By Nnasom David

As Africa moves steadily towards a technology-driven economy, cybersecurity professional and education advocate Ivie Osoiye, popularly known as The Roman Ivy, is promoting early digital education as a foundation for the continent’s future growth.

Osoiye is the founder of Stix and Codes Academy, an initiative dedicated to introducing children and teenagers to digital skills from as young as six years old. The academy is designed to challenge prevailing assumptions that technology education should begin later in life or be limited to a select group.

Through Stix and Codes Academy, learners are exposed to structured, age-appropriate training in coding, computational thinking, robotics, game development and digital creativity. The programme emphasises hands-on learning, encouraging students to build, experiment and solve problems rather than engage in passive instruction.

According to the academy, the objective extends beyond technical competence to developing confidence, curiosity and logical thinking among young learners. Technology is presented as accessible and practical, with students guided to see digital tools as systems they can understand and shape.

Osoiye’s background in cybersecurity informs the academy’s curriculum, which incorporates lessons on online safety, ethical internet use and basic cybersecurity awareness. This approach, she says, is aimed at raising children who are not only skilled in technology but also responsible digital citizens.

With Africa hosting one of the world’s youngest populations, Osoiye’s initiative reflects a long-term strategy focused on preparing future generations for participation in the global digital economy.