In the bustling tech hub of Lagos, Nigeria, one man has been quietly making waves, shaping the careers of aspiring designers and engineers. That man is Kingsley Ukeje.

Kingsley’s journey into the world of tech was anything but conventional. After dropping out of university in 2017 due to financial constraints, he learned digital skills, began earning for himself, and returned to complete his tertiary education with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in 2019. He learned the immeasurable value digital skills could have for a generation of African youths without education or secular employment.  

Kingsley found himself drawn to the fast-paced, innovative world of product design. It was at the pioneering fintech Chaka that Kingsley first found his true calling. By 2023, he moved to Eze, as one of the current executive members of the company, where he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a lead product designer and eventually taking on the executive role of head of product and design. But Kingsley’s impact extended far beyond his day-to-day responsibilities.

In 2022, brimming with passion for the development of the Nigerian tech community, Kingsley accepted an invitation and volunteered as the program lead of Enyata Build-Up and Academy program, one of Africa’s leading non-profit initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of Nigerian tech talent. The program offers a unique blend of hands-on training, mentorship, work devices like computers and training equipment, and real-world experience, empowering participants to develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the industry. Over the years, the program has impacted a community of over 500 members to date.

The program employs a rigorous five-step selection process, ensuring only the most promising talents are chosen. This includes registration, aptitude tests, skill-based assessments, interviews, and resource distribution. At least 40% of participants are women, addressing the gender disparity in tech by empowering female developers with resources and mentorship.

“Kingsley’s passion for empowering young talent is truly inspiring,” says Oladayo, Enyata’s co-founder. “He has a deep understanding of the challenges facing aspiring designers and engineers in Africa, and he’s dedicated to creating opportunities for them to succeed.”

Under Kingsley’s leadership, the Build-Up program quickly gained recognition as a game-changer in the Nigerian tech landscape. The program’s curriculum covered a wide range of topics, from user experience design and front-end development to product management and entrepreneurship.

But what set the Build-Up program apart was Kingsley’s hands-on approach to mentorship. He personally worked with each participant, providing guidance, feedback, and encouragement every step of the way. His infectious enthusiasm and unwavering belief in the potential of these young minds were instrumental in the program’s success.

“Kingsley didn’t just teach us the technical skills; he showed us how to think like designers and problem-solvers,” says Amina, a former Build-Up participant who now works as a product designer at a leading Nigerian startup. “His mentorship was transformative, and it’s had a lasting impact on my career.”

The impact of the Build-Up program can be seen in the countless success stories that have emerged from its alumni. At least 90 percent of participants have gone on to secure coveted roles at top tech companies, launched their own startups, or gone on to build impactful projects in areas like data science, cloud engineering, and product design fueled by the skills and confidence they gained through the program.

“Kingsley’s impact with the Build-Up program has been truly remarkable,” says Joseph Agunbiade, founder of Univelcity, a pioneering talent accelerator. “He’s not just shaping the careers of individual participants; he’s playing a pivotal role in building the next generation of Nigerian tech leaders.”

As Kingsley reflects on his journey, he remains humble and focused on the road ahead. “I’m just doing what I love,” he says. “Helping young people unlock their potential and thrive in this industry is what drives me. It’s not about me; it’s about creating a brighter future for the Nigerian tech ecosystem.”

With his unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation, Kingsley has cemented his place as a true trailblazer in the Nigerian tech landscape. His impact extends far beyond the walls of Enyata, rippling through the lives of countless aspiring designers and engineers who are now poised to shape the future of technology in Africa.