Mentorship boosts IT careers in UK, Nigeria: Tech expert
LAGOS, NIGERIA — Adebayo Samuel, a UK-based Nigerian IT professional and DevOps/DevSecOps expert, is spotlighting the transformative impact of mentorship in the Information Technology (IT) sector in the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
Samuel asserts that mentorship is essential for guiding individuals, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, through the complexities of the IT industry.
In the UK, while the IT sector offers numerous opportunities, it also presents significant challenges. Samuel, who mentors socially excluded groups through Code Your Future, points out that these challenges often stem from limited access to education and professional networks.
“Mentorship has opened doors to individuals who may not have otherwise had access to the tech industry,” he stated.
Through career guidance and interview preparation, Samuel has helped many of his mentees secure positions in leading tech companies.
Enhancing Nigeria’s tech ecosystem
In Nigeria, Samuel’s mentorship focuses on connecting local talent with global opportunities. Through his work with Bincom Global, he mentors young IT professionals, equipping them with skills that align with international standards.
He noted that while Nigeria’s IT ecosystem is still developing, mentorship serves as a critical bridge for aspiring professionals facing barriers such as limited access to quality education.
“Through mentorship, I am also helping to create a pipeline of talent that can contribute to Nigeria’s tech industry,” Samuel explained.
As Nigerian IT professionals gain global exposure, they bring back valuable insights that advance the country’s digital economy. This exchange not only benefits individual careers but also strengthens the entire industry, fostering a more competitive tech ecosystem in Nigeria.
Fostering innovation and diversity
Samuel believes mentorship plays a vital role in addressing skill shortages and promoting diversity within the IT sector. By attracting talent from non-traditional backgrounds, mentorship helps fill skill gaps and introduces fresh perspectives that drive innovation.
“Mentorship can help address challenges related to skill shortages, diversity, and inclusion, while also fostering innovation,” he noted.
With extensive international experience shaping his approach to mentorship, Samuel draws on his work across Africa and the UK to blend global best practices with local realities.
By comparing emerging tech hubs in Nigeria and South Africa with the established UK sector, he prepares his mentees for success in both local and international markets.
Samuel underscores that mentorship is not just about individual career advancement but is also a tool for change within the IT industry itself. He remains optimistic about its future impact, confident that mentoring will continue to shape tomorrow’s tech leaders and innovators.
