– Chinwendu Tabitha Iroegbu
Nigeria’s digital abilities are trailing below the global average because of a large skills gap. In Nigeria, digital skills will be necessary for about half of all jobs by 2030, and only 11% of graduates have formal tech training. Nigeria and Africa in general have a long way to go before they can truly compete in the digital world.
This digital skills gap has significant consequences for Nigeria’s economic growth and global competitiveness. Without a workforce equipped with essential tech skills, businesses struggle to adopt emerging technologies, leading to reduced productivity and innovation. Additionally, the lack of digital expertise limits job opportunities for young Nigerians, increasing unemployment and widening economic inequality. As industries worldwide shift toward automation and artificial intelligence, Nigeria risks being left behind, unable to fully leverage the benefits of the digital economy.
How eHA Academy is Closing the Gap
To bridge these critical gaps, eHealth Africa (eHA) founded eHA Academy in 2016 to give young people across Africa the technical skills that meet industry standards. The academy is also assisting people in pursuing professions in data analytics, UI/UX design, and software development. The Academy provides rigorous, 16-week training courses. These courses offer practical, industry-focused, and high-quality, easily available training that prepares graduates for the current tech workforce.
Beyond merely imparting technical knowledge, eHA Academy provides the opportunity for project-based learning, mentorship, and experiential learning. This guarantees that students acquire practical experience and develop a solid portfolio that improves their employability.
Proven Success: The Impact of eHA Academy
Since its inception, eHA Academy has trained over 140 students, many of whom have successfully transitioned into careers in tech. The impact of the program is evident in the success stories of graduates who have made remarkable career shifts.
Dr Lawan Hassan Adamu, a Ph.D Associate Professor of Human Anatomy at the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, did not delay in applying to join the Academy as it aligns with his interest in deploying innovative solutions in his field of endeavor.
According to Dr Lawan, “I saw this as an opportunity to enhance my technical capabilities and contribute to innovative solutions for challenges in public health and biomedical sciences.” Having received practical knowledge on UI/UX design, web development, Agile project management tools amongst others, Dr Lawan says, “My focus will remain on creating scalable, impactful solutions that bridge the gap between healthcare delivery and technology”. This, according to him, includes the creation of e-learning platforms, public health tools, and further deploying data management tools to improve community health.
On her part, Fatima Muhammad Bashir started her journey in agricultural science but discovered a passion for web development through eHA Academy. Today, she is building digital solutions that impact lives. Fatima plans to use these skills to build websites for small businesses in her community, focusing on user-friendly designs and impactful solutions. “Additionally, I aim to take on freelance projects to refine my expertise while working towards a long-term career in tech”, she said.
For Orazuilike Chinazaekpele Francisca, who previously worked in the hospitality sector, she will leverage her training at eHA Academy to secure a role in the tech industry. This will not only refine my web development skills but also allow me to contribute to a cause I’m passionate about.” Chinaza hopes to build her career with practical application and continuous learning.
According to her, “I will use these skills to help build a responsive and informative website for Non Governmental Organizations advocating for early education and children’s welfare.
For others, like Emmanuel Oga, eHA Academy provided the structured learning environment he needed to transition from struggling with self-learning to becoming a software developer. Many graduates have gone on to work with established companies, startups, and some have launched their tech initiative. The Academy’s influence extends beyond individual success, it is actively shaping Nigeria’s digital economy by supplying a skilled workforce ready to drive innovation. In addition to collaborating with professionals in the sector and working on real-world projects, students also receive experienced mentoring.
The Future of Tech Education in Africa
Programs like eHA Academy are essential to preparing Africa for the future, as the continent’s demand for digital skills is only going to grow. Africa’s technological future is bright, as the Academy is demonstrating by providing students with employable skills, encouraging innovation, and establishing career routes.
Muflihat Abdulmajid, a proud alumni of eHA Academy, reflects on her journey: “The joy and fulfillment I now have, being part of a team building software solutions for public health interventions in Africa is compared to none.”
Her story is a testament to how eHA Academy empowers individuals with the skills to drive impactful change in health technology.
For those eager to embark on a transformative learning journey, eHA Academy remains a gateway to endless opportunities. With the right education and resources, Africa’s next generation of tech leaders is being built one graduate at a time.
“We are excited to see the impact our graduates will have on the world. They are now equipped to address complex challenges in health tech and contribute to shaping a future where technology and healthcare work hand-in-hand to improve lives across the continent,” said Jamil Galadanci, Senior Manager, Software Engineering, eHealth Africa.
eHA Academy is transforming lives and influencing the future of Africa’s digital economy with its dedication to innovation and education. As more students have access to high-quality tech education, other industries will be impacted, which will help Nigeria and other countries grow economically and advance technologically.
