Shehu Lawal’sImpact Beyond Coding: How He’s Empowered Aspiring Techies through BSD Academy
In today’s fast-changing tech world, leaders like Shehu Tyson Lawal stand out for their dedication to helping others succeed. As the founder of BSD Academy, Shehu has equipped many aspiring developers in Nigeria with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age.
Shehu Lawal’s journey started with academic excellence. He graduated with first-class honors in Commerce and Computers from India’s Osmania University. Over time, he developed expertise in software development and cloud computing while combining this with a passion for teaching and mentoring.
In 2017, Shehu co-founded BSD Academy with Eyitayo Alimi. Their goal was to close the gap between ambition and opportunity in Nigeria’s tech industry. They wanted to make quality tech education free and accessible, giving everyone an equal chance to learn and grow. This was at a time when leading tech companies outsourced their software development projects to India and Pakistan due to the dearth of local talent.
Under Shehu’s leadership, BSD Academy has become a leader in free, open-source tech education. The academy provides fast-track courses in areas like software development, machine learning, and blockchain. It combines online lessons with hands-on mentoring to help learners build both knowledge and practical skills.
“I believe education should be free and accessible to everyone. Talent and hard work matter, and are key to national development more than oil money” Shehu shares.
This approach has made a big impact, helping many talented people overcome barriers to learning. BSD Academy has also built a supportive community where graduates often return to mentor new students.
Positive Impact on the Tech World
“I couldn’t take part in the first cohort I joined because I didn’t have a laptop. But I stayed on the Whatsapp group and the engagements spurred me to get a device and so I joined the next batch. That was the single most important decision of my adult life,” Babarinde Kolade explained.
BSD Academy has impacted the lives of nearly 800 individuals, helping them launch successful tech careers. Graduates now work as developers and engineers, contributing to the continent’s growing talent pipeline. By focusing on quality and community, the academy has become a hub for development and collaboration.
Shehu’s efforts have also inspired others in the industry. His focus on giving back has encouraged more people to invest in education and mentoring. The academy’s open-source model allows people worldwide to contribute, making its programs even better.
“Looking at the scale of technical talent produced by people like Mark Essien through his HNG internships, and Shehu Lawal with the BSD Academy, we were challenged to think big too”, Kingsley Ukeje, program coordinator for Enyata BuildUp quipped.
Shehu Lawal has big plans for BSD Academy. He wants to expand its reach across Africa.
“Especially for disadvantaged communities, we want to give talents in these places opportunities for learning and growth. Talent is evenly distributed but opportunity is not” Shehu said.
His commitment to improving the curriculum ensures the academy stays relevant as technology evolves. By staying aligned with global trends, Shehu is positioning BSD Academy as a leader in tech education for underserved communities. In a world shaped by digital innovation, Shehu Lawal shows how education and mentorship can change lives. His work with BSD Academy proves that technology can open doors to opportunities that were once out of reach.
Shehu Tyson Lawal’s story highlights the power of combining tech expertise with a passion for helping others. Through BSD Academy, he has changed the lives of countless learners and contributed to Africa’s tech growth. As the academy continues to grow, it remains a symbol of hope and opportunity, driven by a leader dedicated to making the world more inclusive.
