N400m: VCO Foundation, Decagon To Empower 100 Anambra Youths

Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation and Decagon Institute yesterday unveiled a partnership to tackle youth unemployment in Anambra State through proficient software engineer training and facilitating their entry into the global tech industry.

The landmark alliance between the two organisations offers a unique opportunity for high-achieving Anambra graduates interested in tech to be provided with a VCO Foundation guarantee to access student loans to participate in the Decagon Software Engineering Training Program.

VCO Foundation is providing a guarantee worth N400 million to enable 100 students from Anambra to take part in the life-changing programme with ease.

The founder and chief executive officer of VCO Foundation Valentine Ozigbo said, “We are proud to enter into this partnership with Decagon Institute. Through this partnership, we are investing not only in the individuals but the entire Ndi Anambra community and beyond.

“By empowering our youth with cutting-edge tech skills, we are equipping them to become drivers of innovation and progress.

“The Decagon Programme is more than just learning to code; it’s about unlocking potentials, creating opportunities, and shaping the future of Anambra. When our young people succeed, we all succeed,” Ozigbo added.

Decagon Institute has graduated roughly 1,000 software engineers to date, successfully placing alumni in prestigious tech firms like Microsoft, JP Morgan, Interswitch, Flutterwave, and Sterling Bank.

Their training program, unique for its Pay After You Learn option, provides accommodation, meals, laptops, and a supportive community of software engineers.

The VCO Foundation’s role in the partnership is to help Anambra individuals, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, to gain access to Decagon’s comprehensive training.

On his part, chief executive officer of Decagon Institute, Mr Chika Nwobi, said

“We are thrilled to join hands with the VCO Foundation, extending our programme’s reach to gifted individuals from Anambra State.”

He added, “This partnership strengthens our commitment to equipping them with essential skills and support for their tech industry success, ensuring a promising future.”