About Us
OUR STORY
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, the Institute of Industrial Development (IID) is a forward-thinking non-profit organization committed to empowering Africa’s youth through STEM education and practical industry exposure. Our journey began as Youth Effectiveness Solutions and Skills Acquisition Centre (YESASAC), later evolved into ETAPA Synergy, and ultimately became IID. This name reflects our bold vision to become a fully accredited monotechnic by 2030.
Recently certified by the Central Board of Education, Canada (CBEC), IID continues to advance its commitment to delivering globally aligned and industry-relevant education. Our purpose is to transform Africa for global relevance by equipping young people with hands-on STEM training, structured mentorship, leadership development, and real-world industrial exposure.
Since inception, we have impacted over 2,000 children and youths across underserved communities, nurturing creativity, strengthening technical competence, and cultivating innovative thinking. Guided by our core values of Accountability, Leadership, Innovation, Commitment, and Excellence (ALICE), IID is not just running programs; we are building a generation of competent innovators and transformational leaders positioned to drive Africa’s sustainable development and industrial advancement.
This is INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT (IID)
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Across Africa, many young people have ideas but lack access to the skills and exposure to bring them to life.
“Africa is home to over 400 million young people, the largest youth population in the world.Yet, over 60% of them are unemployed or underemployed.”
_African Development Bank (AfDB)
Millions of graduates leave school every year without the practical skills or industrial exposure required for today’s workforce.
Education is theoretical, but industries require practical skills, which leaves a lot of young people out there unemployed.
Across the continent, education systems remain largely theoretical, with less than 25% of secondary and tertiary students gaining access to practical STEM or technical training.
Meanwhile, industries face a massive shortage of skilled workers, especially in manufacturing, energy, and technology sectors. This mismatch has created a critical skills gap, slowing industrial growth and innovation. Africa loses billions annually by importing technical expertise that could be developed locally.
_UNESCO
We are building the next generation of African innovators by bridging education and industry to drive the much-needed transformation through STEM and Innovation.
The Institute of Industrial Development is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming Africa through the empowerment of young people by equipping them with the skills, mindset, and industrial exposure to become innovators and leaders.
SOLUTION STATEMENT
STEM EDUCATION: We provide young people with accessible, practical STEM education that is beyond theory, helping them understand science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through innovation-driven learning. Our programs focus on creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking, preparing them for real-world industrial challenges.
TRAINING: Through structured technical and vocational training, we equip participants with the skills and certifications required by modern industries. From mechanical fabrication to electrical systems and automation, our learners gain practical experience that makes them job-ready and industry-relevant.
MENTORSHIP: We connect youths with experienced professionals, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs who guide them in turning their skills into purpose. Our mentorship programs nurture innovation, discipline, and leadership, helping participants design solutions that address local and global needs.
INDUSTRIAL EXPOSURE: Through partnerships with industries and organizations, we offer participants real workplace exposure; internships, industrial visits, and project collaborations, ensuring they understand production environments, workflows, and business dynamics firsthand.
Mission
Through STEM Education, training, mentorship and industrial exposure, we prepare youths to become innovators and leaders.
Vision
To Empower Youths Through STEM education to become competent innovators driving Africa's Transformation.
Our Purpose
Africa's Transformation for global relevance.
We will;
Be the Innovator
Develop and prove evidence based replicable breakthrough solutions for problems leading to lack of innovation among African youths by facilitating their critical thinking
Be the Voice
Advocate and campaign for better policies and practice that support productive activities, decent job creation, innovation and promotion of STEM education activities.
Build Partnerships
Collaborate with stakeholders in various sectors and civil society organization, communities, educational institutions, governments and the private sector to share knowledge, influence others and b...
Achieve Results at Scale
Support effective implementation of best practices programmes and policies in STEM to promote sustainable economic growth and decent work for all, and minimizing poverty at all cost.
