Zarttalent, a foundation dedicated to advancing digital literacy and tech education in Nigeria, hosted the How to Win With Tech Summit on October 17, 2024. The event brought together students, educators, tech enthusiasts, and influential leaders for a day focused on the power of technology in shaping the future.

Notable guests included Sonia Onovughakpo Fajusigbe,  Policy Advisor Entrepreneurship Youth Employment & Healthcare, Consulate General of the Netherlands in Lagos, and Elizabeth Owei-Oladepo, Youth Advisor at the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Lagos. Their presence, along with teachers, principals, media representatives, and Zarttalent partners, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in driving tech innovation and education.

Opening the summit, Nelson Ajulo, Chief Executive Officer of Zarttalent, delivered a keynote address titled “The Power of Technology in Today’s World.” He highlighted the role of technology in generating employment opportunities and creating global pathways for Nigerian talent. In addressing Nigeria’s high youth unemployment rate, Nelson emphasized Zarttalent Foundation’s commitment to equipping young people with in-demand tech skills that align with global industry needs.

“The goal of education is to prepare students with skills for a meaningful livelihood. Yet, the challenge in Nigeria is a misalignment between university training and the skills required by today’s economy, contributing to the high unemployment rate. By introducing relevant, in-demand tech skills, Zarttalent empowers young Nigerians to go beyond the standard curriculum and gain expertise that sets them apart in a rapidly digitizing world,” he stated.

Sonia Onovughakpo Fajusigbe,  Policy Advisor Entrepreneurship Youth Employment & Healthcare, Consulate General of the Netherlands in Lagos, delivered a compelling address titled “Leveraging Technology for Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship.” She outlined the potential of tech-based skills to empower Nigerian youth to not only secure employment but also become problem-solvers in their communities. Fajusigbe encouraged the attendees to look beyond traditional jobs and consider digital entrepreneurship as a means to tackle local challenges and boost economic growth.

Fajusigbe’s keynote on technology as a tool for youth empowerment and entrepreneurship offered practical strategies for harnessing technology to create meaningful change. Her session encouraged students to see themselves as future innovators who can leverage tech to build a better society.

This landmark event is part of the foundation’s ongoing effort to empower the Nigerian youth and address its high youth unemployment rate by creating access to digital skills and mentorship.

The foundation aims to empower over 5,000 students over the next five years, equipping them with competitive tech skills that will translate into job opportunities, entrepreneurship, and solutions to real-life issues. With Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate at record levels, the event focused on building sustainable career pathways and preparing a generation ready to thrive in a tech-driven economy, where digital skills are increasingly essential.