Rethinking Nigeria’s tech talent pool

BY KAYODE WILLIAM

In recent weeks, a candid observation by a Nigerian human resources professional on Twitter/X sparked a lively debate: Does Nigeria really have a vast pool of competent tech talent, or is this a myth we’ve come to believe without scrutiny?

While Nigeria is widely regarded as Africa’s largest tech hub, with cities like Lagos and Abuja birthing numerous startups and innovation clusters, the conversation around tech talent deserves a more nuanced look. It is not enough to count the number of people entering tech—we must assess their readiness to meet industry standards.

According to a 2022 report by Google and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Nigeria boasts over 115,000 professional developers, the highest on the continent. In addition, tech bootcamps and online training platforms are proliferating, and young Nigerians are embracing careers in software engineering, data science, and other digital fields. Yet, beneath these numbers lies a critical challenge: the gap between training and real-world application.

Anecdotal reports from recruiters and employers suggest a shortage of mid- to senior-level professionals with the practical experience required to tackle complex projects. Many job seekers are theoretically trained but fall short when it comes to hands-on execution and soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, that are essential in any work environment.

Another pressing issue is the ongoing exodus of skilled talent. The “Japa” wave, driven by economic uncertainty and inadequate infrastructure, continues to draw Nigeria’s best and brightest to countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. A 2023 report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) noted that over 70,000 Nigerians received work or study visas between 2021 and 2023, with many of them being tech professionals. Today, remote work has further intensified this trend, as Nigerian developers are increasingly hired by international firms, contributing to global innovations while leaving local companies in a recruitment quandary.

Part of the disconnect lies in mismatched expectations. Employers—especially startups—often demand that one person perform the duties of three, offering entry-level pay for roles that require years of experience and a broad skill set. This unrealistic approach not only dissuades talented individuals but also hampers productivity and growth.

To address this, we need a deliberate, coordinated effort across sectors. Academic institutions must work with tech industry leaders to update and align curricula with practical needs. Internships, mentorships, and apprenticeship programs should be prioritised to build experience early.

Employers must offer fair compensation, professional growth opportunities, and flexible work conditions to retain talent. Tech communities, too, can nurture rising professionals by encouraging collaboration, peer learning, and open-source contributions.

Nigeria’s tech ecosystem has remarkable potential, but we must shift our focus from volume to value. The narrative of a booming tech scene should be backed not just by ambition, but by competence and sustainability. We must not only produce talent—we must empower it, retain it, and trust it to solve local and global problems alike.

Only then can we truly claim that Nigeria is not just Africa’s tech powerhouse in name, but also in substance.

Kayode William writes from Lekki, Lagos state. He can be contacted via Twitter @kayode_wlliam