NitHub University in Lagos has embarked on a partnership with Moniepoint Inc, a leading digital financial services provider, to foster Nigeria’s ambitious goal to train one million technical talents over the next three years, The aim is to equip aspiring technologists with the skills needed to thrive in a digital future. This partnership has recently celebrated the graduation of its pioneer cohort from the HatchDev program, marking a significant milestone in the quest to bridge Nigeria’s tech talent gap.
Nigeria is experiencing a digital revolution. With a rapidly growing digital economy and increasing adoption of technology in various sectors, there is an escalating demand for tech-savvy professionals. However, this surge in demand is met with a significant shortage of skilled tech talent. According to estimates, there are approximately 115,000 developers in Nigeria, highlighting a pressing need for qualified professionals to support the country’s digital growth.
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Moniepoint and NitHub: Filling the Talent Void
Recognizing the urgent need to close this tech skills gap, Moniepoint, in collaboration with NitHub University, initiated the HatchDev program. This nine-month specialised training program is designed to produce hundreds of market-ready software engineers every year. Through this strategic partnership, Moniepoint and NitHub aim to empower Nigerian youth with valuable skills, enabling them to thrive in a digital-first world and contribute to the country’s socio-economic development.
The HatchDev Program: Nurturing Software Engineers
The HatchDev program, with its rigorous recruitment process, began in October 2022. Its primary objective is to shape 300 junior software engineers, 100 intelligent systems developers, and 100 IoT/embedded systems engineers annually. These individuals will be equipped with the expertise needed to address the digital needs of the Nigerian job market effectively.
The program is structured to encompass nine months of classroom-based training, culminating in a three-month industry-specific internship. This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates not only possess the necessary theoretical knowledge but also gain practical experience in real-world scenarios.
Chukwudum Ekwueme, Vice President of Engineering at Moniepoint, expressed his enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “Nigeria is a booming economy, and with the innovative contributions of tech businesses, like Moniepoint, that are solving some of society’s critical issues, it is very gratifying to be a significant part of those giving local talent the training and tools they need to compete on a global stage.”
Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa, NitHub Director and HatchDev Project Lead, emphasised the pivotal role of local talent in Nigeria’s economic growth. He highlighted that as Nigeria continues to grow and develop its economy, the presence of a skilled local workforce is crucial. “As a new wave of technology companies emerges, and with increased digitization in every aspect of life, we must have the local talent available here to ensure homegrown businesses can reach their full potential. That’s why courses like HatchDev are so valuable – we’re training Nigeria’s top future talent. We’re delighted to be working with Moniepoint to help bring this vision to life.”
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Fostering Nigeria’s Digital Future
The partnership between NitHub University and Moniepoint represents a crucial step in addressing Nigeria’s tech talent shortage. By providing aspiring technologists with specialised training, practical experience, and a pathway to meaningful employment, this collaboration is contributing to Nigeria’s growth in the digital economy.
In a country with a population of over 200 million, investing in technology education and nurturing local talent is not only a strategic move but also an ethical imperative. As Nigeria’s digital landscape continues to evolve, homegrown tech talent will play a pivotal role in driving innovation, economic progress, and digital inclusion.
Moniepoint’s Vice President, Chukwudum Ekwueme, aptly summarised the significance of this initiative by highlighting its potential impact: “We believe that by investing in talent development, we can accelerate Nigeria’s growth in the digital economy and contribute to the overall prosperity of our great nation.”
With an unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation of tech leaders, Moniepoint and NitHub are working hand in hand to help Nigeria realise its digital potential and ensure a brighter future for its youth in the digital age.