St Aloysius University/3D Modelling Session for Nigerian Community

Cross-Continental Collaboration in 3D Education: A Successful Outreach by St Aloysius University and Offa Youth Impact Initiative

Introduction

On 20th September 2025, an important cross-continental collaboration was conducted between St. Aloysius University, Mangalore (India) and the Offa Youth Impact Initiative, Nigeria. This collaboration demonstrated the power of digital technology in empowering youth through education, with a specific focus on 3D modelling as a critical skill for the future.

The initiative was made possible through the involvement of Prof. Santhosh Notagar who serves as the South Asian Ambassador for the Wikipedia Asian Month under the Wikipedia & Education User Group. Prof. Notagar was contacted by Salako Lukman Olamilekan (Wikipedia username: Royalesignature), an educator and community leader from Nigeria, after he reviewed Prof. Notagar’s professional profile on Meta.

The idea of introducing 3D modelling skills to the youth of the Offa community was proposed, and St. Aloysius University provided enthusiastic support for this international outreach. This report outlines the details of the session, its impact, and future opportunities for collaboration.

Session Overview:

The session, conducted online via Google Meet, was designed to introduce the basics of 3D modelling to young learners in Nigeria, many of whom were encountering the subject for the first time. The session aimed to provide hands-on learning and inspire curiosity in the field of digital design.

Session Agenda:

Introduction to 3D Modelling

Prof. Notagar began with an introductory presentation, covering the fundamentals of 3D modelling and its importance in various industries, including animation, gaming, architecture, and industrial design. The presentation was designed to provide context for the relevance of 3D modelling in today's digital economy.

Live Hands-On Training

Participants were introduced to Autodesk 3ds Max, a leading professional-grade 3D modelling software. Prof. Notagar walked the participants through the software interface, its basic tools, and key techniques for creating simple 3D models. This hands-on segment allowed participants to follow along and experiment with the tools in real-time.

Interactive Q&A Session

After the practical demonstration, participants were encouraged to ask questions and clarify any doubts. The interaction was dynamic, with participants expressing curiosity about the technical aspects of the software and the potential applications of 3D modelling in their own communities.

Impact and Feedback:

The enthusiasm and engagement of the participants from the Offa Youth Impact Initiative were truly inspiring. Despite the session being conducted virtually, the Nigerian youth showed remarkable interest in learning and engaging with the new content.

Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many of them were being introduced to 3D design for the first time and expressed a strong desire to continue learning in this area. There were suggestions to organize future online sessions, and some participants even requested more advanced tutorials to deepen their knowledge.

This event highlighted the potential of online education to bridge geographical gaps and foster skill development, regardless of physical location. The cross-continental collaboration not only introduced new technical skills to the participants but also created a sense of global community and shared learning.

Acknowledgements:

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the following individuals and organizations who made this initiative possible:

Mr. Salako Lukman Olamilekan (Royalesignature) for his vision and leadership in the Offa Youth Impact Initiative, and for facilitating this collaboration.

The Wikipedia & Education User Group for enabling connections between educators and learners across continents.

St. Aloysius University for its unwavering support in championing global outreach initiatives and fostering an inclusive and transformative educational environment.

Looking Forward:

This collaboration is just the beginning of what we hope will be an ongoing series of training, mentorship, and academic partnerships. The positive impact of this session encourages us to continue reaching out to communities across the globe, especially in regions where access to quality digital education may be limited.

St. Aloysius University remains committed to fostering international partnerships that promote global learning, skill development, and mutual growth. We look forward to building on this momentum through future initiatives, including more online training sessions, workshops, and collaborative projects with educational organizations worldwide.

Conclusion:

This successful outreach is a testament to the power of digital education and international cooperation. By leveraging modern technology and collaborating across borders, we are able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of learners and equip them with the skills needed for a digitally driven world. We believe that education should transcend geographical and cultural barriers, and through initiatives like this, we can continue to empower communities around the world.