Zulfah Academy: Three Years Of Empowering Nigeria’s Tech Future

Zulfah Academy, a leading tech education institution, is revolutionising the way young Nigerians learn and succeed in the digital age. Founded of the tech academy, Abayomi Ajao, explains how Zulfah Academy started three years ago, empowering individuals with in-demand tech skills and preparing them for thriving careers in the rapidly evolving tech industry.

What is your personal background, and how did it lead you to start Zulfah Academy?
As a software engineer with over 10 years of experience, I recognised the transformative power of tech education in shaping careers. My journey showed me the barriers many Nigerians face in accessing tech opportunities, which inspired me to establish Zulfah Academy as a platform to break those barriers three years ago.

How do you see the future of tech education in Nigeria, and what role do you envision Zulfah Academy playing in shaping that future?
Tech education in Nigeria will become increasingly digital and skill-focused, with more emphasis on employability and entrepreneurship. Zulfah Academy will continue to lead by setting benchmarks in quality training, fostering innovation, and championing inclusivity in tech.

What is your long-term vision for Zulfah Academy? Where do you see the academy in the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, Zulfah Academy aspires to be Africa’s leading tech education provider, with campuses across the continent. Our vision includes training over 100,000 Africans, fostering 1,000+ startups, and becoming a key player in advancing Africa’s presence in the global tech industry.

What are the programmes embarked upon to mark the third anniversary of the academy?
To celebrate our third anniversary, we hosted events like Market Outreach to engage underserved communities; TechFit to help beginners find their tech path; HactchIt for helping tech talent advance their careers and unlock new opportunities; and PitchIt tailored for budding tech entrepreneurs and innovators looking to bring their ideas to life. Also, scholarships and tech giveaways were provided to impact lives further.

How do you ensure that the curriculum at Zulfah Academy stays relevant to industry standards and future tech trends?
We regularly update our curriculum by consulting with industry experts, analyzing global trends, and collaborating with tech companies. Our courses include in-demand skills like Software Engineering Artificial Intelligence, blockchain, and cybersecurity, ensuring graduates remain competitive and adaptable to future technologies.

What is the unique selling point of Zulfah Academy’s learning experience compared to others?
Zulfah Academy is unique because we go beyond conventional learning by integrating real-world projects that solve in-demand problems and deliver practical value. Our students don’t just complete exercises—they build startup-level projects designed to address pressing challenges in various sectors. This focus on value-driven projects ensures that our graduates leave with a portfolio that stands out.
Additionally, we offer personalised mentorship, hands-on learning, and a curriculum tailored to meet both local and global industry needs. Unlike most online courses, we prioritize career guidance and job placement support to help our students succeed in the tech industry.

How do you measure the success of your students, and what kind of support do you provide after they graduate?
We measure success through metrics like job placement rates, career progression, and the number of alumni working in top companies or launching startups. After graduation, we provide ongoing career support, access to a global alumni network, and opportunities for advanced training.

How do you build and maintain strong relationships with tech companies to facilitate job placements for your graduates?
We collaborate with tech companies through internships, live project partnerships, and regular employer feedback sessions. By understanding their needs, we align our training programs with industry requirements, ensuring our graduates meet their standards.

What strategies do you employ to ensure that your graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the tech industry?
Our training emphasizes real-world projects, team collaborations, and problem-solving scenarios. We also provide soft skills training, mock interviews, and coding challenges to simulate industry conditions and ensure our graduates are job-ready.

How do you track the career progression of your alumni and use their feedback to improve your programmes?
We maintain an active alumni network and conduct regular surveys to track their career paths. Feedback from alumni is crucial in refining our courses and adapting them to the evolving tech landscape.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in building and running Zulfah Academy? How have you overcome them?
Challenges include funding, infrastructure limitations, and access to quality trainers. We’ve tackled these by forming strategic partnerships, investing in remote learning solutions, and building a robust mentorship network to supplement our training team.

What are your plans for expanding Zulfah Academy, either within Nigeria or internationally?
Our expansion plan includes launching hubs in other Nigerian states and West African countries. We aim to introduce fully virtual programmes accessible across the continent and build strategic partnerships with global tech organizations.