By Chioma Okoye

In the bustling neighborhoods of Oshodi Isolo in Lagos, where the energy of young people often runs into the walls of limited opportunity, one man saw a different future powered by code.

Tosin Onikute stood out as one of its dedicated volunteer facilitators. His mission was simple but powerful and that is to bring tech education to underserved communities and unlock opportunities for young people in Lagos which are those often overlooked by the traditional system. With little fanfare, he set out to teach young people how to code right in their own communities.

“I knew there was talent here,” Onikute recalled. “But talent without access is like a car without fuel. I wanted to change that.”

He began organizing hands-on learning sessions at local centers in Osodi Isolo. These sessions were different from typical classes. Instead of starting with jargon or intimidating tech speak, Onikute used relatable, everyday examples to teach his students how to code. He focused on Python programming and mobile app development, but more importantly, he taught in a way that made students believe they belonged in tech.

Many of those who came to his classes had never used a computer before. But with time and Onikute’s patience they began to build confidence. Students who once doubted their abilities soon found themselves writing code, building apps, and creating digital portfolios.

“Tosin made it feel possible,” said one former student who now works as a junior software engineer. “He didn’t just teach us how to code. He taught us how to think like engineers, how to prepare for interviews and how to step into the tech world.”

His comprehensive approach didn’t stop at the keyboard. Onikute also mentored his students on job readiness, helping them build résumés, prepare for interviews, and understand what tech companies look for. This practical guidance helped many transition from learning to earning.

As the Andela Learning Community grew from a few dozen learners to more than 10,000 across Nigeria, Onikute’s early contributions helped lay the foundation. The grassroots hubs he helped establish in Oshodi Isolo have since become launchpads for tech careers and symbols of what can happen when education meets opportunity.

Though he was just one of many facilitators, Onikute’s legacy is reflected in the success stories of his students, now scattered across tech teams, startups, and companies in Nigeria and beyond.

Today, the ripple effects of his work continue to spread. New learners walk through the same doors he once opened, armed with the same belief that with the right guidance, they too can shape their futures through technology.

For Tosin Onikute, it was never about accolades. It was about impact. And for dozens of young people who found their footing in tech thanks to his efforts, the impact is still unfolding one line of code at a time.