By Olawale Azeez
Darey.io in collaboration with Xterns plan to provide Nigerians with digital skills as they plan a new tech hub in Yaba, Lagos. This new hub scheduled to officially open on March 15, 2025, is designed to drive digital transformation, foster collaboration, and provide startups, businesses, and individuals with AI-driven solutions and workforce development programmes.
Dare Olufunmilayo, Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Darey.io said the hub will provide an alternative narrative—one of opportunity and empowerment, and caters to individuals from various fields, including management, healthcare, and other industries, who aspire to enter the world of IT, software development, and other tech-driven careers.
“Regardless of your background, you can join our network, and within a short period of time, you’re able to acquire the skills, you’re able to acquire the experience, and you’re able to present yourself in a way that convinces an employer that you can actually get hired,” Olufunmilayo said.
Whether one has undergone training elsewhere or is new to the tech space, the Excellence platform offers a structured pathway to gaining the experience needed for a successful career in technology.
“With over 1,000 tracked job placements locally and internationally in just the last year and a half, Darey.io is proving that tech careers are within reach for anyone willing to put in the effort. By leveraging technology, breaking traditional barriers, and emphasizing hands-on experience, Darey.io is redefining what it means to enter and excel in the tech industry,” Olufunmilayo said.
Olufunmilayo noted that a key motivation for many aspiring tech professionals is the ability to work remotely, and stressed that Darey.io not only enables skill acquisition but also facilitates global employment opportunities, explaining that through its innovative approach, individuals can work from Nigeria while securing jobs with international companies, thus contributing to the growing digital economy.
Identifying one of the main challenges in transitioning to tech careers as the demand from companies for experienced professionals in which many employers prefer hiring candidates who can contribute immediately, making it difficult for newcomers to secure roles, Darey.io, he said, addresses this by providing a structured pathway where individuals gain both skills and experience before entering the job market.
To bridge the gap between training and real-world application, Olufunmilayo said that Darey.io has introduced the Xterns platform, which provides practical experience alongside training, and highlighted how this scalable platform allows individuals to fund their own learning journeys, ensuring they gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
According to him, “The Xterns platform meticulously tracks acquired skills at a micro level, offering detailed insights into individual competencies and completed projects. It is open to anyone who has completed a training programme, regardless of where they received it, fostering collaboration and exposure to industry best practices.
He said that one of the standout features of the Xterns platform is its accessibility, asserting that anyone who has undergone relevant training can join, provided they pass a basic assessment that verifies their foundational knowledge and added that new students are onboarded regularly.
“Participants receive quality learning from experienced instructors, ensuring they acquire the skills necessary to thrive in the tech industry. This commitment to accessibility and excellence makes Darey.io a key player in expanding digital education opportunities in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
