Senior Manager, IT Governance and Service Resilience, at MTN Nigeria, Mr. Dimeji Joseph, who was recently at the Tezza Academy in Lagos, said MTN’s focus on skill development is underscored by its continuous commitment to delivering services benchmarked on global standard.

Amid an atmosphere of camaraderie that bore testament to the strong ties between Tezza Academy and the telecom giant, Joseph commended the Academy’s graduate trainees and management of Tezza Business Solutions for their unwavering commitment to nurturing and refining accomplished Subject Matter Experts in specialized IT domains.

Joseph particularly noted the remarkable expertise demonstrated by Tezza Academy’s talents deployed under Tezza’s Graduate Trainee internship program known as the Accelerated Resource Transition Program (ARTP).

Tezza’s ARTP facilitates placement of graduate trainees from Tezza Academy at valued client offices to get real-world field experience in the consulting practice and develop the right exposure to identifying and executing innovative solutions for clients.

Jide Modele, an equity partner at Tezza Business Solutions, encouraged the open exchange of discourse between the graduate trainees and the visiting MTN Nigeria team, which facilitated very insightful questions from the trainees and feedback from Mr Joseph, leveraging his extensive experience and leadership position at MTN.

Joseph also assured the trainees that MTN Nigeria was proactively implementing enhanced operational and governance measures in their continuous pursuit of retaining the telecoms giant’s leadership position in Nigeria and emphasized the need for their valued partners to align with this corporate objective.

This underscored the need for the discovery visit to Tezza Academy where a team of 20 graduate trainees are being trained on an MTN Nigeria domain specific IT specialization curriculum to attain service excellence.

A highlight of the meeting was underscored in Joseph’s emphasis on the transformative strides made by MTN in its operational landscape over the past year. The session culminated with him imparting the quote by Vince Lombardi, “Every Job is a Self-Portrait of the person who does it. Autograph your work with excellence”.

Modele agreed with this. He said the statement encapsulated the essence of Tezza Academy and accentuated the shared pursuit of excellence between Tezza and MTN.

“This noteworthy interaction fortified the alliance between Tezza and MTN Nigeria, underscoring the collective aspiration to subject matter expertise, thought leadership, service excellence and innovation within the technology sector.”

The Tezza Academy, Nigeria and Accra Institute of Technology (AIT) Ghana are in talks for partnership to foster knowledge and talent exchange, research advancements, and cultural understanding between the two institutions.

During his visit to Nigeria on the 23rd of July, Professor Clement Dzidonu, President of AIT, had the opportunity to explore the Tezza Academy’s facility.

He was warmly welcomed by the Tezza team, including Mr. Jide Modele, Equity Partner; Mr. Jide Adams, Managing Director; and Mr. Damilare Dairo, Facility Manager.

Prof. Clement Dzidonu described the academy as a fitting model for instilling industry-required skills into young people especially graduates of tertiary institutions who are often not well-kitted by their academic background to the relentlessly changing dynamics of the workplace.

Speaking after a facility tour of the academy in Lagos, he said a partnership could open opportunities for the two organisations in both countries leading to internships, job opportunities for students and graduates as well as industry-sponsored projects to address one of the growing challenges on the continent for closing knowledge gaps and nurturing highly skilled IT professionals across sectors.

According to Managing Partner at Tezza Academy, Jide Modele, the academy has committed to tackling the drain of highly skilled IT professionals, locally referred to as the ‘jakpa syndrome’ by “discovering, equipping, and training self-motivated youths in conjunction with our global partners in specialised IT disciplines.”

Modele said by retaining talented individuals and providing them with cutting-edge IT skills and opportunities, the Academy seeks to transform the brain drain into brain gain thus contributing significantly to Nigeria’s Global Value Chains (GVCs) as an important human capital export nation.

Tezza Academy offers free tuition and residency programmes empowering young Nigerians with high-end IT skills and ensuring job placements upon completion of a three-month intensive training. Since 2020, the Academy has been forging partnerships and delivering high skill sets required across sectors locally and offshore allowing trainees to absorbed into client sites in a way that effectively address unemployment and employability challenges in Nigeria.

Established in 2009, the Accra Institute of Technology (AIT) is an independent technology-focused research university based in Accra, Ghana. Modeled on internationally recognized institutes like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, AIT is consistently ranked among Africa’s tech-focused universities.

Dzidonu, a professor of Computer Science, expressed keen interest in introducing a Tezza initiative in Accra while laying the groundwork for a potential partnership with Tezza Academy in a way that allows AIT to leverage its well-regarded status and vast network in Ghana to facilitate placements for program graduates.

According to him the AIT will, among other things, explore a Ghanaian Immersive Program in Accra with the same class size as Tezza Academy’s current cohort; and work out placement facilitation in recognition of the challenges faced by university-taught programs in engaging graduates.  

The strategic alliance aims to connect the brightest talents from various universities in Ghana to Tezza Academy’s immersive program, ensuring career pathways for young professionals. This exchange program could further promote cultural diversity and provide students with a broader perspective on technology and innovation in different contexts within Ghana and Nigeria, Dzidonu added.

The collaboration also envisions providing entrepreneurship support for student entrepreneurs to strengthen the development of startup incubation programs and access to funding opportunities for innovative projects.

Tezza Academy is promoted by Tezza Business Solutions, a leading B2B IT and Business Consulting company bridging the gap between clients and exceptional local talents across Africa.

L-r:  Mr. Jide Adams, Managing Director, Tezza; Prof. Clement Dzidonu, AIT; and Jide Modele, Equity Partner, Tezza

Tezza Academy and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) have sealed a partnership to set up an innovative IT specialization training facility in Lagos.

The partnership will be leveraging Tezza Academy’s vast experience in providing a collaborative learning environment that empowers interns with a precise blend of IT skills, competence and real-world exposure.

Both organisations described the partnership as a ‘shared vision’ to uplift thousands of young Nigerians by training them in high-end IT skills and deploying them into vast job opportunities locally and abroad.

Since its formal launch last year, Tezza Academy has been offering a free residency training model that empowers young Nigerians with high-end IT skills to complement the government’s efforts at addressing the growing number of youth unemployment in the country. 

It is modelled on bridging the gap for high-quality local talents and runs a curriculum designed to develop a robust IT professional through taught programs and hands-on field experience.

The collaboration with the PFN would “streamline the recruitment of indigenous IT professionals, obviating the constant necessity of sourcing them internationally to support diverse establishments in need of IT solutions within various sectors across the country. These sectors encompass banking, oil and gas, insurance, healthcare, telecommunications, and numerous others,” said PFN state Director, Community and People Development Directorate in Lagos. Dr. Eric Ighalo.

According to him, the PFN was committed to working alongside Tezza Academy in advancing the initiative of equipping and empowering a greater number of young Nigerians with industry specific knowledge and skills in technology.

He added that the intention is to equally utilize the PFN’s “extensive networks to ensure that trainees are guaranteed placement opportunities once they have successfully completed their training period and obtained the necessary certifications.”

Partner and Managing Director at Tezza Academy, Mr. Jide Modele, described the partnership as trailblazing to positively impact on thousands of Nigerian youths in terms of capacity acquisition and relevance in not just Nigeria’s but the global economy.

Similarly, Mr. Jide Modele, Partner and Managing Director at Tezza Academy, highlighted that amidst the trend of individuals seeking opportunities abroad, there exists a pool of talented young individuals in Nigeria who can be retrained to bridge numerous skill gaps. He further stated that Tezza Academy has proactively devised a purposeful curriculum to effectively tackle the critical areas where competence gaps exist within the organization.

According to him, Tezza Academy is already implementing a tuition-free residency training that aligns with the government’s initiatives to tackle the escalating youth unemployment.

The model is strengthened by collaborations with other stakeholders to underscore the partnership with the PFN to effectively fill the void for prospective local talents and the nurturing of resilient IT professionals, said Modele.

He addressed the apprehensions regarding sustainability of the model by assuring that a substantial demand exists in the market.

He emphasized that as long as competent and self-assured individuals who can effectively deliver the required work are provided, clients will consistently seek their services.

With its successful free tuition and residency program gaining traction, the Academy aims to empower young Nigerians with high-end IT skills, ensuring job placements upon completion of the three-month intensive training.

This initiative not only enhances Nigeria’s Global Value Chains (GVCs) but also positions the country as a leading human capital export nation, rivalling populous countries like China and India.

Roland Omoresemi who is the visionary behind Tezza Academy emphasizes that its sustainability and success depends on strong collaborations.

By forging partnerships and delivering skill sets required across sectors locally and globally, the Academy aims to create a future where its trainees are absorbed into client sites, effectively addressing the unemployment and employability challenges in the country.

Tezza Academy’s commitment to addressing the brain drain syndrome, locally known as the “jakpa syndrome,” is a driving force behind its mission.

Jide Modele, a partner at Tezza, proudly shares,

“At Tezza Academy, we tackle the drain of highly skilled IT professionals (jakpa) by discovering, equipping, and training self-motivated youths in conjunction with our global partners in specialized IT disciplines.”

Thus, by retaining talented individuals and providing them with cutting-edge IT skills and opportunities, the Academy seeks to transform the brain drain into brain gain. This approach not only contributes to the improvement of Nigeria’s GVCs but also helps build a sustainable ecosystem for the country’s technological growth.

Founded in November 2020 as Tezza Boot Camp, the Academy has experienced remarkable growth since its inception. Led by its visionary founder, Roland Omoresemi, Tezza Academy offers a comprehensive curriculum encompassing cutting-edge technologies, industry best practices, and essential soft skills training.

This holistic approach prepares trainees for diverse local and global opportunities, equipping them to excel in the dynamic IT industry.

The Academy’s ambitious goals align with a notable PWC report titled “Nigerian Brain Exports: The Optimal Path to Growing the Nigerian Economy.” The report highlights the potential for Nigeria to capture 17% of global programming and software development jobs, generating an estimated $50 billion in earnings for Nigerians. Tezza Academy sees itself as a key player in realizing this vision by benchmarking its IT skill-building programs against global standards and fostering collaboration with various stakeholders, including the government.

Roland Omoresemi also emphasizes the importance of equipping young Nigerians with the tools they need to thrive in the global market.

“Part of the agenda is to make them IT consultants while remaining rooted in their homeland,” Omoresemi explains. By nurturing local talent and fostering a sense of pride in their Nigerian identity, the Academy aims to build a skilled workforce that contributes to both local and global markets.

Tezza Academy’s success stories serve as testaments to its effectiveness. Jide Modele, a partner at Tezza, proudly shares, “Every single one who went through that first class has actually been placed at a client site. All of them have been fully engaged, and all of them were engaged even before they graduated from the academy.” This impressive track record demonstrates the Academy’s commitment to ensuring trainees’ successful integration into the industry, enabling them to make meaningful contributions from the outset.

Beyond closing the skills gap, Tezza Academy envisions bolstering Nigeria’s entire value chain within the digital economy. By connecting stakeholders and fostering industry collaborations, the Academy widens the pipeline for skillful job placements across sectors such as oil and gas, healthcare, education, fintech, telecommunications, and more.

Jide Modele emphasizes,

“The core objectives of our curriculum are to develop thought leaders and Subject Matter Experts in our areas of specialization for our clients globally.” This collaborative approach ensures that highly trained professionals find opportunities in prominent organizations like Dangote Refinery, Zenith Bank, MTN, and others within and beyond Nigeria.

Furthermore, Tezza Academy recognizes that its initiative extends beyond skill development. Adequate and affordable accommodation, as well as essential infrastructure like stable electricity and internet access, are critical factors in retaining highly skilled professionals. The Academy is actively working on providing decent accommodation for graduates who complete the three-month program, allowing them to work at client sites for Tezza over the following two years while enjoying a supportive environment.

Tezza Academy’s roadmap includes continuous improvement and an unwavering commitment to developing highly skilled professionals across multiple domains.

By addressing the current skill gap in Nigeria and anticipating future needs, the Academy aims to build a highly competent technology team in the country. Through its comprehensive programs, Tezza Academy nurtures talent, addresses social challenges, and creates opportunities for young Nigerians to practice their trade locally with stability and confidence.

In conclusion, Tezza Academy stands as a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s technological growth and human capital development. With its expansion plans, collaborative approach, and commitment to excellence, the Academy invites the government’s support and partnership in driving Nigeria’s progress as a leading player in the global IT industry.

The objective was that, by training them to become certified software testers, we will place them in a Mentoring Program where they shadow experts for about two months of professional field experience; and then they start their careers as testers.

However, in our bid to grow our consulting practice in software testing and product development, we realized that all our clients were faced with the same problem, being the dearth of highly skilled professionals leaving the country for emerging opportunities abroad. At this point, we figured that the boot camp will just not cut the demand, as our clients need highly skilled professionals.  

So, my partner and CEO Roland Omoresemi decided what we needed was to evolve the boot camp into an academy, where we have a more robust and multidisciplinary curriculum that looks beyond just the software testing skill set but one that comprises IT domains that we specialise in and ensure we build a team of well-focused competent professionals who can serve our clients in all our operating regions in Africa and the US. It was this vision that gave birth to Tezza Academy in November 2020.  

Tezza Academy is currently training the second set of professionals to be admitted into the Academy.

The first set which was a mix of trainees from Nigeria and Kenya completed a three-month training program in multiple domains such as Software Quality assurance, Customer Experience management, Test Automation, Software Development Engineering in Test, Performance Testing, Test Data Management, Agile practice, Java Script development, The Consultant Mindset, essential pillars of leadership amongst others. Our goal was to ensure that all our trainees were exposed to about the same level of training, then they now chose their areas of specialization.  

Strategic Placements – Addressing the ‘unemployability’ challenge

In terms of success stories, every single one of the 20 trainees who went through that first class has been fully engaged at a client site as a practicing consultant. As a matter of fact, their placements occurred before they graduated from the academy. We have consultants from that class solving problems for clients in the US, Kenya and Nigeria with exceptional client feedback.

One of the significant value propositions, of Tezza Academy is to make sure all our trainees live, breath, eat, learn and develop within the same facility under one roof.  This creates an environment where they challenge and develop themselves and create a harmonized culture.

Part of what we do at the Academy is not just train them on technology skills, but expose them to the core ethos of how we do business at Tezza and promote a healthy curiosity mindset which is valuable in helping our clients attain optimal value.

At Tezza Academy, we breathe our core, value system, standard operating procedures into our trainees, and make sure they they Learn It, Know It, and Own It. This becomes a fundamental aspect of their professional practice.  

Through this, everyone in the academy knows his or her own strengths and weaknesses. They all know how to back up and compensate for each other when it comes to executing their work. This helps us develop a fused multidisciplinary team capable of providing immediate redundancy for every consultant engaged with our clients.

This practice has keenly accelerated the competence levels of our trainees such that we have multiple instances where our graduates start outperforming the people that they were shadowing only a month ago. We have trainees who in less than three months after completing their program, have stepped into managerial roles with our clients. 

Those are some of the more fundamental testaments that we have from the Academy. We also have testaments from clients in Nigeria and in the US, who have spoken about the quality of the people who came through the Academy and how they have engaged and created real value for them at their various projects. These are written testaments from our clients attesting to the quality of the people that have come out from the Academy. 

Tezza is focused on skill development and professional placements

Tezza Academy has largely focused on just the development of highly skilled professionals and working on placing them with valued clients that need these skill set. 

In recent times, we started speaking to parties willing to partner with the Academy. People who found out about what we are doing and got interested in helping to develop this vision, expand and scale it, such as the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).

The PFN led a leadership team to the Academy to meet with us and find out what we are doing. They have met with the trainees inside the Academy and they have already made a commitment to partner for the growth and development of the objectives of Tezza Academy, starting this year. 

The core importance of the Academy is to develop highly skilled professionals across multiple domains, and have professionals who have multiple competencies.

The essence is for us to have a team that can help address the skill gap that we have in Nigeria now and will keep evolving in the years ahead. We also develop custom curriculum to address specific client requirements.

The Academy is less than a year old and we are happy with the quality of professionals that we have been able to develop, the level of engagement, their commitment, and drive towards establishing this vision for building a highly competent subject matter experts here in Nigeria. 

One of the fundamental aspects of what we are trying to do at Tezza Academy is not limited to developing competence skill gap, but to build, and address some of the social challenges that lead to the exodus of highly skilled professionals in Nigeria.

One of these social challenges is decent, affordable accommodation and the basic infrastructure required to ensure our youths and highly skilled professionals can be truly engaged and able to practice their career here in Nigeria with stable electricity, internet access, decent and affordable accommodation.

Part of what Tezza Academy is putting in place now is providing decent accommodation for those who have graduated from the Academy, such that whilst they are working for Tezza over the next two years after their graduation, they can be engaged and housed in such facilities in comfort.  

All these are part of the next steps and the things that the Academy has made a priority. Before the end of the year, we expect that we should be able to get that kick-started. 

In terms of success stories, every single one of the 20 trainees who went through that first class has been fully engaged at a client site as a practicing consultant. As a matter of fact, their placements occurred before they graduated from the academy. We have consultants from that class solving problems for clients in the US, Kenya and Nigeria with exceptional client feedback.”

Tezza Academy is not just limited to developing competence skill gap, but to build, and address some of the social challenges that lead to the exodus of highly skilled professionals in Nigeria.”