Darey.io, a tech training platform is gearing up to launch a new tech hub in Yaba, Lagos, on March 15, 2025. This hub is designed to spark digital innovation, bring tech professionals together, and provide businesses, startups, and individuals with AI tools and skill development programs. This change marks a shift from Darey.io’s remote work, which started in 2021, to a physical space encouraging collaboration and hands-on learning.
The training platform has also partnered with the Federal Government of Nigeria through the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program. This initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, is all about equipping millions of Nigerians with top-notch digital skills that can compete globally.
Closing the Digital Skills Gap
At the pre-launch press conference, Dare Olufunmilayo, founder and CEO of Darey.io and Xterns.ai, stressed the need to equip Nigerians with practical tech skills.
“We founded Darey.io to address the increasing demand for digital skills, upskilling, and reskilling in the face of rapid technological advancements, especially the rise of AI,” Olufunmilayo stated.
He noticed that more people from fields like healthcare and management were becoming interested in tech careers. Darey.io aims to make tech training accessible to everyone, regardless of their educational background.
Hands-on learning Through Xterns
One of the biggest challenges for tech learners is gaining hands-on experience. Olufunmilayo shared how Darey.io, through its Xterns platform, helps solve this problem.
“Darey.io focuses on skill development, while Xterns provides a platform for practical experience through collaborative projects and industry best practices,” He explained.
With Xterns, learners get to work on real-world projects and build a digital portfolio, something that can make a huge difference when it comes to landing a job in tech.
Government Partnership and the 3MTT Initiative
While discussing Darey.io’s partnership with the Nigerian government, Olufunmilayo highlighted the urgent need for large-scale digital training programs.
“There is a significant skills gap in Africa, and Nigerian talent has the potential to contribute meaningfully to the global tech industry,” He said.
The 3MTT initiative, supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, is designed to equip millions of Nigerians with in-demand technical skills. Darey.io is playing a key role by offering free, accessible training, making it possible for even complete beginners to get started in tech.
Olufunmilayo emphasized that government backing is essential to expanding digital skills training and ensuring it reaches more people effectively.
Through Xterns, learners don’t just gain knowledge, but they get hands-on experience by working on real-world projects, allowing them to build a digital portfolio that significantly boosts their chances of landing a job in tech.
Expanded Course Offerings
Darey.io started out with a strong focus on DevOps and cloud computing, but now it’s branching out to cover even more in-demand tech skills. The platform has expanded its curriculum to include Data Science, Cybersecurity, Product Management, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tailored for different industries. This shift comes as more people look beyond traditional software development roles and explore a wider range of career opportunities in tech.
The Darey.io’s Xterns Advantage
Here’s what makes it stand out:
- You get hands-on experience by working on real industry projects.
- Your skill development is tracked in detail, so you know exactly where you’re improving.
- You’ll build a professional digital portfolio that showcases your expertise.
Olufunmilayo urged aspiring tech professionals, not just those in the 3MTT initiative to check out the Xterns platform. She highlighted how gaining real-world experience is one of the most effective ways to land a job in the industry.
Open Access to Training Facilities
Olufunmilayo has encouraged Nigerians, even those not part of the 3MTT program, to visit the Yaba hub and make use of its training resources.
Darey.io welcomes learners at different skill levels, but access to the Xterns platform is reserved for those who have completed the necessary training and passed an assessment. This ensures that participants meet the required quality standards before engaging in real-world projects.
Challenges and the Need for Support
Darey.io still has some challenges, particularly in making sure that learners have access to the right infrastructure.
“The lack of laptops and reliable internet access remains a major hurdle for many aspiring tech professionals,” Olufunmilayo noted.
He called on private companies, foundations, and charitable organizations to step in and support those who don’t have the resources they need to learn and grow in the field.
Darey.io’s impact goes beyond just one location, it reaches students worldwide, giving people from different backgrounds the opportunity to benefit from its programs. Olufunmilayo also reaffirmed the government’s dedication to offering free training through the 3MTT initiative.
Tracking Career Growth to Ensure Quality
Darey.io keeps its training programs effective by carefully evaluating user progress.
According to Priscilla Otukoya, Head of Growth and Marketing Operations at Darey.io, the platform uses a career score algorithm to track key factors like User engagement, Project submissions, and Instructor feedback
“The career score system ensures that only serious and qualified candidates are recommended to employers,” Otukoya stated.
She also pointed out that users who don’t actively participate risk losing access to the platform, emphasizing that even though the training is free, commitment is still essential.
What’s Ahead
Darey.io’s new tech hub in Yaba marks a significant investment in Nigeria’s digital workforce. With strong government backing, an expanded course catalogue, and hands-on learning through Xterns, the initiative is set to equip Nigerians with essential tech skills for a competitive global market.
The initiative’s success will depend on sustained investment, collaboration between public and private sectors, and the dedication of learners ready to seize digital opportunities.
