In January 2019, Lollygig embarked on a collaborative project with the NextFab Foundation, the World Bank, CBC Gedu Technologies Limited, and Odyssea in Nigeria. The project aimed to explore innovative solutions to provide new opportunities for the country's youth, particularly those pursuing technical education. To achieve this, a design research team comprising members from the Lollygig and Greece worked with local stakeholders. Our primary objective was to identify the most suitable location for a state-of-the-art FabLab facility in Anambra State.
The project involved extensive research and interviews with key stakeholders, a thorough evaluation of six potential sites for the FabLab, and ultimately the selection of the Community Education Resource Center (CERC) as the prime location. Once the CERC was chosen, the focus shifted to designing FabLab Anambra — a versatile facility encompassing ideation spaces, a digital lab, and various workshop areas.
The team meticulously detailed specifications, from equipment lists to infrastructure requirements, and designed the pilot facility for easy expansion. The project showcased the potential to enhance technical education for youth and sparked the possibility of replicating such facilities throughout Nigeria after the successful completion of the pilot. This collaborative effort underlines the capacity for innovation and partnership to open doors for Nigeria's young minds, promote creativity, and advance technical education in the country.
