L-R: John Attasien (Sales Manager), Priscilla Otukoya (Head of Growth & Marketing Operations), Dare Olufunmilayo (Founder/CEO), Daniel Umoren (Community Manager), and Chinwe Nwabueze (Product Manager) during the pre-launch press briefing of Darey.io Tech Hub in Lagos on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
Lagos is about to witness a major milestone in tech acceleration as Darey.io/Xterns a fast-growing digital skills training platform prepares to unveil its first-ever physical hub in the city on the 15th of March, 2025.
The launch is a significant milestone for Darey.io, signaling its commitment to bridging the gap between digital education and real-world application. Since its inception in 2021, the platform has been operating remotely, equipping individuals with sought-after tech skills. The decision to establish a physical presence marks a significant step toward fostering hands-on learning and collaboration in Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape.
At a press briefing held at the new facility, Darey.io’s Founder and CEO, Dare Olufunmilayo, emphasized that the tech hub is a strategic move to accelerate digital skills acquisition and career development. He highlighted the increasing demand for upskilling and reskilling, particularly in response to rapid technological advancements, including artificial intelligence.
The company has spent over four years refining its training framework to bridge the skills gap and offer industry-relevant knowledge. Olufunmilayo pointed out that many professionals from diverse fields, such as healthcare and management, are looking to transition into tech. He reiterated Darey.io’s commitment to making this transition seamless, regardless of prior technical expertise, by providing access to global opportunities and remote work.
Darey.io/Xterns quipping individuals with essential digital skills and practical experience to thrive in the evolving technology landscape
A standout feature of Darey.io’s approach is its integration of real-world experience through Xterns, a platform that enables learners to apply their skills in practical settings. This initiative addresses a common industry challenge—ensuring that candidates not only learn but also demonstrate proficiency through hands-on projects. With this model, participants build a digital portfolio that enhances their employability.
Darey.io has also partnered with the Nigerian government to support the Renewed Hope Agenda and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative. Through this collaboration, the platform is providing free access to technical training, equipping Nigerians with globally competitive skills. Olufunmilayo noted that Africa’s digital talent pool has significant potential and that this initiative will enhance Nigeria’s position in the global tech industry.
The newly launched Yaba hub is expected to serve as a resource center where learners can engage with mentors, collaborate on projects, and access digital tools. Olufunmilayo encouraged aspiring tech professionals to take advantage of the facility, particularly those not currently enrolled in the government-backed 3MTT initiative. However, he stressed that access to advanced training and the Xterns platform requires learners to pass assessments to ensure their readiness for real-world applications.
Despite its success, Darey.io faces challenges, including infrastructure deficits such as limited access to laptops and reliable internet for some learners. To address this, Olufunmilayo called on private sector organizations and philanthropic entities to support the initiative by providing resources to those in need. He also mentioned that while Darey.io has been self-funded, the company is open to investment opportunities to scale its impact across Africa.
Priscilla Otukoya, Darey.io’s Head of Growth and Marketing Operations, shed light on the platform’s structured learning approach. She explained that a career score algorithm is used to track user engagement, project submissions, and feedback. This ensures that only serious learners who meet the necessary qualifications are recommended for employment. Otukoya stressed that individuals who fail to maintain active participation may lose access to training resources, ensuring the platform remains dedicated to high-quality learning outcomes.
As Darey.io continues its expansion, the company remains committed to equipping Africans with digital skills, fostering innovation, and bridging the experience gap between learning and employment. With the establishment of the Yaba hub, Darey.io is set to play a pivotal role in driving digital transformation in Nigeria and beyond.
