Chief Koppe Joseph Sylvanus, Founder of A+ Computer Training Technology, has challenged the Plateau State Government and other public institutions to deliberately invest in homegrown innovation and human capital development, following an international partnership to replicate his technology-driven talent development model in Rwanda.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with MTB after returning from the Lead Missions International All-Africa Leadership Summit Kigali 2026, Sylvanus said the partnership demonstrates that globally competitive innovations are emerging from Plateau State but often receive greater recognition outside Nigeria than at home.
“We are not relocating our operations. We are replicating our model. We are establishing A+ Computer Training Technology Institute Rwanda to continue what we have been building in Plateau State over the years,” he said.
The partnership will see the establishment of A+ Computer Training Technology Institute Rwanda, replicating the model the organisation has been implementing in Plateau State since 2019, focusing on digital skills, innovation, workforce development and technology-driven solutions for underserved communities.
According to him, A+ Computer Training Technology was founded to bridge Africa’s digital skills gap by equipping young people with practical technology skills, mentoring innovators and preparing graduates for the demands of today’s labour market.
He explained that while the organisation initially focused on ICT training, it evolved into a broader innovation ecosystem that supports mentorship, outsourcing opportunities, entrepreneurship and technology incubation.
“OUR MISSION HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO SOLVE SOCIAL PROBLEMS THROUGH TECHNOLOGY, GIVE OPPORTUNITIES TO UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES AND MAKE YOUNG PEOPLE GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE,” HE SAID.
African story told through innovation
The summit, themed “Leading in the Age of AI: The Future of Leadership, Governance, Entrepreneurship and Technology in Africa,” brought together delegates from all 54 African countries, including renowned Pan-African scholar Professor PLO Lumumba, Ray Popham, Mecktilder Mchomvu, and other continental leaders.
During his paper presentation, titled “The African Innovation Mindset — A Playbook for Turning Ideas into Impact (The African Story),” Sylvanus challenged prevailing narratives about Africa, arguing that the continent’s greatest resource is not its mineral wealth but the creativity and resilience of its young people.
He said many talented Africans remain undiscovered because they lack access to mentorship, exposure and platforms to showcase their innovations.
“THE AFRICAN STORY IS NOT ONLY ABOUT INSECURITY, POVERTY OR POOR LEADERSHIP. IT IS ALSO ABOUT MILLIONS OF TALENTED YOUNG PEOPLE WHOSE VOICES HAVE NEVER BEEN AMPLIFIED,” HE SAID.
Drawing from A+’s journey, he said innovation should be measured by its ability to solve human problems rather than by the sophistication of technology alone.
“PEOPLE DO NOT BUY IDEAS; THEY EMBRACE SOLUTIONS. EVERY MEANINGFUL INNOVATION SOLVES A HUMAN PROBLEM.”
He also showcased the organisation’s AI-powered multilingual learning platform, EduBot Naija – Voice of Learning, designed to enable learners study in indigenous Nigerian languages while promoting digital inclusion across underserved communities.
Partnership rooted in impact
Sylvanus attributed the Rwanda partnership to years of consistent community impact rather than a single presentation.
According to him, A+ has trained thousands of young Nigerians, mentored hundreds and continues to expand programmes that connect digital skills with employment opportunities through outsourcing and industry partnerships.
He said the organisation is also preparing to launch an A+ Workforce and Engagement Structured Outsourcing Centre aimed at connecting skilled artisans, technology professionals and creatives with employment opportunities while addressing trust gaps between service providers and clients.
Challenge to Plateau, Nigeria
While celebrating the international recognition, Sylvanus expressed concern that many innovators in Plateau State and across Nigeria struggle to receive institutional support despite creating solutions with global relevance.
He questioned why local innovators often gain recognition outside the country before attracting attention at home.
“There are many people doing remarkable work in Plateau State. They simply have not been given the opportunity or platform for their stories to be heard,” he said.
He urged government at all levels to deliberately invest in human capital development, innovation ecosystems and digital skills instead of focusing solely on physical infrastructure.
According to him, governments should engage experienced professionals from the private sector as advisers, support innovation hubs, strengthen mentorship programmes and expose public officials to global best practices in technology and governance.
He argued that workforce development remains the most sustainable strategy for tackling unemployment, insecurity and economic stagnation.
“THE GREATEST RESOURCE AFRICA HAS IS NOT OIL, MINERALS OR LAND. IT IS THE CREATIVITY OF ITS YOUTH AND THE COURAGE OF ITS INNOVATORS,” HE SAID.
Push for NITDA North Central office
Sylvanus also revealed that discussions are ongoing regarding the establishment of a National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) North Central Zonal Office in Plateau State.
He disclosed that officials associated with the agency had encouraged him to help facilitate engagement with the Plateau State Government after earlier efforts stalled.
According to him, hosting the zonal office would create employment opportunities, attract federal ICT interventions, strengthen innovation ecosystems and position Plateau as a regional technology hub.
He appealed to the state government to take advantage of the opportunity by providing the institutional support required for the project.
Looking ahead
Beyond Rwanda, Sylvanus said his vision is to expand technology-driven workforce development across Africa while ensuring young people from underserved communities have access to digital skills, mentorship and global opportunities.
He maintained that Africa’s future competitiveness would depend less on natural resources and more on its ability to nurture innovators capable of transforming ideas into practical solutions.
“THE NEXT GREAT AFRICAN STORY WILL BE WRITTEN BY YOUNG AFRICANS WHO CHOOSE TO TURN IDEAS INTO IMPACT,” HE SAID.