From the Margins to the Mainstream: The Rise of Youth-led Tech in Nigeria
Technology has become an integral part of modern society, and its impact is felt in every aspect of life. It has revolutionized the way we live, work, and interact with each other. From communication and transportation to healthcare and education, technology has made life more efficient, convenient, and accessible. Furthermore, it has the potential to benefit every nation by creating jobs, driving economic growth, improving public services, and fostering innovation.
Nigeria’s youthful population has always been a topic of interest, and a closer look at the demographics reveals an increasing trend of Nigerian youths pursuing careers in the technology industry. Over the years, there has been a significant increase in the number of Nigerian youths gravitating towards technology-inclined careers like cybersecurity, DevOps, AWS, and project management. This trend is not only notable in major urban centers but is also spreading to rural areas. This increase in the number of youths in tech has been fueled by various factors, including the growing demand for skilled professionals in the industry, improved access to technology, and a growing interest in technology-related fields. It is exciting to see the impact of these young innovators in shaping Nigeria’s future as a tech-driven nation.
Precious Oshideko, a Certified Information Technology Auditor is one person who understands the significance of empowering the Nigerian youth to adopt technology and innovation.
Through his free global training platform, Arete-Zale Consulting, Precious seeks to equip young Nigerians with the technical skills to create innovative solutions to the country’s most pressing problems. By providing practical resources and connecting young people with modern work opportunities, Precious is helping to promote individual sufficiency and social and environmental sustainability.
Moreover, Precious understands the importance of technology in promoting government transparency and reducing corruption. With technology, government processes can be made more efficient, and resources can be used more effectively. This, in turn, can lead to greater public participation in decision-making and a more open and accountable government.
To ensure the success of a new Nigeria through youth engagement in technology, the government and private sector must make sustained investments in technology infrastructure and education and training for young Nigerians. Additionally, creating an environment that promotes innovation and entrepreneurship is essential. Collaboration among young Nigerians is also critical to harnessing the full potential of the youth population. Precious, the founder of Arete-Zale consulting is partnering with (ISC)² — the world’s largest nonprofit association of certified cybersecurity professionals to drive the initiative to enroll thousands of young Africans to begin a career in cybersecurity through the new initiative “One Million Certified in Cybersecurity” free training. Precious and his team are mentoring and motivating young Africans to enroll as an (ISC)² Candidate for free, this enrollment entitles them to a wide array of exclusive programs and services to assist participants in starting a cybersecurity career, including free education and exams for the association’s new entry-level cybersecurity certification (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity. With continuous support, funding and a culture of innovation and collaboration, Nigeria’s youth can create a brighter future for themselves and their country.
