Software developers and SMEs in Nigeria enjoyed a major boost when the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub announced its partnership with Decagon for its Dev-Placement Programme.
Out of 1722 applications received from developers and 734 applications received from SMEs, 100 developers and 43 SMEs were selected for the Developer Placement programme in January 2021.
During the launch of this programme in January, it was mentioned that for 3 months, selected software developers will be matched with selected SMEs of the programme for a paid internship opportunity. Apart from providing a great opportunity for software developers to upskill themselves by working on real-time projects/ products thus gaining industry experience, the Developer Placement programme will also support digital enablement for selected SMEs seeking to develop social-impact products or projects.
Speaking on the impact of the programme, Chinazom Chidolue, Head of Wealth Advisory at Shecluded Financial Services, described DevPlacement as amazing. According to her, "The Developer Placement Programme has opened our eyes to new opportunities, thanks to the fresh perspectives which the interns bring." Azubuike Akunne, founder of NeuBite SME also said, "DevPlacement is great. It gives free discounted labour and gives ideas on how to work with talent. I hope these interns would be offered considerations in the companies. I hope that other SMEs recruit the interns.''
One of the developers assigned to Shecluded further noted that DevPlacement has unlocked exciting potentials for him. In his words, "Working with other interns, I have improved Shecluded loan products. We have also developed a new 'Savings Module' for the organization.
Commenting on this, Lamide Johnson, Interim Country Director of the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub, re-affirmed the role of the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub in promoting digital skills and developing tech-talents in Nigeria. He added that with the impact of the programme already seen in the early days of the programme launch, it is obvious that Nigeria is home to some of the best tech talents in the world and the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub will continue to design intervention programmes aimed at upskilling tech-talents in Nigeria and provide an opportunity for them to gain global relevance.
The Developer Placement Programme is in line with the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub's commitment to supporting technological development and innovation in the country.
About the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub
The UK-Nigeria Tech Hub is an initiative of the UK Government Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport established with the aim to support Nigeria’s Tech- ecosystem by promoting high-end digital skills and fostering partnerships between the UK and the Nigeria Tech-ecosystem.
About Decagon
Decagon is a software engineering institute ushering in a new phase of tech-powered growth and prosperity in Nigeria by training and deploying an army of leader-developers. Decagon has a ten-year mission to make Nigeria a globally-envied hub for software engineering talent.
Learn more about Decagon’s software engineering training here.
Contact Information
UK-Nigeria Tech Hub:
Twitter:@ukngtechhub
Instagram:@ukngtechhub
LinkedIn: @UK-Nigeria Tech Hub
Email: UKNigeria.Techhub@fco.gov.uk
Decagon:
Twitter: @DecagonIns
Instagram:@Decagonhq
LinkedIn:@Decagon
Email: info@decagonhq.com
