Two months ago, the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub with Dufuna as the implementing partner launched the Design School programme- a virtual programme for 30 aspiring product designers aimed at equipping them with the necessary skills to kick-start a career in tech.
With over 1500 applications received, successful candidates were onboarded for the virtual programme were amongst others, they learnt how to identify, and design solutions for customers. By employing a problem-based learning method, participants of the programme were able to apply the theories and principles they learnt by competing to win the bid for the design of an online restaurant reservation and food ordering system for a fictitious client.
4 of the participants secured paid internships with startups and got the opportunity to design real products. Some participants also had the opportunity to commence interviews for design jobs during the programme.
Commenting on this, the Interim Country Director of the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub, Lamide Johnson, stated ‘The Design School was launched to provide capacity building for digital talent in Nigeria seeking to start a career in tech,whilst also creating a pathway for these talents to gain employment opportunities which will invariably enable them work on and design real-live products that meets customer’s needs. Through this programme, we also aimed at supporting the gig economy and we’re pleased to see the impact and products designed by beneficiaries of the programme. It shows to prove that there’s an ever-growing digital talent pool in Nigeria and at the Hub, we remain committed to supporting and enhancing the growth of the Nigeria Tech Ecosystem through intervention programmes’.
The CEO and Founder of Dufuna, Olatokunbo Fagbamigbe, had this to say “It is rewarding to see the Design School help so many talented individuals take the next step towards their dream of becoming world-class product designers. I was especially encouraged by the feedback from clients who hired interns from the school. Product Design is a highly sought-after skill, and the Design School has the perfect blend of theory and practice to help aspiring designers to acquire this skill”
Some of the participants had this to say about the programme:
“I think it's an intensive, well-rounded program designed to empower anyone with an interest in product design.” - Chinonye
“Simplified, well structured and super insightful. One of the best online courses I have ever taken. I enjoyed every bit of it”.-Udoka
“It's amazing, I really learnt a lot, especially the basics. It was easy and straightforward, I got to learn that UI design isn't just about using XD and Figma. Enough time was given for learning and carrying out the tasks, I enjoyed the programme.” - Linda
“Very educational. Learned more than I could ever learn on my own. It exposed me to the world of user research and made me design with purpose”. –Chidubem
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 Dufuna
Dufuna is a social impact enterprise designed to train ambitious and disciplined Africans with digital skills to become highly employable technology professionals.
Contact:
UK-Nigeria Tech Hub
LinkedIn : @ UK-Nigeria Tech Hub
Email: UK.Nigeria.Techhub@fco.gov.uk
Dufuna
Instagram: @Dufuna
Twitter: @DufunaTech
LinkedIn: @Dufuna
Facebook: @dufuna
Email: info@dufuna.org
Learn more about Dufuna’s programmes here
