One Year of Expanding Access to Technology, Skills and Global Opportunities
By Amb. S. YASIR ABIOLA
For Mature Minds Digital Radio & TV
A year ago, accessing advanced technology education from Are-Ekiti could feel like a distant possibility for many young people and community members. Learners who wanted to acquire specialised digital skills often had to look beyond their immediate environment for opportunities.
Today, that narrative is changing.
At the heart of this transformation is the Gbemisola Olowolafe Memorial ICT Centre (GOMTECH ICT Centre) in Are-Ekiti, Ekiti State—a technology and learning hub established to bridge the digital divide and make quality technology education accessible to underserved communities.
The centre is supported by the Tunji Olowolafe Foundation and was created with a clear objective: to provide practical, relevant and globally oriented technology education without making geographical location a barrier to learning.
WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES, RIGHT IN ARE-EKITI
GOMTECH provides learners with access to a modern computer laboratory, high-speed Starlink internet connectivity, reliable 24/7 power infrastructure and professional learning facilities.
The centre currently operates with more than 40 workstations and offers an environment designed for hands-on digital learning.
For learners in a community where access to dependable electricity and internet connectivity can affect digital education, these facilities provide an important foundation for continuous learning.
The centre’s published programmes span foundational digital literacy to advanced technology and professional certifications.
FROM BASIC DIGITAL SKILLS TO ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
GOMTECH’s learning pathways cover areas including Artificial Intelligence and coding, data analytics, cybersecurity, graphic design, digital marketing, cloud computing, project management, UX design and IT support.
Learners can also pursue Google Career Certificates in areas such as IT Support, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing & E-commerce, UX Design and Project Management. Other programmes include blockchain, cloud computing and advanced AI-related training.
This breadth of programmes means that a learner does not necessarily have to leave Are-Ekiti to begin building skills relevant to today’s technology-driven economy.
LEARNING THAT TRANSLATES INTO OPPORTUNITY
The impact of the centre is increasingly reflected in the experiences of its beneficiaries.
According to the testimony highlighted by GOMTECH, courses that once seemed inaccessible to learners living in Are-Ekiti have become part of their regular learning experience.
Over the past year, hundreds of learners have reportedly passed through the centre’s programmes, with beneficiaries developing skills in areas such as coding and digital technology while pursuing recognised certifications.
GOMTECH’s own published impact figures currently report 500+ students trained and more than 20 course programmes, alongside its focus on globally recognised credentials.
The centre has also hosted practical technology initiatives. In October 2025, for instance, GOMTECH reported its inaugural EKSU Hackathon Workshop 1.0, which engaged 60 participants in developing real-world solutions using AI and simplified development methods.
MORE THAN AN ICT CENTRE
Beyond providing computers and internet access, GOMTECH describes itself as part of a broader effort to transform Are-Ekiti and surrounding communities into a hub of digital excellence.
Its target audience includes community members, students, working professionals, entrepreneurs, career changers and learners seeking to upgrade their existing skills.
The centre also provides foundational courses covering areas such as professional communication, networking, public speaking, productivity, online security, Google Workspace and introductory coding and artificial intelligence.
This approach places emphasis not only on technical knowledge but also on employability, communication and workplace readiness.
WHERE YOU ARE SHOULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT YOU LEARN
The story of GOMTECH reflects a broader reality in today’s economy: access to knowledge and digital skills increasingly determines access to opportunity.
A young person in Are-Ekiti should be able to learn artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, coding or digital marketing without assuming that such opportunities exist only in major cities.
That is the opportunity GOMTECH is seeking to make available.
Where you are should not determine what you learn.
For residents of Are-Ekiti and surrounding communities—and for others in Ekiti State seeking practical digital skills—GOMTECH ICT Centre provides a local gateway into a wider digital world.
Interested learners can visit the centre at Are-Ekiti, Ekiti State, or contact GOMTECH for information about available programmes and registration.
START YOUR DIGITAL JOURNEY
The message from GOMTECH is simple: don’t wait for opportunity to come to you when you can acquire the skills to create new opportunities for yourself.
Whether you are a student, entrepreneur, professional, career changer or simply interested in acquiring digital skills, the GOMTECH ICT Centre offers a platform to start or continue that journey.
GOMTECH ICT CENTRE
Gbemisola Olowolafe Memorial ICT Centre
Are-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
Website: www.gomlearning.tech
Email: info@gomlearning.tech
Phone: +234 803 487 3987
GOMTECH ICT CENTRE — Transforming Communities Through Digital Excellence.
