–Pledges To Drive Digital Transformation And Bridge Africa’s Skills Gap
News Highlights:
- Darey.io to Launch New Tech Hub in Yaba, Lagos
- Bridging the Skills Gap and Expanding Tech Training in Africa
Darey.io, a ground-breaking platform at the forefront of empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to seamlessly transition into the tech industry, has concluded plans to open a new tech hub in Yaba, Lagos.
Digital TimesNG reports that this new hub scheduled to officially open on March 15, 2025, is designed to drive digital transformation, foster collaboration, and provide startups, businesses, and individuals with AI-driven solutions and workforce development programmes.
Addressing newsmen in Lagos on Wednesday at a pre-launch press conference, Dare Olufunmilayo, Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Darey.io said with the increasing discussions around artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, many professionals fear that technology might render their current roles obsolete.
He, however, assured that Darey.io provides an alternative narrative—one of opportunity and empowerment, and caters to individuals from various fields, including management, healthcare, and other industries, who aspire to enter the world of IT, software development, and other tech-driven careers.
“We all know how things are changing rapidly. Before we close our eyes and open it, everyone is talking about AI. And the next in your head is, AI is going to take your job away. But this is not true if you have the requisite IT skills. So our platform has a framework that makes that happen for anyone.
“So basically, regardless of your background, you can join our network, and within a short period of time, you’re able to acquire the skills, you’re able to acquire the experience, and you’re able to present yourself in a way that convinces an employer that you can actually get hired,” Olufunmilayo said.
A Call To Aspiring Tech Professionals
Darey.io welcomes individuals from all backgrounds to join its ecosystem. Whether one has undergone training elsewhere or is new to the tech space, the Excellence platform offers a structured pathway to gaining the experience needed for a successful career in technology.
“With over 1,000 tracked job placements locally and internationally in just the last year and a half, Darey.io is proving that tech careers are within reach for anyone willing to put in the effort. By leveraging technology, breaking traditional barriers, and emphasizing hands-on experience, Darey.io is redefining what it means to enter and excel in the tech industry,” Olufunmilayo said.
While debunking a common misconception that one needs a formal degree in computer science to break into the tech space, the CEO said that Darey.io dismantles this barrier by offering a structured framework that equips learners with essential skills, hands-on experience, and industry-relevant knowledge which ensures that individuals are job-ready, even without prior tech education.
Olufunmilayo noted that a key motivation for many aspiring tech professionals is the ability to work remotely, and stressed that Darey.io not only enables skill acquisition but also facilitates global employment opportunities, explaining that through its innovative approach, individuals can work from Nigeria while securing jobs with international companies, thus contributing to the growing digital economy.
Identifying one of the main challenges in transitioning to tech careers as the demand from companies for experienced professionals in which many employers prefer hiring candidates who can contribute immediately, making it difficult for newcomers to secure roles, Darey.io, he said, addresses this by providing a structured pathway where individuals gain both skills and experience before entering the job market.
Darey.io’s Unique Framework: Training And Excellence
The Darey.io founder stated that the Darey.io platform is built on two key pillars—training and excellence. “Think of it as a digital university where learners acquire skills before moving on to practical experience through the “Excellence” phase. Unlike traditional internships where opportunities are limited, this model allows learners to work on real-world projects, building a robust digital portfolio that showcases their abilities to potential employers.
“The Excellence platform takes a data-driven approach to measuring skills. Employers can see not just a claim of expertise but a detailed breakdown of competencies, projects worked on, and the extent of an individual’s proficiency in various tech domains. This transparency enhances credibility and boosts the chances of securing employment,” he said.
A Key Player In Nigeria’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’
Darey.io is also contributing to Nigeria’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which emphasises the development of technical skills among millions of youths. The platform partners with the government to ensure that access to training is as seamless and affordable as possible, breaking financial barriers that often hinder skill acquisition.
According to Olufunmilayo, “Darey.io is playing a crucial role in the partnership with the government to drive the ambitious 3 million technical talent (3MTT) initiative. This initiative aims to equip 3 million Nigerians with relevant technical skills, positioning them for global opportunities.”
While emphasising the impact of this initiative, he stated that closing the skills gap would not only benefit Nigeria but also have far-reaching effects worldwide especially against the backdrop of Africa’s current skills gap index ranging between 1 to 5, and falling short of the global average of 6.
He further remarked that “recognizing this challenge, the initiative leverages technology to make training accessible without requiring upfront payments, removing financial barriers that often hinder skill acquisition. The use of technology in driving this initiative ensures that millions of young people can develop the necessary expertise to compete on a global scale.”
Expanding Training Pathways And Skill Development
Olufunmilayo disclosed that Darey.io has expanded its training offerings, initially focusing on DevOps and cloud computing but now incorporating additional pathways such as data science, data analysis, cybersecurity, and product management, adding that the platform currently provides 12 to 15 specialized training tracks, including AI applications tailored for industries like legal, healthcare, and journalism.
“The overarching goal is to help professionals integrate technology into their fields, enhancing their effectiveness and productivity. Additionally, Darey.io facilitates hiring and recruitment by offering scalable solutions for experience acquisition and digital portfolio development, making job seekers more competitive in the marketplace,” he said.
Xterns Platform: Gaining Hands-On Experience
To bridge the gap between training and real-world application, the Darey.io CEO told newsmen that Darey.io has introduced the Xterns platform, which provides practical experience alongside training, and highlighted how this scalable platform allows individuals to fund their own learning journeys, ensuring they gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
According to him, “The Xterns platform meticulously tracks acquired skills at a micro level, offering detailed insights into individual competencies and completed projects. It is open to anyone who has completed a training programme, regardless of where they received it, fostering collaboration and exposure to industry best practices.
He said that one of the standout features of the Xterns platform is its accessibility, asserting that anyone who has undergone relevant training can join, provided they pass a basic assessment that verifies their foundational knowledge and added that new students are onboarded regularly.
“Participants receive quality learning from experienced instructors, ensuring they acquire the skills necessary to thrive in the tech industry. This commitment to accessibility and excellence makes Darey.io a key player in expanding digital education opportunities in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
Certification And Quality Assurance
While noting that Darey.io’s certification process is designed to uphold high educational standards, Olufunmilayo explained that the platform employs a career score algorithm to track user engagement and performance across various learning activities, including video series, live classes, and hands-on projects.
“Personalized feedback is provided for each project, ensuring participants understand their strengths and areas for improvement. The career score algorithm ensures that only dedicated and actively engaged learners receive certification, maintaining the integrity and value of the programme.
“Through its strategic partnerships, innovative learning pathways, and commitment to quality education, Darey.io is shaping the future of tech talent in Africa, making global opportunities accessible to aspiring professionals,” Dare averred.
By creating a hub where people can work, exchange ideas, and develop their technical competencies, Darey.io is fostering a thriving tech ecosystem, an initiative that aligns with national efforts to drive technological innovation and position Nigeria as a hub for digital talent.