Sidmach Technologies and JM Tech partner with the Federal Government to train the next generation of Nigerian tech talent

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November 15, 2024
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6 min read
Trainees at the Flag-off ceremony of the NextGen training program by SIDMACH Technologies and JM Tech

On October 23, 2024, the flag-off ceremony for the NextGen Tech Training Program took place at the Sidmach Technologies facility in Lagos.

This six-month digital training initiative is spearheaded by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Education and financed by the World Bank under the IDEAS (Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills) Project.

This project was awarded to a consortium (Sidmach Technologies & JM TECH) for implementation.

The initiative seeks to equip Nigeria’s youth with critical tech skills in an increasingly digital economy and is a pivotal step toward building a future-ready workforce for Nigeria.

In his welcome speech, Sidmach Technologies' MD, Mike Olajide emphasised that this training is designed to drive participants toward excellence in their chosen tracks.

He acknowledged that while Sidmach Technologies and JM Tech would provide essential training and mentorship, success would also rely on individual effort and commitment.

Oluseyi Odusanya, Group Head of Business at Sidmach Technologies, delivered the MD's message at the event. In his address to the participants, he encouraged them to fully engage with the trainers, share experiences with their peers, and embrace challenges for personal and professional growth.

"The skills and insights you gain here will not only benefit your future careers but also enable you to positively impact society," he emphasised.

Deepening digital empowerment in Nigeria

A cross section of Sidmach Technologies executives with the Keynote Speaker and the Compere at the Flag-off ceremony of the NextGen training program by SIDMACH Technologies and JM Tech
A cross-section of Sidmach Technologies and JM Tech executives with the Keynote Speaker

Sidmach Technologies and JM Tech, Ikun Ekiti are at the forefront of the NextGen Tech Training initiative in Lagos and Ekiti states, providing the infrastructure and resources necessary for the program’s success.

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Known for their commitment to educational advancement, Sidmach’s Lagos facility along with JM Tech Centre at Ikun Ekiti, Ekiti State, make the program accessible to participants from both urban and regional areas.

During an interview, Julius Oyeleke, the project leader overseeing the implementation, outlined the programme's focus and goal.

“The programme focus is to equip Nigerian youth with digital skills and make them relevant in the digital economy and the global world at large,” he shared.

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Julius Oyeleke highlighted that the focus is not only on tech skills but also on mentorship and career development. He shared plans for JM Tech Centre to eventually serve as an incubator, offering resources and support to graduates interested in launching their businesses.

“We are laying the groundwork for a sustainable, tech-driven future in Nigeria,” he added, emphasising the company’s dedication to bridging the digital divide.

Preparing trainees’ minds for career growth and global tech realities

Lanre Basamta speaking to a room of trainee intakes at the Flag-off ceremony of the NextGen training program by SIDMACH Technologies and JM Tech
Keynote speaker, Lanre Basamta speaking to a room of trainees

The keynote speech by Lanre Adelanwa Basamta, titled “Career Advancement for Tech Professionals,” provided a motivating start.

Drawing from experience running his startup, Optimus AI Labs, Basamta began with an anecdote that highlighted Nigeria’s position as second only to Bangladesh in digital talent, noting the promise and challenges this ranking holds for the country’s young professionals.

He established that tech education has the power to give an edge to the average Nigerian youth, an “already disadvantaged demographic,” empowering them to compete globally.

Basamta discussed the peculiarities of the tech space and shared a quote from John D. Rockefeller: “Don’t be afraid to give up the good for the great.”

He broke down six fundamentals of career development, and journey. Goal Setting, Excellence, Diligence, Development, Adaptability, and Resilience, urging trainees to embrace these as cornerstones of their professional journey.

The speech resonated strongly with the audience, who engaged actively by sharing their top career hacks and asking insightful questions, all of which Basamta answered with practical advice.

Providing a comprehensive curriculum for trainees

The NextGen Tech Training Program offers a structured, six-month curriculum that includes both theoretical learning and hands-on experience. The program covers six high-demand fields, Software Engineering, Data Science, Digital Marketing, UI/UX Design, Cybersecurity, and Cloud Computing.

These fields were chosen to align with global tech trends, ensuring that participants gain skills relevant to the needs of modern industries.

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Participants will first complete three months of in-depth coursework that includes foundational theories and real-world applications.

In the two months that follow, they will have their internships while getting the chance to work on key projects designed to tackle industry challenges, allowing them to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. 

The program will end with one month of career advisory and placement, connecting trainees with tech companies and startups.

This well-rounded approach aims to produce graduates who are not only skilled but also prepared for Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

Trainees’ perspectives: Aspirations and personal goals

The trainees’ excitement was palpable as they shared their thoughts on joining the program. Tobena, a data entry officer enrolled in the Data Science course, expressed optimism about the future.

“This is more than just a course; it’s a career shift for me. I’m hoping to learn skills that will give me a competitive edge in the job market,” he said.

Tobenna’s goal is to advance from data entry into a specialised data science role, a transition he feels is possible with the support of the NextGen program.

Another trainee, Promise, who currently works as an analyst, joined the program to deepen her knowledge of data science.

“Continuous learning is crucial in this field,” she explained. “I’m excited to develop skills that will allow me to stay relevant and competitive in tech.”

Promise expressed that the hands-on projects and capstone experience would add to her practical knowledge, enabling her to apply what she learns directly to her job.

Temitope, a hairstylist and entrepreneur, now venturing into software engineering, described her decision to enter the program as a leap of faith.

“The world is moving towards technology, and I don’t want to be left behind,” she shared.

Her goal is to build foundational skills that will eventually allow her to contribute meaningfully to the tech industry.

She is particularly enthusiastic about the hands-on learning component of the program, which she believes will make her transition smoother.

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A vision beyond the classroom

The program’s design extends beyond the six-month training period, with a strong focus on post-training career advancement. Graduates will receive guidance on job placements through Sidmach Technologies’ and JM Tech’s network of local and international tech companies, as well as support in securing internships.

The program has established partnerships with global leaders such as Microsoft and Google, offering international certification opportunities to successful graduates to boost their employability both within Nigeria and globally.

JM Tech Centre in Ekiti State has a facility to provide incubation services for those interested in putting their entrepreneurship skill to work on their ventures. The support includes mentorship, workspace, and business development resources.

“We aim to empower Nigerian youths with essential 21st-century skills, valuable experiences, and the connections they need to thrive in the digital economy,” Julius Oyeleke explained.

The incubator model is designed to encourage young entrepreneurs, helping them turn innovative ideas into viable businesses that contribute to Nigeria’s economy.

Reflections and vision for the Program

A crosssection of representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education and the World Bank at the Flag-off ceremony of the NextGen training program by SIDMACH Technologies and JM Tech
A cross-section of representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education and the World Bank

The stakeholders and sponsors of the NextGen Tech Training Program are optimistic about the program’s potential to reshape Nigeria’s workforce.

Mrs Blessing Ehi Ogwu, National Project Coordinator, IDEAS, noted in the goodwill message at the flag-off ceremony, “This initiative is a long-term investment in Nigeria’s digital economy, fostering skills that can drive future industries.”

With support from the World Bank, Nigeria’s Ministry of Education, and industry partners, the NextGen Tech Training Program is positioned to make a lasting impact on the Nigerian tech landscape.

Julius Oyeleke shared high hopes for the program’s impact, highlighting that the consortium will draw on its years of being a global technology player with expertise in driving innovation and empowering young people through tech skills development.

 “...we are here to help them, but they also have the responsibility to show interest in learning, and we will be with them all the way. We will give them all the requisite things they need to learn,” he shared.

As these young Nigerians embark on their training, they carry the hopes and vision of a nation committed to digital transformation and economic resilience.

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