Shaping the Next Generation: How Ayobami Adebesin is Empowering Nigeria’s Emerging Tech Leaders

Author: Jessica Williams

NATIONWIDE - (USAnews.com)The tech landscape across Nigeria is evolving rapidly. From tech bootcamps to coding initiatives, there’s no shortage of programs designed to introduce the next generation of software engineers to the world of technology. However, despite the growing availability of these programs, many fail to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application in solving real-world digital challenges. Ayobami Adebesin saw this gap and took it upon himself to design a mentorship initiative that would not only teach young professionals how to code but also how to think critically about building software that solves actual business problems. Launched in early 2021, his mentorship program has rapidly grown and continues to have a lasting impact on Nigeria’s burgeoning tech ecosystem.

The program began humbly, with weekend mentorship sessions held in Lagos. These sessions focused on key programming languages such as Python and Java, alongside crucial system design principles. More than just classroom instruction, the program emphasized hands-on projects simulating real-world challenges software engineers face daily. Participants worked on case studies involving payment processing, API integration, and building scalable, reliable applications. Ayobami, a software engineer with extensive experience in fintech and distributed systems, ensured that each project had a direct correlation with solving real business problems. This practical approach provided participants with the tools to not only write code but to also understand how their solutions could have a meaningful impact in Nigeria's fast-growing digital economy.

As word of the program spread, its influence grew. By mid-2021, Ayobami had expanded the program to other cities, including Abuja and Port Harcourt. More than 100 participants had completed intensive weekend sessions, each designed to give them the foundational technical skills needed to succeed in the tech industry. However, the value of the program went beyond teaching programming. It gave participants a deeper understanding of software design and the ways in which technology can serve users and businesses. This mindset shift is one of the key reasons the program continues to resonate with Nigeria's emerging tech talent.

One of the participants, Chiamaka Eze, recalled how Ayobami guided them through the process of designing a payment flow for a banking system. “He didn’t just teach us how to write code,” she said. “He taught us how to design solutions that actually work for people. We learned how the software we build can directly influence user experience and business efficiency.” This is where Ayobami's mentorship stood out. Instead of focusing on simply teaching syntax or basic coding skills, he emphasized the practical aspects of software engineering—solutions that are user-centric and scalable.

The program didn’t just stay confined to the classroom. Participants built dashboards showing transaction flows, simulated API integrations with payment platforms, and worked on designing mini-projects aimed at improving system reliability under high user loads. These projects weren’t just for learning; several were shared on open-source forums, contributing to the broader tech community. The hands-on projects were a vital part of the program's success. By creating real projects and collaborating with one another, participants were able to develop a portfolio of work that would help them stand out to future employers.

By the end of the year, the program had already seen tangible results. At least twenty mentees secured internships or entry-level engineering roles with startups and tech companies. This success was a testament to Ayobami’s mentorship philosophy, which combined technical knowledge with a practical, real-world application of skills. It’s rare for programs of this nature to produce immediate job placement results, but Ayobami’s approach equipped his mentees with skills that were immediately applicable in the tech world.

This ground-up approach was especially important at a time when most tech programs in Nigeria remained either highly academic or exclusive to elite coding hubs in major cities. Ayobami’s initiative was different because it was designed for the masses—accessible to those eager to learn and willing to put in the hard work, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Industry observers have pointed out that programs like Ayobami's are critical for Nigeria's growing digital economy. By teaching participants how to solve real-world problems, Ayobami is helping to build a generation of software engineers who are equipped not just with coding skills, but with the critical thinking necessary to thrive in a competitive, ever-changing field.

“What Ayobami built was more than just a mentorship program,” said a senior software engineer at Carrot, a Nigerian tech company. “It was a mindset shift. He made young engineers realize that designing and maintaining reliable software is just as important as learning the syntax of a programming language. It’s about building systems that are practical, efficient, and beneficial to users and businesses alike.”

Ayobami’s mentorship has sparked a broader movement of applied software engineering knowledge among emerging tech talent. In a country where the demand for skilled software engineers far exceeds supply, initiatives like Ayobami’s are critical for ensuring that Nigeria doesn’t fall behind in the global tech race. The success of his program is proof that the country has the talent and ambition to compete on the global stage.

Looking ahead, Ayobami plans to expand his mentorship program to even more cities, collaborating with local universities and tech hubs to further develop Nigeria's tech ecosystem. His approach, which combines technical skill-building with a focus on real-world challenges, is one that continues to empower young engineers and foster innovation in Nigeria's fast-growing digital economy. Rather than relying on grand announcements or flashy marketing campaigns, Ayobami is building Nigeria’s next generation of software engineers one mentee at a time—equipping them with the mindset, skills, and confidence to tackle the digital challenges of tomorrow.

As Ayobami’s influence continues to grow, so too does the potential for Nigeria’s emerging tech leaders to drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute to the country’s economic development. His mentorship is shaping a new era of software engineers who are not just learning to code, but are learning to build the digital future of Nigeria.