The panel session was moderated by Chiamaka Ugo and featured two speakers — Mr. Samuel Adedayo, CEO of Ifixit, and Mr. Olisa Macaulay, Director of the RSU Innovation Hub.
Chiamaka opened the session by introducing the panelists and directing the first question to Mr. Olisa. She asked how he aligns his program with industry needs to ensure students are not only trained but also employable. Mr. Olisa responded by reflecting on his own experience job hunting back in 2017, which gave him firsthand insight into the gap between academic training and industry expectations.
This experience inspired the structure of the RSU Innovation Hub.
He explained their strategy approach:
- Skill-first learning — students are guided to focus on acquiring in-demand digital skills.
- Practical, project-based training — the curriculum ensures students work on real projects, helping them build strong portfolios before graduation.
- Internship-based structure— students are exposed to real work environments to build experience.
- Career acceleration support — they are trained on how to position themselves using platforms like Upwork and LinkedIn to attract global opportunities.
Chiamaka then directed the next question to Mr. Samuel Adedayo, asking about the role of the hardware industry in developing digital talent.Samuel responded by introducing the work of Ifixit — a company that sells and repairs computer systems. He explained that computers are not just tools for tech professionals but are staples for everyone navigating the digital economy. Ifixit’s mission is to make access to reliable systems easier, including through the sale of unboxed computers, which are more affordable and still deliver full value.
He emphasized convenience in service delivery, sharing how Ifixit offers pickup and return services for customers experiencing issues. This means users don’t need to leave their comfort zones to get their systems fixed, a crucial service for freelancers, remote workers, and students. Samuel stressed that access to functional hardware is foundational to building digital talent, and Ifixit is committed to ensuring that more individuals across sectors have the systems they need to learn and work effectively.
