The Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) has successfully conducted a high-impact digital literacy workshop for small-scale traders and artisans within the Ikorodu division as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The program, which concluded on Friday, April 17, 2026, was designed to bridge the digital divide and empower local entrepreneurs with the requisite skills to navigate the 21st-century marketplace. Speaking during the closing ceremony at the university’s main auditorium, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olumuyiwa Odusanya, emphasized that a “Science and Technology” university must be a beacon of innovation that directly impacts its host community by turning “informal trade” into “digital commerce.”
The digital literacy program, titled “Tech for Trade,” provided hands-on training for over 500 participants, ranging from market women to local furniture makers. Supporting context from the university’s Directorate of Linkages and Research indicates that the curriculum covered essential topics such as basic smartphone operations, the use of social media for business promotion, mobile banking security, and the adoption of Point of Sale (POS) technology for seamless transactions. Professor Odusanya noted that by equipping Ikorodu traders with these skills, LASUSTECH is effectively “future-proofing” the local economy and reducing the “digital exclusion” that often prevents small businesses from scaling beyond their immediate environment.
Stakeholder reactions to the initiative have been characterized by profound appreciation from the local trade unions. The “Iya-Oloja” (Market Leader) of Ikorodu, Alhaja Taibat Adeyemi, lauded the university for its “visionary leadership,” noting that many traders had previously been intimidated by digital tools but now feel confident in using platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram to showcase their wares. Similarly, the “National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises” (NASME), Lagos Chapter, has described the program as a “model for town-and-gown collaboration,” urging other tertiary institutions to replicate the framework. The participants expressed excitement over their newfound ability to track their “cash flow” digitally, which they believe will make them more “bankable” for future micro-loans.
Economic and educational analysts observe that “LASUSTECH’s digital boost” is a strategic investment in the “grassroots economy” of Lagos State. Experts suggest that as the state government pushes for a “Mega-City” status, the “digital inclusion” of the informal sector is a prerequisite for holistic growth. They argue that tertiary institutions should serve as “knowledge hubs” that translate complex technology into “usable tools” for the average citizen. Dr. Abiodun Fatai, a specialist in development economics, noted that “digital literacy is the new currency for survival,” and by providing this training for free, the university is fulfilling a vital social contract. He maintained that the next phase should involve “mentorship programs” to ensure that the traders do not revert to manual methods.
The broader implications of this Corporate Social Responsibility project point toward a more “technologically resilient” Ikorodu division. The success of the “Tech for Trade” initiative has prompted calls for the establishment of a “Permanent Digital Resource Center” within the university where local artisans can receive ongoing support. By empowering traders with digital skills, LASUSTECH is contributing to the “Ease of Doing Business” in Lagos State and helping to curb “cyber-fraud” through better user education. As the university prepares for its next academic session, the focus remains on “expanding the reach” of its community programs to include youth empowerment and environmental sustainability. For the traders of Ikorodu, the “digital literacy boost” is a new chapter of growth and global connectivity.
