Table of Contents
Why Tech? (It's Not Just Money)
The Global Opportunity:
Tech is one of the few industries where you can live in Lagos, Enugu, or Abuja and earn in Dollars, Euros, or Pounds. But beyond the money, it offers flexibility and the power to build solutions for local problems.
The Barrier to Entry:
You don't need a Computer Science degree. You need a laptop, internet, and grit.
Tech is one of the few industries where you can live in Lagos, Enugu, or Abuja and earn in Dollars, Euros, or Pounds. But beyond the money, it offers flexibility and the power to build solutions for local problems.
The Barrier to Entry:
You don't need a Computer Science degree. You need a laptop, internet, and grit.
Pick Your Fighter: Frontend vs Backend
Frontend (The Visuals):
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React. If you like design and seeing your work come to life instantly.
Backend (The Logic):
Python, Node.js, Go, SQL. If you enjoy logic, databases, and how systems talk to each other.
Mobile (The Apps):
Flutter, React Native, Swift. Building apps for the millions of smartphones in Nigeria.
Product Design (No Code):
Figma, UI/UX. If you prefer designing the experience over writing the code.
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React. If you like design and seeing your work come to life instantly.
Backend (The Logic):
Python, Node.js, Go, SQL. If you enjoy logic, databases, and how systems talk to each other.
Mobile (The Apps):
Flutter, React Native, Swift. Building apps for the millions of smartphones in Nigeria.
Product Design (No Code):
Figma, UI/UX. If you prefer designing the experience over writing the code.
Where to Learn: ALX, AltSchool & YouTube
Free Resources (Self-Paced):
- freeCodeCamp: The gold standard. Completely free and covers everything.
- YouTube Channels: Traversy Media, Net Ninja, FreeCodeCamp.org.
- CS50 by Harvard: Hard but builds a solid foundation.
Bootcamps (Structured):
- ALX Africa: Intensive, rigorous, and often sponsored (free). Great for discipline.
- AltSchool Africa: Paid (affordable in Naira). Offers a "Diploma" approach with community support.
- SemiColon: Physical campus in Lagos. Good for immersion.
- freeCodeCamp: The gold standard. Completely free and covers everything.
- YouTube Channels: Traversy Media, Net Ninja, FreeCodeCamp.org.
- CS50 by Harvard: Hard but builds a solid foundation.
Bootcamps (Structured):
- ALX Africa: Intensive, rigorous, and often sponsored (free). Great for discipline.
- AltSchool Africa: Paid (affordable in Naira). Offers a "Diploma" approach with community support.
- SemiColon: Physical campus in Lagos. Good for immersion.
Never Walk Alone: Communities
Learning alone is hard. Joining a community keeps you accountable.
Twitter Tech (Naija Tech Twitter):
Follow hashtags like #100DaysOfCode. It's a vibrant space for support and opportunities.
Local Hubs:
- Google Developer Groups (GDG) - available in almost every Nigerian city.
- SheCodeAfrica (for ladies).
- Oscar (Open Source Community Africa).
Twitter Tech (Naija Tech Twitter):
Follow hashtags like #100DaysOfCode. It's a vibrant space for support and opportunities.
Local Hubs:
- Google Developer Groups (GDG) - available in almost every Nigerian city.
- SheCodeAfrica (for ladies).
- Oscar (Open Source Community Africa).
The First Gig: Internships & Freelancing
The Portfolio:
Employers don't care about your certificate; they care about what you've built. Host your projects on GitHub and Netlify/Vercel.
Where to find work:
- HNG Internship: Brutal but effective. It simulates a high-pressure work environment.
- LinkedIn: Optimize your profile.
- Upwork/Fiverr: Good for small gigs to build confidence, but aim for long-term roles.
Employers don't care about your certificate; they care about what you've built. Host your projects on GitHub and Netlify/Vercel.
Where to find work:
- HNG Internship: Brutal but effective. It simulates a high-pressure work environment.
- LinkedIn: Optimize your profile.
- Upwork/Fiverr: Good for small gigs to build confidence, but aim for long-term roles.
Chioma "Code" Okeke
Senior Software Engineer
3
Chioma is a self-taught developer who transitioned from banking to tech. She mentors young women in STEM and organizes the "Lagos Code Weekend" community.
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