The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to establishing a robust digital learning framework to provide Nigerians with high-quality tech education.
As part of this effort, the government has partnered with Darey.io, a startup focused on equipping learners with the skills needed to thrive in today’s digital landscape. Through tailored programs for businesses and government, Darey.io is playing a crucial role in upskilling, reskilling, and recruiting tech talent under the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at bridging the nation’s tech talent gap.
Founder and CEO of Darey.io, Dare Olufunmilayo, at a pre-launch press conference, in Lagos, said the importance of the initiative in equipping Nigerians with the necessary expertise to compete on a global scale.
“We have recently partnered with the federal government to drive the 3MTT initiative, which is very dear to our hearts. Imagine three million Nigerians suddenly gaining relevant digital skills and making an impact globally. This is not just a local effort—global tech giants are constantly looking for talent, and we are helping Nigerians step up to fill those roles,” he assured.
Since its inception in 2021, Darey.io has been at the forefront of digital education, offering training in DevOps, cloud computing, data science, cybersecurity, product management, and more. The company operates remotely with a network of staff across Nigeria and beyond. Now, with the establishment of a physical hub in Yaba, Lagos, Darey.io aims to provide an interactive space for learning, collaboration, and mentorship.
Olufunmilayo explained that Darey.io is not just about teaching skills but also ensuring that learners gain hands-on experience, adding that the company’s second platform, Xterns, plays a crucial role in this by allowing trainees to work on real-world projects before entering the job market. “Darey.io is the university where you gain skills, and Xterns is where you gain experience. Many job seekers struggle because they lack experience, but through our platform, they can build their digital portfolio and prove their capabilities to employers,” he explained.
A key focus of the partnership with the federal government is to ensure that Nigerians, regardless of their background, can access world-class technical training. Olufunmilayo highlighted that through government support, the programs are free under the 3MTT initiative, eliminating financial barriers for aspiring tech professionals. “The government is making it possible for people to access training without having to pay upfront. This opens up opportunities for Nigerians who otherwise might not afford such education,” he added.
While the initiative has seen significant success, challenges remain, particularly in infrastructure and funding. Olufunmilayo called on private sector players, NGOs, and investors to support the mission by providing resources such as laptops and internet access for learners. “The government alone cannot solve this problem. We need more hands to come in and help. Many dedicated learners lack the necessary tools, and this is an opportunity for the private sector to contribute meaningfully,” he affirmed.
Despite financial constraints, Darey.io has continued to grow without external funding from venture capital firms. However, Olufunmilayo expressed openness to investment opportunities that would enable the company to scale its impact across Africa.
Head of growth and marketing operations at Darey.io, Priscilla Otukoya emphasised the importance of onboarding only serious learners onto the platform. According to her, the Xterns program is designed for individuals who have already gained foundational skills and passed an assessment. “We onboard people into Xterns who can prove they have learned somewhere. Each pathway has basic skill requirements, and if you pass our assessment, you can begin implementing projects, join a Professional Organization Development (POD) group, and build your portfolio,” she explained.
Otukoya highlighted that Darey.io’s partnership with the 3MTT initiative has provided thousands of Nigerians with access to free, high-quality tech training, adding that the Cohort 3 students were onboarded, fully funded by the federal government, and have already begun learning. “The students are getting quality education for free because the government is covering their costs. These are not just any instructors—we are bringing in seasoned professionals with real-world experience,” she said.
To maintain high standards, Darey.io has developed a Career Score Algorithm—a proprietary system that tracks user engagement and performance throughout the training. “We have a framework that ensures people take their learning seriously. Every course, video watched, live class attended, and project submitted contributes to a learner’s career score. Our AI-driven platform analyzes their work, provides personalised feedback, and scores them accordingly,” Otukoya explained.
The system helps distinguish serious learners from those who do not engage. Those who fail to meet the minimum career score will not be allowed to continue.
“If you’re not serious, you won’t fit into the category of people we can present to employers. We want African talent that can compete on the global stage,” she added.
Ensuring graduates are ready for employment, Otukoya assured that graduates who attain the required career score are immediately placed in the Xterns program, where they gain real-world experience before entering the job market. “As soon as someone reaches the required score, we have full confidence in their abilities. We channel our energy into them and connect them with potential employers,” she said.
