Through its Incubation Studio, Ibadan Digital Academy (IDA) has transformed academic research into the AJOTI fintech platform. The platform supports community-based savings and Rotating Savings and Credit Associations (ROSCAs). This achievement highlights the role of technology and venture incubation in turning innovative ideas into practical digital solutions.
IBADAN, NIGERIA – Ibadan Digital Academy has reached another milestone in its innovation and venture incubation journey. The Academy has successfully developed and launched AJOTI, a digital financial technology platform designed to support traditional community savings systems.
AJOTI began as an academic research concept. Today, it has evolved into a live digital platform. User onboarding is already underway, and financial transactions have commenced.
This progress demonstrates IDA’s ability to connect academic research with practical software development. It also highlights the importance of structured incubation in bringing innovative solutions to market.
From Academic Research to Digital Innovation
The AJOTI journey began in November 2025. At the time, Ibadan Digital Academy identified research conducted by Dr. Osho Ademola Joel on the digitisation of Rotating Savings and Credit Associations.
The research came to IDA’s attention through a publication in the Tribune Newspaper.
Recognising its potential, the Academy explored how the findings could support financial inclusion and digital innovation. Consequently, IDA contacted Dr. Osho on 18 December 2025 to discuss developing a practical digital solution.
Dr. Osho responded positively to the engagement. He subsequently introduced members of his academic supervisory team into the discussions.
These early conversations created the foundation for a broader collaboration.
What began as an exploratory engagement soon developed into a venture incubation and product development initiative. Through its Incubation Studio, IDA took responsibility for transforming the research concept into a functional digital platform.
IDA’s Role in Developing the AJOTI Fintech Platform
Ibadan Digital Academy played a central role in bringing AJOTI from research to reality.
Through its Incubation Studio, the Academy provided the technical and institutional framework needed to develop the AJOTI fintech platform.
The development process connected academic research with practical software engineering and product implementation. As a result, an innovative research concept evolved into a working digital financial solution.
This achievement reflects an important aspect of IDA’s approach to innovation.
The Academy is expanding beyond conventional digital skills training. It is also creating opportunities for technology development, entrepreneurship and venture incubation.
By supporting projects such as AJOTI, IDA demonstrates how digital expertise can address real-world challenges. Furthermore, the initiative highlights the value of connecting researchers with institutions capable of developing and deploying technology solutions.
Addressing the Challenges of Community-Based Savings
Community-based savings systems remain important across Nigeria and many other African countries.
Traditional arrangements such as Ajo, Esusu and Rotating Savings and Credit Associations (ROSCAs) allow individuals to contribute money collectively. These systems have supported financial participation within communities for generations.
However, managing such arrangements can present several challenges.
For example, organisers may struggle with tracking contributions, maintaining accurate records and ensuring transparency. Accountability and accessibility can also become concerns as savings groups grow.
The AJOTI fintech platform seeks to address these challenges through digital technology.
It aims to improve how community savings groups organise contributions, manage records and coordinate their activities.
By moving traditional savings practices into a digital environment, AJOTI seeks to strengthen transparency and simplify administration.
The platform also aims to make community-based savings systems more accessible and easier to manage.
Importantly, AJOTI has progressed beyond the research and development stages. The platform is now live, with user onboarding underway and financial transactions commencing.
This represents a significant step towards applying digital innovation to established community financial practices.
AJOTI Fintech Platform: From Incubation to Market Deployment
The successful development and launch of AJOTI marks an important stage in the project’s journey.
It demonstrates how academic research can become a practical technology product when supported by technical expertise and structured venture incubation.
For Ibadan Digital Academy, the experience reinforces the value of its Incubation Studio.
The Studio provides an environment where promising ideas can receive support for product development and implementation. It also helps early-stage ventures progress towards market readiness.
AJOTI provides a practical example of this approach.
The project began with research into traditional savings systems. It then progressed through collaboration, technical development and venture incubation.
Today, the result is a live digital platform designed to support community-based financial activities.
The experience also highlights the importance of collaboration between researchers and technology institutions. Such partnerships can help innovative ideas move beyond academic discussions and become deployable products.
Strengthening IDA’s Innovation and Venture Incubation Ecosystem
The AJOTI project supports Ibadan Digital Academy’s broader vision of becoming an institution for applied digital innovation and venture development.
Since its establishment, the Academy has focused on equipping individuals with practical digital skills.
However, its work increasingly extends beyond training.
Through product development, business advisory services and venture incubation, IDA seeks to create opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Its approach connects digital talent, academic research and innovative ideas with practical technology solutions.
The development of the AJOTI fintech platform demonstrates this vision in action.
Furthermore, the project highlights how structured incubation can support the growth of technology-enabled ventures.
As IDA continues to strengthen its Incubation Studio, it aims to support more innovative projects and deepen institutional partnerships.
The Academy also seeks to contribute to Nigeria’s growing digital innovation ecosystem by encouraging practical technology development and entrepreneurship.
Ultimately, AJOTI demonstrates what becomes possible when academic research meets applied technology and structured venture incubation.
An idea that began in an academic environment has become a live digital solution with practical applications for community-based savings.
About Ibadan Digital Academy
Ibadan Digital Academy (IDA) is an applied digital skills learning centre established in 2018. The Academy is based in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
IDA equips young people, professionals and entrepreneurs with industry-relevant digital skills. Its training approach emphasises practical learning, hands-on projects and mentorship.
Beyond digital skills training, the Academy supports technology innovation and entrepreneurship through product development, business support and its Incubation Studio.
Through these initiatives, IDA helps connect digital talent and innovative ideas with practical solutions.
Website: https://www.ibadandigitalacademy.com
Odeyale Henriette Iyabo
“This article brilliantly demystifies the National Skills Qualification (NSQ) and its pivotal role in enhancing employability in Nigeria. It’s inspiring to see how NSQ accommodates diverse learning paths, be it formal education, apprenticeships, or self-taught skills, making certification accessible to all. Kudos to Ibadan Digital Academy for championing such transformative initiatives that bridge the skills gap and empower individuals across various sectors. Truly, a commendable stride towards national development!”