at enhancing digital literacy, innovation, and global exposure among students. The initiative, unveiled at the Entrepreneurship Research and Development Centre (ERDC), marks a major milestone in the university’s drive to strengthen skills acquisition and prepare students for a competitive global workforce.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of VarsityScape, Daniel Idiare, described the Campus Learning Lab as a transformative space designed to connect students to academic and industry opportunities across Africa and beyond. He emphasized that the facility will serve not only as a physical learning hub but also a digital gateway through the VarsityScape platform, which already hosts the ERDC Campus Academy.
Idiare shared his personal journey of building VarsityScape as a student, noting that early exposure to skills and opportunities shaped his career path more than his degree alone. He explained that the initiative seeks to replicate this experience for millions of young Africans, enabling them to engage with global opportunities while still in school. He added that the platform will connect KASU students to international universities, exchange programmes, mentors, and potential funders.
“We want students to begin learning, exploring, and building even before they graduate,” he said. “Our mission is simple: to connect academia, industry, and opportunities.”
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Strategy, Innovation, and Service Delivery, Professor Helen Afang Andow, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, commended the ERDC for achieving significant progress in a short period. She described the initiative as fully aligned with KASU’s vision of producing graduates equipped not only with certificates but with competitive 21st-century skills.
Professor Andow noted that entrepreneurship development at the university had grown significantly over the years and expressed optimism that the new partnership would revive previously established continental networks such as the Network for African Students and Entrepreneurs, for which KASU once served as headquarters. She also referenced existing collaborations with institutions like the African Leadership University in Kigali, suggesting that the new initiative could expand such linkages.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor praised the ERDC’s technical team for their role in establishing the new learning space, highlighting past achievements such as the Skula platform and partnerships supported by organisations including the Masika Foundation and the Gates Foundation. She underscored the importance of extending these opportunities to the wider student community, remarking that skills and exposure are critical to shaping the future of young people.
The launch event drew an enthusiastic audience of students, whom speakers described as passionate, energetic, and eager to embrace new learning pathways. Success stories of young tech-driven professionals were shared, including that of Grace, a Materials Science graduate who transitioned into digital technology roles through determination and access to learning resources.
The event also opened doors for future collaborations. According to Idiare, engagements are underway with universities such as B-Way University in Port Harcourt, with prospects of fully funded knowledge-exchange programmes, student visits, and joint research activities.
“We are honoured to begin this journey with KASU,” Idiare said. “With your guidance and support, there is so much more we can achieve together.”
The Campus Learning Lab is expected to be further equipped with digital tools, including screens and communication systems, to enhance virtual learning and strengthen connections between students and global experts. QR codes were distributed at the event to enable students to join the VarsityScape Academy immediately.
The launch reaffirmed KASU’s commitment to innovation, youth development, and global competitiveness, marking a new chapter in the university’s efforts to bridge the gap between academic training and professional readiness.