In this edition of Innovation Support Network (ISN) hubs featuring innovation centers in Nigeria, we visited Decke Vocational Academy located at Omole Phase2, Lagos, Nigeria.
Founded in 2017 by Opeoluwa Bamiro, Decke Vocational Academy is an organization actively involved in technical, Vocational and creative skills development programs.

The academy empowers individuals with the relevant skillset needed for immediate employment, career advancement or entrepreneurship in their respective fields.
With accreditations from NABTEB, Federal Ministry of Labor & Employment (Trade Test), LASTVEB and OSHA UK, the academy works with industry experts to teach its students a combination of theory and practical-based courses with learning outcomes they require for employment opportunities.

According to the founder, the hub trains young adults in vocational skills to help them start their entrepreneurship journey.
Innovation and entrepreneurship
According to the founder, Lagos is ahead of other states in creativity therefore the surge in entrepreneurs being churned out.
“The ability to develop something original is huge in Lagos and the State Government encourages this.”

In improving Nigeria’s technology, innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems, the founder said, innovation requires creativity which requires up-skill in relevant hands-on skill development programs and this would help increase entrepreneurial drive in Nigeria.
Challenges and milestone
The founder acknowledged the staying power of youths in being trained for employment or entrepreneurship, while also stating that adequate sponsorship and funding are other challenges.
In all these, Decke Vocational Academy according to the founder has trained close to 800 young adults in various skill acquisition programs.
The founder continues to express delight in its skill acquisition, mentoring, internship programs and employment coaching for its Alumni members.
“Our ability to get employment for participants who join our training, mentoring for entrepreneurship, access to new information on funding for Alumni.”
According to the founder, the government can support innovation hubs with regular funding and tax exemptions.
About Decke Vocational Academy
Decke Vocational Academy provides an enriched learning environment that has helped students learn, develop and grow.
Its curriculum and teaching methods help students take the next step in their education and approach the future with confidence.
The academy has the privilege of teaching bright and curious students from San Francisco and the surrounding areas and beyond.
Decke Vocational Academy offers the following skills set: Masonry, Carpentry, Aluminium fabrication, Glass partitioning, Autocad, Tile setting, Upholstery, Soft furnishing, Interior Decoration, Screeding, Painting, Lumion Animation, Vray, Photoshop, Photography, Graphic Design, Window treatment, Drywall partitioning, Kitchen/Wardrobes, Wall cladding, Internal branding, Sketch-up, and Revit Essentials
Don’t miss important articles during the week. Subscribe to techbuild.africa weekly digest for updates.