Semicolon, the Nigerian edtech that trains software program engineers, has partnered with Nigeria’s first technical varsity, Abiola Ajimobi Technical College (“Tech-U”) in Oyo State, to introduce a credit score switch pathway that enables Semicolon alumni to realize an undergraduate diploma in pc science in two years as a substitute of 4.
The partnership offers Tech-U graduates entry to Semicolon’s {industry} applications, and each establishments will co-develop curricula, practice college, and discover new financing fashions to increase entry to high quality training.
The alliance marks the newest in a collection of collaborations between Nigerian edtech companies and tertiary establishments, as stakeholders attempt to align instructional choices with the evolving calls for of the workforce. Rival AltSchool Africa adopted a comparable technique in 2021, partnering with Michael and Cecilia Ibru College to award diploma certificates to its graduates.
“We aren’t right here to interchange universities,” mentioned Sam Immanuel, CEO of Semicolon. “We’re right here to enrich them, to collaborate and amplify affect. We at Semicolon envision a future Africa that’s residence to a proficient, thriving expertise neighborhood; reaching this can require many several types of establishments working collectively.”
This partnership comes at a crucial time for Nigeria, the place the demand for expert expertise professionals far outpaces the availability. Universities within the nation have additionally struggled to supply industry-ready graduates as a consequence of archaic curricula. By integrating sensible, hands-on coaching with formal tutorial credentials, Semicolon and Tech-U are following a worldwide pattern in nations like the USA, the UK, and India, the place universities and tech organisations collaborate to bridge the hole between idea and follow.
“There’s a disconnect between what’s taught in universities and the world of labor,” mentioned Prof. Adesola Ajayi, Vice-Chancellor of Tech-U. “The world doesn’t simply want staff as a lot because it wants innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders who could make a significant affect. This partnership aligns with the college’s motto of ‘Creating Brains, Coaching Arms.’”
Based by Sam and Ashley Immanuel in 2019, Semicolon has maintained shut ties with the educational sector from its inception. By its collaboration with Henley Enterprise College on the College of Studying, Semicolon college students have had entry to enterprise and entrepreneurship programs since 2019. The organisation has additionally beforehand labored with Lagos Enterprise College.
Semicolon graduates roughly 150 college students yearly, with roughly one-third missing a tertiary diploma, in accordance with its COO Ashley Immanuel. She expects that some alumni will profit from the brand new partnership instantly, whereas extra are anticipated to pursue levels as Semicolon expands its college collaborations.
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