In Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, a call has gone out to parents, political leaders, caregivers and other influential members of society: support the young generation with the digital and tech skills that will shape tomorrow. The appeal came from Brainpals, a growing technology hub and code academy, as it underlined the critical need for Nigeria’s youth to be prepared for evolving demand in the global digital economy.
According to Brainpals, the rapidly changing technological landscape means that traditional education alone may no longer be enough to prepare young Nigerians for future jobs. They argued that stakeholders must collaborate now — offering resources, mentorship, encouragement and opportunities, to nurture tech-savvy young people who can thrive in careers shaped by software, coding, digital design, AI and other emerging sectors.
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Brainpals: more than a coding school
Brainpals is not new to shaping tech talent in Kogi. The institution offers a broad array of courses, from web development and data analysis to AI/machine learning, cybersecurity and software engineering, delivered through physical and virtual sessions.
Since its launch years ago, Brainpals has steadily built a community of learners and professionals. The academy traces its roots to modest beginnings in 2013, when it started providing free digital-skills training to undergraduates. Over time, it has evolved into a fully structured institute, offering both short courses and longer accredited programmes leading to diplomas recognised by national bodies.
In recent years, the school has charted a course of growth and inclusivity. For instance, its expansion to a new campus in Felele City, Lokoja in November 2024 was partly motivated by a desire to make quality tech education more accessible, particularly for students from nearby tertiary institutions who face transport challenges.
Additionally, Brainpals has demonstrated its commitment to social impact. In the same Felele City expansion, the academy provided a free three-month intensive digital-literacy programme for 40 underprivileged youths, enabling them to acquire relevant skills without financial burden..
Why stakeholders’ support matters
Brainpals’ recent appeal highlights a broader issue across Nigeria: the digital skills gap among young people and the mismatch between traditional education and modern workforce needs. The academy believes that without deliberate support from families, community leaders and policymakers, many youths risk being left behind in the fast-moving tech era.
Supporting youth with tech-ready skills has multiple potential benefits: increased employability, opportunities to work remotely or globally, chances to launch startups, and the capacity to contribute to local and national development. With these gains in mind, Brainpals wants stakeholders to become more involved by sponsoring training, providing mentorship, and encouraging interest in ICT and related disciplines.
Moreover, building a digitally skilled generation aligns with Nigeria’s broader goals for youth empowerment, economic diversification and readiness for global labour demands. Recent government discourse has emphasised aligning education with market needs, underlining the relevance of private tech training hubs like Brainpals in national development.
The road ahead: collective effort and partnership
For Brainpals, this call for support is not simply rhetorical. The academy sees its mission as a collective undertaking, one that requires collaboration between community members, educational institutions, policymakers and parents. Through joint effort, they believe Kogi State can become a fertile ground for innovation and a reliable source of tech-savvy manpower.
Already, Brainpals has shown what is possible with commitment: from free training programmes and scholarship opportunities to accredited diploma courses and practical hands-on learning. The hope is that with increased stakeholder backing, more youths will gain access to these opportunities.
As Nigeria continues to steer towards a digital future, efforts like those by Brainpals will likely become even more critical. By investing in young people’s tech education today, stakeholders help shape a generation capable of contributing meaningfully to a dynamic, globalised workforce.
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