On the 25th of October, 2025, over 200 students from the University of Ilorin (Unilorin), LAUTECH, KWASU, and neighboring institutions gathered at the Ilorin Innovation Hub for the AI, Productivity & Technology Summit (APTS 2025) — an initiative of the Silicon Valley Girl Foundation (SVG), founded by Mayowa Ijisesan.
The summit, themed “AI, Productivity & The Future of Work in Africa,” created a space for young Africans to explore how Artificial Intelligence can become a tool for empowerment, innovation, and purposeful living.
The event featured thought-provoking sessions from leading voices shaping Africa’s innovation landscape, including Orakwe John, Dr. Yemisi Shittu, and Temi Kolawole.
Orakwe John, AI Programs Lead at Arcitura Education, opened the day with an engaging session on the future of AI and its creative applications across industries. He broke down how AI really works, demystifying it for students, and challenged attendees to see themselves as potential innovators, not just consumers of technology.
Dr. Yemisi Shittu, Group Executive Director at CapitalSage Holdings, brought a powerful human-centered perspective. She reminded attendees that while technology is important, people are even more important.
“Doing the thing isn’t doing the thing until you show the results,” she said, emphasizing the importance of combining technical expertise with emotional intelligence, communication, and accountability.
Temi Kolawole, Managing Director of Ilorin Innovation Hub, delivered a dynamic session on using AI as a personal and professional accelerator.
“AI should be your assistant, not your replacement,” he said, inspiring students to embrace AI as a tool for personal productivity and problem-solving.
Building the bridge between talent and opportunity
For Mayowa Ijisesan, the Founder of SVG Foundation and convener of APTS 2025, the summit represents more than a one-day event — it’s a growing movement.
“Living between two worlds changes the way you see both,” she said. “In America, I see the systems that make innovation thrive. In Africa, I see the raw talent and resilience that can move mountains — if given the right tools. The bridge between both isn’t charity. It’s collaboration.”
Through initiatives like APTS, the Silicon Valley Girl Foundation aims to empower young Africans with the skills, mentorship, and mindset needed to lead in an AI-driven world.
Beyond the tech jargon and keynote insights, the summit carried a strong undercurrent of hope — a reminder that Africa’s greatest advantage isn’t its population or natural resources, but its people.
Attendees described the atmosphere as both inspiring and awakening.
“AI won’t replace humans who use it meaningfully — it will replace those who choose not to,” shared one participant.
From powerful discussions to networking moments, the event reflected a simple truth — the future of AI in Africa isn’t something to wait for; it’s something to build.
The Silicon Valley Girl Foundation, founded by Mayowa Ijisesan, is a nonprofit organization equipping African students and professionals with tools, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world. Through initiatives like the AI, Productivity & Tech Summit (APTS), the foundation is building bridges between innovation, faith, and purpose — empowering a new generation to lead with both skill and vision.
