To reduce unemployment and equip youths with employable skills, Ihifix Digital Academy in Kaduna has successfully graduated 40 individuals in software development, product design, and data analytics.
The diverse group of graduates includes secondary school leavers, undergraduate students, bankers, housewives, and others who underwent several months of intensive training in various tech-related skills. As part of their graduation requirement, students were tasked with identifying a problem in their surroundings and using their IT skills to solve it.
Notable projects include “Diety,” an app simplifying meal planning for individuals with specific dietary needs; a “Rental App” enhancing rental property management by streamlining tenant-landlord communication, rent payments, and maintenance management; and “TradeCrafts,” a platform supporting young artisans and entrepreneurs by showcasing their handmade creations and providing access to mentorship.
Founder Emmanuel Adikpe emphasized the job-readiness of the graduates. “We will not stop until you get a job,” Adikpe said. “Learning is not the end. Learning precedes earning. Make productive use of what you have learned.” He mentioned that graduates would also be working as interns with the academy.
“Graduating from Ihifix Digital Academy marks the beginning of a new chapter. These graduates are now equipped with in-demand skills and ready to make their mark in the tech industry. Ihifix Digital Academy is more than just an institution; it’s a community dedicated to fostering future leaders through technology and education,” Adikpe added.
Salimi Muzai, an instructor and software engineer, expressed pride in the students. “I’m impressed by how far they have come. As long as they keep the fire burning and stay consistent, they will make an impact in the world.” Muzai acknowledged the high standards set to prepare students for global competition, noting the willingness of the students to learn.
Fatima Mohamed Kabir, a 19-year-old mathematics student from Kaduna State University (KASU) and a software engineering graduate, shared how the program impacted her life. “I’m confident I will become self-employed because I now have the requisite skill set.”
Jonathan Chris, a 16-year-old data analyst, won the best award for his final project. “I joined Ihifix because I love research and building dashboards. It was a great opportunity for me to understand the field better. I’ve been able to build a community for myself on X as a data analyst and won the best innovative project in data analytics at Ihifix.”
Chris learned tools and languages including spreadsheets, Python, R, SQL, and Power BI. His award-winning project focused on digital pedagogy, integrating tech into teaching methods. “My main aim is to apply my ideas and innovation to drive business success and optimize efficiency. I can work anywhere as a data analyst since my job is to maximize growth.”
Chris encouraged fellow youth to embrace tech, emphasizing its potential to stimulate national economic growth.
Keynote speaker Dr. John Aliu challenged the graduates on the importance of entrepreneurship, setting goals, and persistence. “Failure cannot live with persistence. You are too loaded to be wasted,” he told the graduates, inspiring them to believe in their crafts and strive for success.
