Get Guardian on GoogleA new scholarship scheme aimed at equipping young Africans with practical digital skills has been launched through the Benjamin Oyemonlan Talent Development Programme (BOTDP) in partnership with AltSchool Africa.
The initiative, unveiled in Lagos, will provide selected participants with full tuition scholarships covering AltSchool Africa’s curriculum, which is designed to prepare learners for employment in technology-driven sectors.
Organisers said the programme is intended to address skill shortages across the continent while easing financial barriers that have limited access to training opportunities.
Founder of the programme, Mr. Benjamin Oyemonlan, said the objective is to ensure that participants are equipped not only with technical knowledge but also with work-ready experience.
“We are not just producing graduates. We are producing creators, builders, and leaders who will transform their communities and industries,” Oyemonlan stated at the launch.
He explained that the initiative goes beyond tuition support, with additional structures planned to support career advancement.
“Its long-range vision is ambitious — mentorship platforms, internship pipelines, and career placements that will provide graduates with the springboard to turn their knowledge into sustainable income. By embedding real-world projects into its training, the programme ensures that participants emerge not as job seekers but as job creators,” he added.
The launch follows rising concerns about Africa’s growing youth population and the gap between education and employment opportunities. According to Oyemonlan, the programme will help young people develop practical competencies in technology and creative industries, while providing a channel for employers to connect with skilled graduates.
Applications for the first cohort are now open, with training scheduled to begin later in the year. Participants will be enrolled in AltSchool Africa’s learning platform, which combines classroom instruction with industry-based projects.
AltSchool Africa has previously worked with partners to deliver skills-based training in software engineering, product design, and data analysis. The collaboration with BOTDP marks the first time the platform is offering a fully funded scholarship pathway for young Africans.
