Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, VC of the University of Ilorin
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof Wahab Egbewole, has appealed to philanthropists, industry leaders and development partners to support the institution’s effort to empower street-connected children through skills-based programmes.
The call was made on November 7 during the presentation of the CyberCatch Initiative, a Senate-funded project aimed at rehabilitating vulnerable children through digital literacy and vocational training. The event took place at the Faculty of Education E-Library.
Represented by the Deputy Registrar, Mrs Azeezat Ibrahim, Prof Egbewole praised the research team for its commitment to community development, saying the initiative aligns with the University’s mission to reduce poverty and boost national productivity.
Former Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof Lasiele Yahaya, said universities must help address social challenges through innovation, adding that CyberCatch shows how research can drive transformation.
Prof A. S. Omosidi noted that scaling up such programmes could lower crime and youth idleness, describing the project as a pathway to restoring dignity among disadvantaged young people.
Programme coordinator, Dr Nimota Kadir-Abdullahi, reported that 12 children had been trained in digital and vocational skills, including shoe-making and soap production. She said each beneficiary received start-up tools to ensure continuity.
Stakeholders at the event backed plans to expand the initiative nationally.
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