CodeBridge Youth Initiative launches to equip Nigerian youth with digital skills

Michael Adesina

Nigeria’s fast-growing technology sector has long struggled with a gap between ambition and access. While thousands of young people dream of careers in technology, few have access to structured pathways that take them from basic exposure to employment-ready skills. A new non-profit organisation, the CodeBridge Youth Initiative, aims to change that.

Launched earlier in the year in Lagos, CodeBridge is founded by a group of accomplished Software Engineers Opeyemi Ajayi, Iyanuoluwa Akinyele, Kabiru Okeleye and Michael Akinyemi who all have a passion for grassroots development and Community technology upskilling.

Co-founder and Chairman of Board of trustee for CodeBridge Michael Akinyemi says “CodeBridge Youth Initiative is a non-profit dedicated to building structured pipelines into technology, unlike informal bootcamps that often lack follow-through, CodeBridge has been designed from the ground up with sustainability in mind: defined curricula, mentorship pairings with professional engineers, and partnerships with employers to connect graduates to jobs”.

According to Akinyemi, the motivation is both personal and systemic. “I began my career outside of technology and had to retrain myself. I know how difficult it can be without structure or guidance. CodeBridge exists so that young people don’t have to face the same barriers they can find opportunity much earlier”.

The pilot programme has already trained its first cohort of students, focusing on digital literacy, basic programming, and problem-solving. Participants are paired with mentors drawn from the Nigerian tech industry, giving them direct exposure to professional practice. Employers are also engaged early, ensuring the curriculum remains relevant to market needs.

One of the early participants, Ifedayo, described the programme as life-changing. “Before CodeBridge, I thought coding was just for geniuses. Now I see that with guidance, I can build real projects. My mentor has encouraged me to apply for internships I never thought I could get,” he said.

Education experts say the timing is critical. With Nigeria’s youth population booming and unemployment stubbornly high, grassroots initiatives like CodeBridge could play a vital role in preparing the next generation. “Government policy is important, but delivery at community level is what makes the difference,” noted an education consultant. “CodeBridge is showing what structured, non-profit leadership can achieve.”