How young Nigerian tech titans drive innovation, change in digital era

In recent years, Nigeria has become a burgeoning hub for technology and innovation, especially among its youths. As the global tech landscape evolves, a new generation of young innovators keeps emerging, driving significant changes and setting new benchmarks with groundbreaking works.

The fascination with technology today stems from its profound impact on virtually every aspect of modern life. Technology drives innovation, shapes the future, and offers solutions to complex problems, making it a focal point of interest for all age groups.

For children and teenagers, the allure of technology is particularly compelling because it opens up a world of creativity and exploration. From coding and robotics to virtual reality and artificial intelligence, tech offers tools that transform imagination into reality.

The integration of technology into daily life—from smartphones and social media to educational apps—has further fueled this interest.

Technology empowers young minds to build, create, and solve problems in ways previously unimaginable. It also promises lucrative career opportunities, making it an attractive field for prospects.

In a rapidly evolving job market, tech skills are increasingly seen as essential.

Furthermore, the digital age emphasises collaboration and connectivity, allowing children to interact with peers worldwide and access a wealth of information at their fingertips.

This global reach and potential for innovation captivate young learners, making technology an exciting and integral part of their educational journey and personal growth.

One such youth is Joshua Agboola, popularly called ‘The Coding Genius’ or ‘The Tech Innovator’.

He captured the tech world’s attention from Lagos with his remarkable achievements in coding and software development.

From a young age, Agboola displayed an extraordinary aptitude for technology. His journey began when he participated in various coding workshops and hackathons, where he honed his skills and developed a keen interest in solving real-world problems through technology.

Agboola’s most notable project is his app, EduMaster, designed to enhance educational outcomes for students in Nigeria.

EduMaster provides interactive learning tools, quizzes, and personalised study plans tailored to the Nigerian curriculum.

The app has garnered attention for its potential to improve access to quality education in underserved areas.

Agboola’s work has not gone unnoticed. He was recently featured in TechCrunch and Forbes Africa for his innovative approach and the impact of EduMaster on the educational sector.

His achievements reflect the growing trend of young Nigerians making significant strides in tech, and he is set to play a crucial role in the future of technology in Africa.

Another tech guru is Kachi Nnaji, nicknamed a trailblazer in tech solutions.

At 19, Nnaji, the tech enthusiast from Enugu, is building his way to becoming a household name.

His technology journey began with a passion for robotics and artificial intelligence.

At 16, he developed a prototype for an AI-driven customer service chatbot that helps small businesses manage customer inquiries more efficiently.

Nnaji’s chatbot, named SmartBot, has been adopted by several local businesses, providing them with a cost-effective solution to enhance customer service.

SmartBot uses natural language processing to understand and respond to customer queries, significantly improving user experience and operational efficiency for its users.

Another young tech innovator is Ayomide Olayiwola from Ibadan in Oyo State.

He focuses on using technology to address social issues, particularly in the areas of health and environmental sustainability.

One of his notable projects is EcoTrack, an app designed to help individuals and communities monitor and reduce their carbon footprint.

EcoTrack provides users with real-time data on their environmental impact, offers tips for reducing waste, and encourages sustainable practices through gamification.

The app has been praised for its user-friendly design and its potential to foster greater environmental awareness.

Olayiwola’s work has been recognised by several environmental and tech organisations, including the Green Technology Alliance.

His dedication to leveraging technology for social good highlights the growing trend of young Nigerians using their skills to make a positive impact on their communities.

Although not in her teens anymore, Temidayo Oladipo, started her career in tech as a teenager.

She developed a platform called TechBridge, which aims to provide tech education and resources to underserved youth in Nigeria.

TechBridge offers free coding classes, mentorship programmes, and access to tech resources for young people in rural and marginalised areas.

The platform has received widespread commendation for its commitment to democratising access to technology and empowering the next generation of tech leaders.

In Kaduna, Fatima Ibrahim keeps empowering the girl child through tech.

As a tech advocate focused on empowering young girls through technology, she founded GirlsTech, an initiative aimed at encouraging girls to pursue careers in STEM fields.

GirlsTech also offers coding workshops, mentorship programmes, and scholarships to girls interested in technology.

The initiative has received widespread support from various organisations, including UN Women Nigeria and Google for Education.

Ibrahim’s efforts to promote gender equality in tech and inspire young girls to pursue STEM careers highlight the growing movement to create more inclusive tech communities.

While these young innovators are making impressive strides, they face several challenges, including limited access to resources, mentorship, and funding.

However, the growing support from local and international organisations is helping to address these barriers and provide young tech talent with the tools they need to succeed.

The Nigerian tech ecosystem is increasingly recognising the value of nurturing young talent and providing them with opportunities to develop their skills.

Initiatives such as coding boot camps, tech incubators, and youth-focused tech programmes are playing a crucial role in supporting these emerging innovators.

A data analyst and Chief Executive Officer of DataMeDataYou, an innovative solution to the needs of local businesses, Tamunoibim Soberekan, said the rise of young tech prodigies like Agboola, Nnaji, Olayiwola, Oladipo, and Ibrahim demonstrates the immense potential of Nigeria’s next generation of tech leaders.

He said, “Their groundbreaking work in coding, software development, and social impact reflects a broader trend of youthful ingenuity driving technological advancement in Africa. As these young innovators continue to push boundaries and set new benchmarks, their contributions are shaping the future of technology and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. With continued support and recognition, Nigeria’s tech landscape will undoubtedly continue to thrive, driven by the passion and creativity of its young talent.”

He encouraged parents to look out for tech skills in their children and urged them to pursue one or more tech careers, as, according to him, tech is the future.

Why Tech?

As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented rate, parents are increasingly faced with the opportunity to support their children’s budding interests in tech.

Recognising and nurturing an interest in technology is crucial, as it can open doors to numerous career and educational opportunities.

The approach parents take can significantly influence their children’s ability to thrive in a knowledge-driven world.

Another tech expert, who works with a software development company in the United Kingdom, Temidayo Afolabi, said in today’s context, where the pace of technological innovation shapes much of our daily lives, the benefits of fostering a tech interest are profound.

“Unlike the 18th and 19th centuries, where technological advancements were slower and primarily focused on industrial and mechanical progress, the 21st century offers a digitally interconnected world. The advent of the internet, and social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok, as well as various digital tools has transformed how information is accessed, shared, and applied. This digital shift presents a wealth of opportunities for those adept at technology, far beyond the mechanistic or industrial skills of previous centuries.”

He added that, when parents first realise their children’s interest in technology, it is essential to encourage this curiosity with actionable support.

According to TechCrunch, one of the initial steps is to provide access to technology in a structured way.

This doesn’t mean simply buying the latest gadgets but involves creating an environment where tech exploration is safe and constructive.

For younger children, this might mean introducing them to educational apps or age-appropriate programming tools like Scratch, which can help them understand basic coding principles.

Afolabi added, “As children grow older, parents should consider enrolling them in coding boot camps or technology-focused extracurricular activities.”

The Wall Street Journal notes that such programmes can offer hands-on experience and practical skills that are highly valued in the job market.

These programmes often provide exposure to real-world applications of technology, from software development to robotics, and can ignite a passion that might lead to a future career.

Additionally, parents can encourage their children to engage with tech communities, online forums and platforms like GitHub or Stack Overflow, which are not just for professional developers as they can also serve as valuable resources for learners of all levels.

Engaging with these communities allows children to seek help, collaborate on projects, and stay updated on industry trends.

According to Wired, a well-known technology-related platform that covers a wide range of topics, participation in these communities can foster problem-solving skills and provide networking opportunities that are beneficial for career development.

In Nigeria, the growing tech industry has led to the emergence of several academies that offer programmes tailored to children’s interests in technology.

These academies provide invaluable opportunities for young learners to acquire essential tech skills and gain exposure to various fields within the industry.

One notable tech academy is Decagon, which provides comprehensive training programmes in software engineering and data science.

While it primarily targets older students and young professionals, Decagon also offers tailored programmes and workshops for younger learners, particularly through partnerships with schools and community organisations.

Parents interested in enrolling their children can start by visiting Decagon’s website to explore their educational offerings, sign up for introductory workshops, or contact their support team for more information on programmes specifically designed for younger audiences.

Meanwhile, the African Leadership Academy, on its own, offers a range of tech-focused programmes, including coding and robotics workshops.

This academy emphasises leadership and entrepreneurship alongside technical skills.

Parents should check the academy’s website for the schedule of upcoming workshops or summer camps and register their children for the sessions that best match their age and skill level.

Andela is another significant player in the tech education space.

It is known for its rigorous training in software development, Andela has recently expanded its educational outreach to include programmes for younger students.

Parents can visit Andela’s website or contact their local offices to inquire about junior developer programmes or coding clubs for children.

Similarly, Kodeck focuses on providing coding education to kids and teenagers across Nigeria.

This academy offers courses in various programming languages and coding skills through both in-person classes and online platforms.

To enrol their children, parents can browse Kodeck’s website, review course offerings, and sign up for the relevant classes.

Kodeck also organises boot camps and coding competitions, which can further enrich the learning experience.

The Kids Code Club is a dedicated initiative offering coding classes and workshops specifically designed for children.

It uses a hands-on approach to teach coding fundamentals in a fun and engaging manner.

Parents can also visit the Kids Code Club’s website or social media pages to find out about upcoming classes and registration details.

Enrolling a child in one of these tech academies involves a few practical steps.

A tech educator, Omowunmi Otaigbe, however, advised parents to prioritise balancing screen time with other activities.

“While technology is an integral part of modern education and career development, a well-rounded life includes physical activity, social interaction, and creative pursuits. This balanced approach ensures that children develop not only technical skills but also critical thinking, creativity, and interpersonal skills, which are essential in today’s interconnected world,” she said.

She also said another crucial aspect is helping children develop a growth mindset.