Nigerian Students Equipped With Digital Skills Insights Through TechSpark Conference

Despite growing opportunities within the global digital economy, many young Nigerians still lack the exposure, mentorship, and guidance needed to pursue careers in technology and innovation.

To help address this challenge, TalentMakers Foundation recently hosted TechSpark Conference 2026, bringing together students, technology professionals, educators, and public sector leaders for conversations aimed at inspiring the next generation of innovators.

Held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the conference provided a platform for secondary school students to explore opportunities within the technology ecosystem, learn from industry experts, and gain practical insights into how innovation can be used to solve real-world challenges.

The event attracted stakeholders from government, education, and the technology sector, reinforcing a shared commitment to equipping young people with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Representing the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Barr. Dr. Chidi Lloyd, the Chief of Staff, Hon. Peter Ugari, Esq., commended TalentMakers Foundation for its efforts in promoting technology education and youth development.

He noted that young people in rural and underserved communities must not be left out of conversations around technology and innovation and reiterated the Local Government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that improve digital literacy and access to opportunities.

Ugari also disclosed plans for collaboration between the Local Government Council and TalentMakers Foundation to expand ICT training opportunities for residents and strengthen employability among young people.

Speaking during the conference, the Executive Director of TalentMakers Foundation, Barr. Omotoyosi Edeboh, said the initiative was created to ignite curiosity, inspire creativity, and encourage young people to see themselves as problem-solvers capable of developing solutions for challenges within their communities.

According to her, many young people possess talent and potential but often lack the exposure and opportunities needed to transform ideas into meaningful innovations.

“TechSpark was created to show young people that innovation begins with curiosity and grows through learning, action, and persistence. We want them to understand that they have the ability to create solutions and contribute meaningfully to society,” she said.

Edeboh further noted that TalentMakers Foundation remains committed to ensuring that young people, particularly those from underserved communities, are equipped with relevant digital skills and connected to opportunities within the technology ecosystem.

She called on development partners, institutions, and stakeholders to support initiatives that prepare young people for the future of work and the demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy.

Delivering the keynote address, Technical Project Manager, Saifur-Rahman Yusuf, encouraged participants to move beyond ideas and focus on implementation.

He explained that innovation becomes impactful when individuals are willing to take practical steps toward solving problems, adding that many transformative solutions often begin with simple ideas pursued consistently over time.

The conference also featured presentations and interactive sessions from industry professionals, including Sophia Nei, Founder of Females in Gaming Network (FIGN); Barr. Ochibry Promise, a technology lawyer; Fatima Alhassan, Women Techmakers Ambassador and Community Manager at GDG Gwagwalada; and Qahharat Ibrahim, a Software Quality Assurance Engineer.

Across their sessions, speakers exposed participants to diverse opportunities within the technology ecosystem while sharing practical insights on career development, digital skills acquisition, innovation, leadership, and personal growth.

Students who participated in the conference described the experience as inspiring and eye-opening, noting that it expanded their understanding of technology and introduced them to career paths they had not previously considered.

Many participants expressed a renewed interest in exploring technology-related opportunities and using innovation to address challenges within their schools and communities.

The conference concluded with a strong call for continued investment in technology education, digital skills development, and innovation-focused programmes that empower young people to participate meaningfully in the future economy.

Through initiatives such as TechSpark, TalentMakers Foundation continues to create opportunities for young people to learn, innovate, and thrive, while building a generation of innovators equipped to shape the future of Africa.