With the booming growth in Nigeria’s architectural, engineering, and construction industries, the demand for skilled labor in practical fields such as furniture manufacturing, interior design, and technical trades has become increasingly apparent. Handistery, an innovative vocational academy, is addressing this pressing need through industry-specific, hybrid training programs designed to equip aspiring artisans, technicians, and trade professionals with essential, hands-on skills. Co-founded by Gboyega Hassan and Ogenna Onuoha, Handistery has recently launched a new state-of-the-art training facility in Lagos, marking a pivotal step toward closing Nigeria’s skilled labor gap.

The inspiration for Handistery took root in December 2021, when co-founder Gboyega Hassan, then Head of Operations at a top furniture and lifestyle brand, encountered a significant shortage of trained professionals in fields like upholstery, cabinetry, and interior decoration. This unmet demand sparked Gboyega’s vision to establish a vocational academy that would address the skills deficit while encouraging young Nigerians to pursue careers in high-demand trades.

In April 2022, Gboyega formalized this vision with the incorporation of Handistery, followed by the academy’s inaugural upholstery class in June. Responding to a growing demand for accessible training, Handistery expanded to a hybrid model in August 2022 by launching online courses, allowing aspiring artisans nationwide to participate. This commitment to accessible, flexible trade education underscores Handistery’s core mission of making high-quality training available to all.

Handistery’s expansion was significantly bolstered by a seed capital grant from the Tony Elumelu Foundation in December 2022. This funding enabled the academy to scale operations, enhance course offerings, and invest in vital resources that support their mission. By February 2023, Handistery was fully operational, and it has since trained over a thousand individuals, equipping them with practical trade skills tailored to Nigeria’s evolving job market.

The recent launch of Handistery’s new training facility in Lagos is a significant milestone in the academy’s journey. Situated in the heart of Lagos, the facility combines physical workshop spaces with digital learning tools to support both in-person and online students. The facility aims to cultivate a collaborative environment where students, instructors, and industry experts can engage, share knowledge, and build a strong community around skill-based learning.

Co-founder Ogenna Onuoha, an experienced architect and digital creator, leads the academy’s creative direction. Her expertise in design and technology has shaped Handistery’s curriculum, which now includes specialized courses in smart home automation, 3D visualization, and the business of furniture making. Ogenna is committed to creating an immersive, engaging experience for students and integrating cutting-edge technology into the academy’s offerings.

Handistery’s curriculum covers a broad range of trades, from upholstery and cabinetry to project management and business skills tailored for trade professionals. With industry partnerships, educational institutions, and NGOs, the academy provides learners with access to internships, apprenticeships, and job placements, ensuring that students gain practical experience that can be immediately applied in real-world settings.

Beyond skills training, Handistery is empowering young Nigerians to pursue careers in high-demand fields, addressing unemployment and promoting economic growth. The academy aims to empower one million Africans by 2030 through practical, skill-based education—a mission bolstered by its expanding curriculum and strong network of partners and stakeholders. The launch of the Lagos facility represents a significant chapter in this journey, enhancing Handistery’s capacity to deliver comprehensive, hybrid learning experiences.

As Handistery continues to expand, its leadership team remains committed to shaping Nigeria’s workforce development landscape. With growing recognition of the opportunities in trade professions, the academy aspires to inspire a new generation of skilled professionals dedicated to building rewarding careers through practical, skill-based education.