OSITA RICH
Championing Digital Literacy: The Impact of Bosun Tijani’s CcHub
In Nigeria, the technology and digital literacy landscape has been transformed by visionary leaders who see the potential for change and innovation. Among these leaders is Bosun Tijani, co-founder of Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), Nigeria’s first and largest innovation center. Bosun’s work in creating a hub for technology and entrepreneurship has not only fostered digital literacy among Nigerian youth but also positioned Nigeria as a leading tech ecosystem in Africa. Through CcHub, Tijani has built a collaborative environment that encourages young innovators to develop solutions for local challenges, empowering them to contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Background and Founding of CcHub
Bosun Tijani, a Nigerian technology entrepreneur, founded Co-Creation Hub in 2010 in Lagos alongside Femi Longe. Their vision was to establish a platform where young Nigerians with technology-driven ideas could come together, collaborate, and turn their ideas into viable solutions. CcHub quickly became a groundbreaking space, providing access to funding, mentorship, and technology resources for startups. Located in Yaba, Lagos, CcHub sits at the heart of Nigeria’s technology and innovation ecosystem, sparking what is often called “Yabacon Valley.”
Key Functions and Programs
Since its inception, CcHub has served as a catalyst for innovation, supporting over 150 startups in fields such as education, healthcare, and social development. The hub provides an array of essential services, including:
- Startup Funding: CcHub offers grants and seed funding to early-stage startups, allowing them to develop and scale their ideas. The hub also connects startups with venture capital firms and investors.
- Mentorship and Training: Through workshops, bootcamps, and training programs, CcHub equips young Nigerians with the technical skills and business acumen necessary for successful entrepreneurship.
- Innovation Labs: The hub features specialized labs, including the Health Innovation Lab and the EdTech Lab, that focus on developing solutions to sector-specific challenges in Nigeria.
- Research and Policy Advocacy: CcHub conducts research on key issues in Nigeria’s tech landscape and advocates for policies that foster digital literacy, inclusion, and innovation.
Achievements and Awards
Under Bosun Tijani’s leadership, CcHub has received widespread recognition for its contributions to Nigeria’s tech industry. Some of its notable achievements and awards include:
- Supporting Startups: CcHub has supported notable Nigerian startups such as BudgIT, LifeBank, and WeCyclers, all of which have gone on to achieve national and international recognition for their innovative work.
- Expanding Across Africa: In 2019, CcHub acquired Kenya’s iHub, making it one of Africa’s largest innovation networks and expanding its influence across the continent.
- Award Recognition: CcHub was awarded the UN SDG Action Award for its efforts in using technology to achieve sustainable development goals in Nigeria.
- Global Partnerships: CcHub has partnered with major global organizations, including Google and Facebook, to deliver programs that support digital literacy and entrepreneurship across Africa.
Impact on Nigeria’s Tech Landscape
CcHub’s impact on Nigeria’s tech landscape has been transformative. The hub has contributed to building a vibrant tech ecosystem, inspiring countless young Nigerians to pursue careers in technology and entrepreneurship. By providing resources, funding, and mentorship, CcHub has helped bridge the digital skills gap in Nigeria, empowering young people to drive innovation and economic growth.
Moreover, Tijani’s work has positioned Nigeria as a leading tech hub in Africa, attracting international investors and creating opportunities for Nigerian startups to access global markets. Through CcHub, Tijani has not only fostered digital literacy but also empowered a new generation of Nigerians to use technology to solve pressing local problems.
A Vision for the Future
Bosun Tijani envisions a future where technology continues to drive social and economic progress across Nigeria and Africa. As CcHub expands, he remains committed to empowering young Nigerians, advocating for digital inclusion, and building a more resilient tech ecosystem. Tijani’s dedication to technology and innovation serves as a powerful example of how local solutions can lead to global impact, making him a true pioneer in Nigeria’s digital literacy movement.
Conclusion
Bosun Tijani’s journey with CcHub highlights the importance of digital literacy, collaboration, and innovation in addressing Nigeria’s unique challenges. Through his work, Tijani has empowered countless Nigerians, demonstrating that technology can be a force for positive change. His story serves as an inspiration for the next generation of Nigerian tech entrepreneurs, showing that with vision, resilience, and support, local innovators can drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
