Nigerian Software developers and SMEs enjoyed a major boost when the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub announced its partnership with Decagon for its Dev-Placement Programme.The UK-Nigeria Tech Hub is one of the UK Government Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport initiatives established with the aim to support Nigeria’s Tech- ecosystem by promoting high-end digital skills and fostering partnerships between the UK and the Nigeria Tech-ecosystem.
Out of 1722 applications received from developers and 734 applications received from SMEs, 100 developers and 43 SMEs were selected for the Developer Placement programme in January 2021.
During the launch of this programme in January, it was mentioned that for 3 months, selected software developers will be matched with selected SMEs of the programme for a paid internship opportunity. Apart from providing a great opportunity for software developers to upskill themselves by working on real-time projects/ products thus gaining industry experience, the Developer Placement programme will also support digital enablement for selected SMEs seeking to develop social-impact products or projects.
Speaking on the impact of the programme, Chinazom Chidolue, Head of Wealth Advisory at Secluded Financial Services, described DevPlacement as amazing. According to her, “The Developer Placement Programme has opened our eyes to new opportunities, thanks to the fresh perspectives which the interns bring.” Azubuike Akunne, founder of NeuBite SME also said, “DevPlacement is great. It gives free discounted labour and gives ideas on how to work with talent. I hope these interns would be offered considerations in the companies. I hope that other SMEs recruit interns.”