Bridging the Digital Divide: New Scholarship Program Targets Recent Graduates

Tunde Onakoya, renowned Nigerian chess master; Akintunde Sultan of AltSchool Africa; and Samuel Otigba from Jobs 59 have partnered to launch a ₦250 million initiative designed to equip recent graduates with in-demand tech skills. The program specifically targets those undergoing or recently completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

The scholarship aims to transform what can often be an unproductive period into a career launching pad, addressing graduate underemployment while providing practical resilience training. As Samuel Otigba noted when announcing the initiative on X (formerly Twitter), “We’re solving the Olodo uprising pandemic, one NYSC at a time.”

Comprehensive Curriculum and Hardware Support

The program goes beyond basic digital literacy by offering diplomas in high-demand areas like AI-powered full-stack engineering, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analysis, technical product management, and digital marketing automation. To ensure students have the tools they need to succeed, laptops will be provided to select recipients through a competitive application process.

This holistic approach recognizes that access to technology remains a significant barrier for many Nigerian youths, hindering both skills acquisition and retention. By providing hardware alongside training, organizers hope to maximize impact and create lasting career opportunities.

Mentorship and Job Placement Assistance

The initiative includes mentorship programs, career guidance, and direct internship/job placement through the Jobs59 platform starting in the sixth month of study. This comprehensive support system aims to ensure graduates transition smoothly from education to employment.

This builds on previous work by this trio, including the SIWES-connect program launched in July 2023 that linked students with internship opportunities. Together, these initiatives demonstrate a commitment to addressing critical gaps in Nigeria’s tech workforce pipeline.