FintechNGR & SAIL Lab Join Forces to Ramp Up Tech Upskilling in Lagos

Over the past few years, Lagos has become a hotbed for tech innovation—but a skills gap still limits how fast the ecosystem can grow. In response, Fintech Association of Nigeria (FintechNGR) is exploring partnership opportunities with SAIL Innovation Lab to boost tech upskilling among young people in Lagos.

SAIL Innovation Lab, based in Ikorodu and managed by Co-creation Hub, has already made waves with programs in data science, STEM, and AI. Through earlier collaborations—like the one with Sahara Group Foundation to train the next generation of data scientists—SAIL has shown it can deliver training that leads to employment and fills real skills needs. Co-creation HUB Africa (CcHUB)

FintechNGR brings its strength in industry connections, regulatory insight, and access to fintech operators on the ground. Combining that with SAIL’s strong training infrastructure could help streamline paths for students and young professionals to gain the skills needed in fintech, insurtech, AI, and related tech fields. It could also help ensure training is more accessible—especially in parts of Lagos that don’t have easy access to tech hubs.

One of the potential outcomes of such collaboration is the development of curriculum that aligns with what industry demands: hands-on machine learning, API development, digital payments, cybersecurity, etc. Another is mentorship and internship placement through FintechNGR member companies, helping bridge the gap between learning and employment.

There are challenges too. Funding, staying current with rapidly changing tech, ensuring training doesn’t just stay theoretical but includes real-world project work, and reaching those with limited internet or device access are all hurdles.

Bottom Line: If FintechNGR and SAIL Innovation Lab move ahead with this partnership, it could significantly strengthen Lagos’s tech pipeline. With the right resources and industry alignment, more young Nigerians could gain the right skills to fill high demand roles, helping grow fintech, AI, and tech industries more sustainably.