Egbewole affirms significance of artisans
By Tajudeen Babamale
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has affirmed the growing importance of artisans in the evolving global economy, noting that technological advancements, including Artificial Intelligence, are reshaping the future of work.
Prof. Egbewole made the remark last Monday (February 23, 2026) while receiving members of the Kwara State Artisans Programme (KSATP) led by its Chairman, Prof. Abdulraheem Yusuf, who were in his office to intimate him about the upcoming workshop for artisans in Kwara State, an initiative he had introduced some months ago.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye, the Vice Chancellor explained that anyone who has closely followed the introduction of Artificial Intelligence and its economic implications would appreciate that the future increasingly favours skilled artisans alongside intellectuals.
According to him, evidence from Europe and the United States shows that the demand for plumbers and other technical artisans is rising, a development he described as instructive for Nigeria’s skills development strategy.
Prof. Egbewole added that the University’s engagement with the artisans aligns with its entrepreneurship drive and community interaction mandate. He said that while the initiative could be viewed as capacity building for artisans in Kwara State, its long-term significance is much broader.
He projected that a time would come when universities would formally integrate artisan training into academic programmes as part of efforts to attain international relevance and respond to labour market realities.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Kwara State Artisan Training Programme (KSATP), Prof. Abdulraheem Yusuf, outlined the background and rationale for the initiative, explaining that many artisans across the state possess strong technical abilities but face challenges in professionalism, safety compliance, entrepreneurship, and digital engagement.
He said that the programme is designed to upgrade artisans’ technical competence, improve ethical standards, strengthen business and financial management capacity, promote occupational safety, and enhance digital and marketing skills.
Prof. Yusuf announced that the training would adopt a 30 per cent theory and 70 per cent practical approach and it would feature hands-on demonstrations, instructor-led workshops, simulation exercises, industry guest sessions, and capstone project assessments, with certification pegged at a minimum pass mark of 50 per cent.
Providing a progress update, the KSATP Chairman revealed that the planning committee has finalised workshop curriculum modules, completed the facilitator handbook and training manual, confirmed artisan association participation, engaged key stakeholders and sponsors, and developed a monitoring and evaluation framework.
He said that the programme is expected to attract about 85 guests and sponsors at the workshop launch, alongside selected artisans, trade association representatives, industry stakeholders, and University officials.
Prof. Yusuf added that the expected outcomes include improved technical competence, increased income potential for artisans, higher safety compliance standards, improved business sustainability, a stronger artisan network in Kwara State, and enhanced University–community partnership.
Joining the Vice Chancellor to receive the KSATP were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole; and the University Librarian, Prof. Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa; the Co-Chair of KSATP, Alhaji Jimoh Ayinla Adeshina; as well as other members of the group.
