Yaba, considered to be the “Silicon Valley” of Nigeria holds a reputation for having the largest cluster of technology startups and hubs in the country… Situated within this growing tech region is the Semicolon Village, a space that has become a refinery for local talent and innovative ideas.
Semicolon is a technology training institute and innovation hub, looking to make Nigeria home to a thriving technology community that designs and develops innovative solutions to problems faced by Nigeria and the world. Through a one-year intensive program — The Semicolon Techpreneurship Program, the innovation hub looks to develop Nigerian software engineers, providing them with a unique learning and hands-on project experience.
Currently in its first cohort — which commenced recently — the course curriculum focuses on developing skills in entrepreneurship, business management, design thinking, as well as core software engineering. By undergoing this one-year program, the students quickly improve on their skills and expand their capabilities as technology professionals and entrepreneurs.
Sam Immanuel, the CEO, had explained the rationale behind Semicolon. In his statement, he emphasized the need for Nigeria to look towards developing human capital as a fulcrum for the development of the country. Having explored the Silicon Valley in San Francisco, he believes that talent can be found everywhere, and that the growing youth population could be an asset, if empowered with the right skills and opportunities.
The learning experience manager at Semicolon, Titi Akinola added that the curriculum has been put together by highly experienced technology professionals and that on-completion of the program, the students would have been empowered to develop new solutions to local and global problems.
Semicolon also acts as an incubator for innovative technology. All students will work on technology projects, either based on student ideas or partner companies’ initiatives. Semicolon seeks to identify the most viable solutions and bring them to reality by providing early technical support, and connecting entrepreneurs with seed funding and mentorship.
Backed by a board of directors that includes former US ambassador to Nigeria Amb. Terry Mcculley, tech and business executives, Mike Bateman and Folake Ani-Mumuney, Semicolon is committed to establishing itself as the center for innovation in Nigeria.
The Advisory board includes Professor Kiumi of the University of Michigan, Professor Kunle Olukotun of Stanford University, Professor Folarin Erogbogbo of San Jose State University and Dapo Akintunde, a leading Industrial Designer.
On the question of who were eligible to apply for the semicolon Techpreneurship program, Titi responded:
“We are on the lookout for passionate Nigerians who are interested in solving problems with technology as leverage and are committed to completing the program. We’re also building a community of innovators in Nigeria. Beyond the program, we want to be able to connect with tech enthusiasts and professionals across the country. And we intend to encourage collaboration through our community events”
In addition to building a network among its students, Semicolon also provides networking opportunities for technical innovators in Nigeria to connect and collaborate with each other, through regular events hosted at the Semicolon campus and by facilitating partnerships with existing innovative communities within the Nigerian tech space.
Nigerians looking to be part of this amazing journey can visit www.semicolon.africa to find out more about its campus and student programs.
