Nigeria’s tech ecosystem has come a long way, but its journey reveals triumphs and missed opportunities. I vividly recall the excitement that swept through the tech community when Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani and Femi Longe pioneered a new era in Nigerian tech education by founding Co-creation HUB (CcHUB).
As a young design enthusiast, I was fortunate to receive an invitation to CcHUB’s inaugural hackathon. The hub’s strategic location in Yaba, nestled between two prestigious institutions – Yaba College of Technology and the University of Lagos – seemed perfect for nurturing innovation. The tech world took notice, with industry giants like Mark Zuckerberg and Jack Dorsey making landmark visits, validating Nigeria’s emerging position in the global tech landscape.
The “Yaba Effect” was immediate. Startups rushed to establish their presence in the area, driving real estate prices skyward. However, this boom revealed a crucial oversight: despite the surge in business activity, there was minimal investment in sustainable infrastructure and community development.
Thirteen years later, the landscape tells a different story. Many startups that once called Yaba home have either ceased operations or relocated, leaving behind unfulfilled potential. This trajectory reflects a broader challenge in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, as highlighted in a recent feature with University of Waterloo alumnus Iyinoluwa Aboyeji.
The Path Forward
While encouraging, the occasional startup launches, funding rounds, and exits aren’t enough to drive transformational growth in Nigeria’s tech economy. The key to leaping into the future lies in our tertiary institutions stepping up to play a more significant role in tech development.
From my observations, discussions about impact and vision in Nigeria often derail pursuits of personal interests, undermining the broader mission of growth and transformation. For the Nigerian tech ecosystem to truly flourish, we need to shift our focus from individual gains to collective progress.
This isn’t just about creating another tech hub – it’s about building sustainable foundations for long-term growth. The next chapter of Nigeria’s tech story depends on our ability to learn from past experiences and prioritize institutional development over quick wins.
