In Nigeria, the technology and digital literacy landscape has been transformed by visionary leaders who see the potential for change and innovation. Among these leaders is Bosun Tijani, co-founder of Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), Nigeria’s first and largest innovation center. Bosun’s work in creating a hub for technology and entrepreneurship has not only fostered digital literacy among Nigerian youth but also positioned Nigeria as a leading tech ecosystem in Africa. Through CcHub, Tijani has built a collaborative environment that encourages young innovators to develop solutions for local challenges, empowering them to contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.

Background and Founding of CcHub

Bosun Tijani, a Nigerian technology entrepreneur, founded Co-Creation Hub in 2010 in Lagos alongside Femi Longe. Their vision was to establish a platform where young Nigerians with technology-driven ideas could come together, collaborate, and turn their ideas into viable solutions. CcHub quickly became a groundbreaking space, providing access to funding, mentorship, and technology resources for startups. Located in Yaba, Lagos, CcHub sits at the heart of Nigeria’s technology and innovation ecosystem, sparking what is often called “Yabacon Valley.”

Key Functions and Programs

Since its inception, CcHub has served as a catalyst for innovation, supporting over 150 startups in fields such as education, healthcare, and social development. The hub provides an array of essential services, including:

• Startup Funding: CcHub offers grants and seed funding to early-stage startups, allowing them to develop and scale their ideas. The hub also connects startups with venture capital firms and investors.
• Mentorship and Training: Through workshops, bootcamps, and training programs, CcHub equips young Nigerians with the technical skills and business acumen necessary for successful entrepreneurship.
• Innovation Labs: The hub features specialized labs, including the Health Innovation Lab and the EdTech Lab, that focus on developing solutions to sector-specific challenges in Nigeria.
• Research and Policy Advocacy: CcHub conducts research on key issues in Nigeria’s tech landscape and advocates for policies that foster digital literacy, inclusion, and innovation.

Achievements and Awards

Under Bosun Tijani’s leadership, CcHub has received widespread recognition for its contributions to Nigeria’s tech industry. Some of its notable achievements and awards include:

• Supporting Startups: CcHub has supported notable Nigerian startups such as BudgIT, LifeBank, and WeCyclers, all of which have gone on to achieve national and international recognition for their innovative work.
• Expanding Across Africa: In 2019, CcHub acquired Kenya’s iHub, making it one of Africa’s largest innovation networks and expanding its influence across the continent.
• Award Recognition: CcHub was awarded the UN SDG Action Award for its efforts in using technology to achieve sustainable development goals in Nigeria.
• Global Partnerships: CcHub has partnered with major global organizations, including Google and Facebook, to deliver programs that support digital literacy and entrepreneurship across Africa.

Impact on Nigeria’s Tech Landscape

CcHub’s impact on Nigeria’s tech landscape has been transformative. The hub has contributed to building a vibrant tech ecosystem, inspiring countless young Nigerians to pursue careers in technology and entrepreneurship. By providing resources, funding, and mentorship, CcHub has helped bridge the digital skills gap in Nigeria, empowering young people to drive innovation and economic growth.

Moreover, Tijani’s work has positioned Nigeria as a leading tech hub in Africa, attracting international investors and creating opportunities for Nigerian startups to access global markets. Through CcHub, Tijani has not only fostered digital literacy but also empowered a new generation of Nigerians to use technology to solve pressing local problems.

A Vision for the Future

Bosun Tijani envisions a future where technology continues to drive social and economic progress across Nigeria and Africa. As CcHub expands, he remains committed to empowering young Nigerians, advocating for digital inclusion, and building a more resilient tech ecosystem. Tijani’s dedication to technology and innovation serves as a powerful example of how local solutions can lead to global impact, making him a true pioneer in Nigeria’s digital literacy movement.

Conclusion

Bosun Tijani’s journey with CcHub highlights the importance of digital literacy, collaboration, and innovation in addressing Nigeria’s unique challenges. Through his work, Tijani has empowered countless Nigerians, demonstrating that technology can be a force for positive change. His story serves as an inspiration for the next generation of Nigerian tech entrepreneurs, showing that with vision, resilience, and support, local innovators can drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.

The post Championing Digital Literacy: The Impact of Bosun Tijani’s CcHub first appeared on GOOD NEWS NIGERIA.

The post Championing Digital Literacy: The Impact of Bosun Tijani’s CcHub appeared first on GOOD NEWS NIGERIA.

In today’s digital age, technology skills are essential for economic growth and innovation, yet Nigeria faces a significant gap in digital skills across its workforce. Addressing this gap requires visionary leaders committed to equipping young Nigerians with essential tech skills. One such leader is Iyinoluwa Samuel, founder of the technology bootcamp Future Ready, which trains youth in coding, software development, and data science. Through this bootcamp, Iyinoluwa has empowered countless young Nigerians, preparing them for high-demand careers in technology and positioning Nigeria as a growing tech hub on the global stage.

Background and Vision

Iyinoluwa Samuel, a tech entrepreneur with a background in computer science, recognized early on the transformative potential of technology to drive economic change in Nigeria. Having worked with both local and international tech companies, he became acutely aware of the skills gap within Nigeria’s workforce. His vision for Future Ready is to make high-quality tech training accessible to Nigerians from all backgrounds, enabling youth to seize new career opportunities and contribute to Nigeria’s digital economy.

Key Programs at Future Ready

Future Ready offers a comprehensive curriculum, with a focus on practical skills that prepare students for real-world applications. Key programs include:

• Coding and Programming Courses: Future Ready provides in-depth training in programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS, equipping students with the foundation they need to pursue careers in software development.
• Data Science and Analytics: The bootcamp offers specialized courses in data science, teaching students how to analyze and interpret data, an essential skill in today’s data-driven economy.
• Entrepreneurship and Tech Startups: Beyond technical skills, Future Ready offers workshops on entrepreneurship, encouraging students to explore their own tech startups and innovations.

Achievements and Recognition

Since its inception, Future Ready has gained widespread recognition for its impact on tech education and workforce development in Nigeria. Notable achievements include:

• Tech Education Award: Future Ready received the National Tech Education Award for its commitment to skill development and its positive impact on Nigeria’s tech workforce.
• Over 5,000 Graduates: The bootcamp has trained over 5,000 students, with many graduates securing high-paying jobs in tech and starting their own successful businesses.
• Partnerships with Global Tech Firms: Collaborations with companies like Google and Microsoft have enabled Future Ready to offer industry-relevant training, internships, and job placements for graduates.

Challenges and Perseverance

Running a tech bootcamp in Nigeria poses challenges, including limited funding, infrastructure issues, and occasional public misconceptions about tech careers. However, Iyinoluwa’s dedication to his mission has driven him to persevere, securing grants, building partnerships, and promoting Future Ready’s vision across Nigeria. His resilience and determination have helped the bootcamp grow, expanding its reach and impact on Nigerian youth.

Impact on Nigerian Youth and the Tech Ecosystem

Future Ready has had a transformative impact on Nigerian youth, equipping them with skills that open doors to careers in the high-demand tech industry. By providing coding, data science, and entrepreneurship training, Future Ready has not only increased employability but also empowered youth to create their own job opportunities, contributing to Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. The program has helped bridge the digital divide, encouraging more young Nigerians to engage in the digital economy and positioning Nigeria as a tech talent hub in Africa.

A Vision for the Future

Iyinoluwa Samuel envisions a Nigeria where all youth have access to digital skills training, enabling them to thrive in the modern economy. He plans to expand Future Ready to reach more regions across Nigeria, particularly underserved areas, and introduce new courses in emerging tech fields such as AI and blockchain. His goal is to make Nigeria a leader in digital innovation, with a workforce equipped to drive growth and economic development through technology.

Conclusion

Through Future Ready, Iyinoluwa Samuel is creating a pathway for Nigerian youth to succeed in the tech industry, bridging the skills gap and fostering a digitally savvy workforce. His commitment to tech education and his vision for a digitally empowered Nigeria have transformed lives and strengthened Nigeria’s position in the global tech landscape. Iyinoluwa’s journey is an inspiring example of how tech education can be a force for economic and social change, providing young Nigerians with the tools they need to build a brighter future.

The post Bridging the Skills Gap: Iyinoluwa Samuel’s Impact with the Technology Bootcamp ‘Future Ready’ first appeared on GOOD NEWS NIGERIA.

The post Bridging the Skills Gap: Iyinoluwa Samuel’s Impact with the Technology Bootcamp ‘Future Ready’ appeared first on GOOD NEWS NIGERIA.