A week has passed since the Tekifest’23 event, yet the lessons and insights continue to resonate with the Nigerian tech space. This gathering brought together industry leaders, tech enthusiasts, and experts to explore the future of work and talent pipeline investment. Now, we pause to reflect on the event’s profound impact and key takeaways that promise to reshape the understanding of the future of work in Nigeria’s tech space.
BUILDING A STRONG TALENT PIPELINE: KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM TEKIFEST’23
The event featured more than 10 speakers including keynote speakers such as Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Menaget SPC and Scott Eneje, a the founder of Digital Evolution and the Senior Product Manager at Hark, also with panel speakers such as Taslim Oseni; Senior Software Engineer at Cowrywise, Adeola Owosho; CEO of Middleman, Temidayo Olalekan; Head of Community at Fullgap, amongst others. It also recognized excellence in the tech industry through the Top100Tekies award. The team members were honoured for their meritorious service in the various tech bootcamps organized by the nonprofit. Attendees also benefited from medical check-ups, among other offerings.
We have outlined five key takeaways from the event, important for professionals and beginners alike:
- The Crucial Role of Talent Pipeline Investment
The consensus among the speakers was clear: Nigeria’s tech talent pipelines warrant more investment. They emphasized technology’s capacity to revolutionize and its beneficial ripple effects to the nation. The discussions highlighted the shifting job market and the increasing demand for individuals with relevant skills to thrive in the digital era.
- Proactive Creation of Future Technology
Keynote speaker Scott Eneje urged tech enthusiasts and aspiring professionals to go beyond mere discussion on leveraging tech and actively create future technology. He encouraged individuals to start their journey locally and gradually expand their impact globally. He stated that this proactive approach to innovation and technology development can contribute significantly to talent investment and the growth of the tech industry in Nigeria.
“If you can work successfully for the local community, then you have can do same at the global level,” he stated
- Integration of Tech Career Paths in Education
Panel discussions stressed the importance of incorporating tech-related career paths into educational curriculums, preparing students for future job roles. James Falola, lead engineer at Yellowstone, urged educational institutions to introduce tech career paths and called on the government to deepen tech penetration and acceptance.
- Focus on Practical Skills and Experience
The Panelists advised against focusing solely on certificates, emphasizing the importance of building projects and gaining practical experience. Traits like adaptability, critical thinking, effective communication, and confidence were identified as key attributes sought by employers. Attendees were encouraged to never stop learning and stay relevant in the tech industry.
- Continuous Upskilling and Long-term Career Planning
During the second panel session, Olaniran Afolabi Monsur, CEO of Menaget SPC, highlighted that 85% of job roles by 2030 are yet to be in existence, stressing the need for continuous upskilling and long-term career planning. Habeeb Azeez, a Product Designer at Brass, offered practical advice, stating, “If you’re scared your current skill will become obsolete in the future, look for a way to upgrade, blend your skill, and still be relevant.”
Throughout the event, attendees were motivated to continuously learn and adapt to the dynamic tech industry. Martins Victor, a Web 3.0 expert, commended the Tekisite team for empowering teenagers with digital tech skills, highlighting the importance of nurturing young talent for the future of the tech industry in Nigeria.
In a statement, Tosin Sakinah Adeyemo, the Head of Communications at Tekisite, remarked that Tekifest’23 not only reflects Tekisite’s commitment to investing in talent pipelines through her digital skills training but also positions the organization as a catalyst for steering the conversation towards talents pipeline investment in Nigeria. She underscored the criticality of investing in talent pipelines when she expressed concern that the growth of digital technology skills in Nigeria is currently being eclipsed by the prevalence of cybercrime.
As we reflect on Tekifest’23, the lessons learned continue to guide us towards a future where talent and technology drive progress and innovation. The event impacts continuous learning and adaptation in the dynamic tech industry. Indeed, Tekisite remains dedicated to fostering talent and contributing to the tech community’s growth and success.
