FSI and Mentors Without Borders have launched a six-month Tech Mentorship Program at Thomas Adewunmi University, aiming to upskill 50 students in high-demand technology fields and enhance their global employment prospects.
Nigeria's Student Tech Talent Pipeline Gets Major Boost
Financial Services Innovators (FSI) and Mentors Without Borders (MWB) are transforming digital education in Nigeria, launching a six-month Tech Mentorship Program at Thomas Adewunmi University, Kwara State.
Fifty students will gain hands-on skills in web development, machine learning, AI product management, project management, digital marketing, and technical sales, helping to bridge the gap between classroom theory and industry requirements.
Strategic Collaboration Powering National Skills Agenda
Building on their Virtual Innovation Lab at Thomas Adewunmi University (TAU), FSI and MWB are providing projects, global mentors from Microsoft, Google, Atlassian, and international exposure.
The program will also donate crucial digital tools: five laptops, ten professional headsets, and a Starlink internet setup, valued at over N53 million.
| Program Feature | Industry Value | Student Advantage |
| Global Mentors | Microsoft, Google, Atlassian | Direct industry connection |
| Real-world Projects | Portfolio-ready experience | International employability |
| Digital Donations | Laptops, Starlink, headsets | Tech accessibility, equity |
Building Africa's Next Generation of Innovators
As Aituaz Kola-Oladejo, Executive Director, FSI, stated: "This initiative represents our vision to build a strong pipeline of skilled tech talent across African universities."
The Vice Chancellor of TAU, Prof. Francisca Oladipo added. "At TAU, we believe education must be relevant and responsive to today's global digital economy. This partnership will give our students direct exposure to international mentors, practical tools, and industry perspectives."
The MWB Mentorship Program is designed as a pilot, signalling intent to eventually scale across Africa, with Nigeria as a focal launchpad.
| Impact Area | Collaboration Partners | Broader Africa Promise |
| Digital Innovation | FSI, MWB | Skills for employability |
| University-Industry | TAU, international firms | Ecosystem for tech growth |
| Equity & Inclusion | NGO, philanthropic | Bridging the digital divide |
Equity-Driven Digital Empowerment and Scaling
Mentors Without Borders founder Edmond Pruteanu describes the initiative as "an exciting new collaboration for real opportunities for young people." The donation, mentorship, and curriculum are all targeted at closing Nigeria's and Africa's youth digital skills gap.
The focus is on measurable outcomes: employable graduates, live project portfolios, and a replicable mentorship framework.
Infographic: Tech Mentorship Powering Learning and Digital Futures
| Resource | Provided By | Outcome |
| Global Mentors | MWB, FSI partners | Real-time skill-building |
| Hardware & Internet | MWB (donation) | Inclusive digital access |
| Curriculum Modules | FSI, Global partners | Industry-aligned proficiency |
Path Forward:
TAU Mentorship Model Bridges Classrooms and Careers
Thomas Adewumi University is redefining tech education through a mentorship model that blends strategic investment, industry collaboration, and inclusive digital tools. The program equips students with practical experience, data fluency, and readiness for innovation-driven careers.
Backed by academic and corporate partners, TAU's approach is positioning Nigeria as a hub for digital excellence, where research meets real-world application and education becomes the catalyst for Africa's sustainable transformation.
