Age
15
Country of Residence
Nigeria
Founding Story: What was the spark that led you to start your project? What was the "Aha!" moment that led you to get started and see the potential for this to succeed?
I used to think the problem was me. During one of our catering classes, our teacher spent the entire period explaining how to prepare a dish while we wrote down the steps. I enjoyed the lesson, but by the time it ended, I realised I had never actually cooked anything in that class. That same week, a classmate who dreams of becoming a software developer told me she had never used a working computer at school because our ICT centre wasn’t functioning. Another friend learning tailoring could explain how to cut a pattern but had never used a sewing machine during class. That was when it hit me. We had students who were interested in learning different skills, but we barely had the opportunity to practise them. I started talking to other students and realised it wasn’t just us. Many of us were learning the theory without getting the chance to put it into practice. I began to wonder what we could do differently. What if we could get the equipment we needed and connect with people who could guide us? What if the subjects we already study in school could help us develop skills we could actually use? That’s how SkillLab came about. I want SkillLab to give students the chance to practise what they learn, explore their interests and develop skills they can use beyond the classroom.
How do you encourage other people to join your project or learn about the problem you’re working on? If you have a new idea, tell us how you will do this in the future.
I'm encouraging others to join by starting where the problem is felt most: with students. So far, I have begun talking with other students at Magbon Alade Senior Grammar School about the lack of practical learning in ICT, catering, and tailoring. These conversations have helped me understand the problem better, and they are already showing me who cares enough to get involved. As SkillLab grows, I will activate others in four ways: 1. Student voices. I will invite classmates to share their experiences and ideas, and ask interested students to become leads for their subject. 2. Teachers. I will explain the problem and show how practical sessions can support lessons they already teach, so they can guide and advise us. 3. The community. I will approach parents, alumni, and local professionals such as caterers, tailors, and ICT practitioners, and invite them to donate or lend basic equipment or share their skills. 4. Spreading awareness. I will use school announcements, class discussions, and social media to tell the story of the problem, so more people understand why practical learning matters. I believe people will join because the need is clear and the ask is simple: a small contribution of time, equipment, or knowledge can help a student gain a real skill.
How many people are on your team?
8
Impact: How has your project created impact / made a difference so far? Or, if at an early stage, what will impact look like?
SkillLab is still an idea, but the need behind it is real. So far, I have started talking with other students at Magbon Alade Senior Grammar School about the lack of practical learning in ICT, catering, and tailoring. Almost every student I spoke to said the same thing: they learn the theory, but rarely get to practise. If SkillLab succeeds, here is the impact I hope to make: 1. Students will practise what they learn. Those studying ICT, catering, and tailoring will get regular hands-on sessions that match their lessons, so the written work finally connects to real ability. 2. Students will gain skills beyond school. Practical skills can lead to jobs, small businesses, and further study, and give students the confidence to know they can do something, not just describe it. 3. The school will benefit. With support from the community, basic equipment can be used by many students for years, not just one class. 4. Other students will be inspired to act. If students can start solving problems in their own school, it shows that young people can lead change. I believe this will work because the problem is clear, the students are willing, and what's needed is basic equipment and guidance, which people in our community can help provide. We will measure success by how many students take part in practical sessions and by the new skills they gain.
Project Category
My project is a brand new / emerging idea
Project Stage
Idea (We’re hoping to get started in the future)
Project Summary: Describe your project in one sentence
SkillLab is a youth-led project that gives students at Magbon Alade Senior Grammar School in Ibeju-Lekki access to the tools, equipment, and hands-on practice, from ICT to catering, they need to turn the subjects they love into real skills that last beyond the classroom.
Project title
SkillLab
The Problem: What problem are you helping to solve? Why does it matter to you and your community?
During one of our catering classes, our teacher spent the entire period explaining how to prepare a dish while we wrote down the steps. I enjoyed the lesson, but by the time it ended, I realised I had never actually cooked anything in that class. That same week, a classmate who dreams of becoming a software developer told me she had never used a working computer at school because our ICT centre wasn’t functioning. Another friend learning tailoring could explain how to cut a pattern but had never used a sewing machine during class. That was when it hit me. We had students who were interested in learning different skills, but we barely had the opportunity to practise them. I started talking to other students and realised it wasn’t just us. Many of us were learning the theory without getting the chance to put it into practice. I began to wonder what we could do differently. What if we could get the equipment we needed and connect with people who could guide us? What if the subjects we already study in school could help us develop skills we could actually use? That’s how SkillLab came about.
Website URL(s) or social media handles.
Nill
What’s Next: What are the next steps you plan to take to grow or strengthen your project over the next year? If your project is still in the idea stage, describe the steps you will take over the next three months to launch or begin developing it.
Month 1: Understand and organise. I will continue talking with students and start speaking with teachers to list exactly what each area needs, such as working computers, cooking equipment, ingredients, sewing machines, and fabric. I will form a small student team and ask the school leadership for permission and support. Month 2: Build support. I will reach out to community members, local businesses, alumni, and skilled professionals such as caterers, tailors, and ICT practitioners. We will ask them to donate or lend basic equipment, or to volunteer as practical mentors. Month 3: Start a pilot. With the equipment and support we have gathered, we will run the first hands-on sessions in one subject, matched to what students are learning in class. We will record how many students take part and ask them for feedback. Over the following year, we will use what we learn to improve the sessions, expand to all three subjects, and bring in more partners so more students can practise what they study.
Your Innovation: What is different about your project compared to other programs or solutions already out there? How is your project new or innovative?
Many programs try to help students by teaching new skills or running separate training courses. SkillLab takes a different approach: we work through the subjects students are already studying at school. 1. We fix the missing half of learning, not add more classes. At Magbon Alade Senior Grammar School, students already learn ICT, catering, and tailoring, but only the theory. SkillLab adds the practical side to lessons that already exist, so students practise exactly what their teachers teach, with no extra curriculum to create. 2. It is student-led. The problem was discovered by a student who lives it every day, and it is being shaped through conversations with other students. They are not just receiving help, they are helping design the solution and will help run it. 3. We use the community's resources in a new way. Instead of waiting for the school to buy expensive equipment, we will connect with people who can provide basic tools, lend equipment, or volunteer their skills. A caterer, a tailor, or a computer professional can become a practical mentor for students in their own community. 4. It starts small and can grow. Basic equipment and guided sessions are simple enough to begin with in one school, and the same model can be used in other schools facing the same gap. What makes SkillLab new is not a complicated invention. It is applying a simple idea, linking classroom learning to real practice through community support, in a school context where students currently have no access to it.
Your Solution: How are you solving this problem? Share your specific solution.
SkillLab will give students hands-on experience in subjects such as catering, tailoring and computer skills by providing access to equipment, materials and practical training. The project will begin by identifying schools with limited resources and working with teachers, local businesses and skilled volunteers to provide the necessary support. Students will learn in small groups through supervised practical sessions, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge, build confidence and develop useful skills. Their progress will be measured through the tasks they complete and feedback from students and teachers. As SkillLab grows, it will reach more schools, introduce additional skill areas and build lasting partnerships to help students prepare for real-life opportunities.
Your team: What role(s) do your team members play? How do you share leadership with them?
I'm building the team now. I'd like to bring in fellow students from the different areas ICT, catering, and tailoring to lead a group for each, one teacher per area to advise and link sessions to the curriculum, and community professionals to provide equipment and mentoring. Leadership will be shared: each student lead runs their subject group, and we make decisions together.
