A 21-year-old technology entrepreneur, Khalifa Yunusa, has urged youths to embrace digital skills, describing them as a key pathway to self-reliance as Nigeria transitions into a technology-driven economy.
Yunusa, a full-stack and mobile app developer, told reporters on Monday in Kaduna that he began his journey into technology in 2019 through mentorship, self-learning, and scholarship-supported training.
He advised young people not to give up on learning digital skills, noting that technology is a fast-growing sector with vast opportunities.
“As the world becomes more digital, it is important for young people to position themselves with relevant skills,” he said.
Yunusa said he was introduced to the tech industry by a friend who taught him basic cybersecurity and frontend development, before he advanced into backend programming using tools such as Python and PHP.
By 2022, he had begun building websites professionally and later acquired additional skills in WordPress, graphic design, and branding.
He explained that his early pursuit of technology challenged the popular belief that one must complete formal education before securing a white-collar job.
“I started learning about computers from my early school years, and I realized that skills, focus, and consistency matter a lot in today’s world,” he said.
Yunusa said his skills had enabled him to become self-reliant through client-based services, including website design and development, branding, logo creation, social media management, and digital advertising.
He added that he established his tech company in 2022, driven by his passion for technology and belief in its potential, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence.
Yunusa said his company promotes its services through an online presence, sponsored social media advertisements, and collaborations with digital content creators.
On capacity building, he said he had personally trained over 20 individuals in digital skills, including home-based sessions for children and group training in rented learning spaces.
He also disclosed plans to launch a tech initiative aimed at equipping youths and women in Northern Nigeria with basic computer and digital skills.
“There is a major gap in digital literacy in the North, especially among young people and girls. That is what we want to address,” he said.
The developer revealed that he had received an $800 grant from a local initiative partnered with an international organization, following a skills verification process involving a mentor.
Looking ahead, Yunusa said he hopes to build a large tech company and grow his initiative into one of Nigeria’s leading youth-focused digital empowerment platforms.
