How early tech exposure could power Nigeria’s next generation of innovators

By Juliet Umeh

Not less than 40 young Nigerians have been trained in programming, artificial intelligence, and data skills in Lagos by a not-for-profit training institute, Yomi Denzel Foundation.

The 40 youths are expected to be integrated into Nigeria’s growing pool of technology innovators.

They were trained in programming, artificial intelligence (AI), and data skills, with 25 outstanding students awarded brand-new HP laptop computers at the foundation’s 4th graduation ceremony themed: “Empowering Nigeria’s Tech Future, One Young Mind at a Time.”

The foundation’s initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s push to strengthen the digital economy through the 3 Million Technical Talent Programme, 3MTT, aimed at equipping Nigerians with globally competitive digital skills.

Founder and Vision Leader, Yomi Denzel Olaniyi, said the foundation is designed as a launchpad for young people to transform their lives through technology.

He said: “Today, I see more motivation. I also see results from different testimonials of students who were here a few years ago and have completely changed their lives. They have secured internships, jobs, and even started their own projects.”

He stressed that the programme is only the beginning of greater opportunities for beneficiaries.

“This foundation is not meant to be the end. The certification is not the end; it is the start. This is like a stepping stone to where you want to go in the future,” he added.

Olaniyi explained that the vision of the foundation was inspired by his father’s struggle to access education, noting that a single act of support can change a life trajectory.

“That’s why we are doing this. We believe you can build a better future for yourself, your family, and generations to come,” he said.

He, however, highlighted the importance of personal responsibility, telling the graduates: “The only person who can make you succeed in life is not me; it is you. You are responsible for your success.”

The vision has manifested in the journey of one of the foundation’s alumni, Oladipo Samuel, who has become one of Nigeria’s emerging software engineers.

A few years ago, he was among fresh graduates of the Yomi Denzel Foundation, receiving laptops and certificates. Prior to that time, he had never written a line of code.

Today, he has won 11 hackathons, worked with global teams, and is building an artificial intelligence startup with over 2,200 users.

Samuel recalled: “I didn’t know anything about programming at the beginning. I was just reading and solving mathematics. After joining the programme, I learned Python, machine learning, and more.

“The structure and discipline helped me a lot. In 2023, I secured an internship at Microsoft. By 2024, I was working as a software engineer at Guaranty Trust Bank, building real-world experience while continuing to sharpen my skills,” he said.

Coordinator of the foundation, Mrs. Temitoupe Oluwatukesi, said the initiative was born out of a vision to raise financially independent youths through technology.

She said: “That experience inspired a lifelong vision to raise an army of financially independent young people who will build a strong foundation for an economically empowered Nigeria through technological skill development.”

Also, the founder’s father, Prof. Olaniyi Adagunodo, said that the foundation embodies compassion and life-changing interventions, stressing that its impact extends beyond education to real human support during difficult times.

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