By Chinenye Anuforo
Darey.io is bolstering its commitment to the federal government’s (FG) 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative by implementing a comprehensive digital learning framework designed to equip Nigerians with top-tier tech education.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Darey.io, Dare Olufunmilayo, emphasised the initiative’s critical role in empowering Nigerians to compete globally during a pre-launch press conference on Wednesday, in Lagos. “We have recently partnered with the government to drive the 3MTT initiative, which is very dear to our hearts. Imagine 3 million Nigerians suddenly gaining relevant digital skills and making an impact globally. This is not just a local effort, global tech giants are constantly looking for talent, and we are helping Nigerians step up to fill those roles,” he stated.
Since its inception in 2021, Darey.io has been a leader in digital education, providing training in various fields including DevOps, cloud computing, data science, cybersecurity, and product management. Operating remotely with a widespread network, the company has now established a physical hub in Yaba, Lagos, to foster interactive learning, collaboration, and mentorship.
Olufunmilayo clarified that Darey.io focuses not only on skill acquisition but also on practical experience, highlighting the role of their second platform, Xterns. This platform allows trainees to work on real-world projects before entering the job market.
“Darey.io is the university where you gain skills, and Xterns is where you gain experience. Many job seekers struggle because they lack experience, but through our platform, they can build their digital portfolio and prove their capabilities to employers,” he explained.
A key focus of the partnership with the federal government is to ensure equitable access to world-class technical training. Olufunmilayo stressed that government support makes the programs free under the 3MTT initiative, eliminating financial barriers. “The government is making it possible for people to access training without having to pay upfront. This opens up opportunities for Nigerians who otherwise might not afford such education,” he added.
Despite the initiative’s success, challenges such as infrastructure and funding persist. Olufunmilayo called for support from the private sector, NGOs, and investors to provide resources like laptops and internet access. “The government alone cannot solve this problem. We need more hands to come in and help. Many dedicated learners lack the necessary tools, and this is an opportunity for the private sector to contribute meaningfully.”
Darey.io has grown organically without venture capital funding, but Olufunmilayo remains open to investment opportunities to scale across Africa. He emphasized the accessibility of their training programs: “Anyone from 18 and above can take our training. We’ve had young graduates, university students, and even people in their 40s transitioning into tech. The key is dedication. In six months, with the right effort, you can transform your career and future,” he stated.
Head of growth and marketing operations at Darey.io, Priscilla Otukoya, emphasized the importance of selective onboarding for serious learners. The Xterns program is designed for those who have demonstrated foundational skills and passed an assessment. “We onboard people into Xterns who can prove they have learned somewhere. Each pathway has basic skill requirements, and if you pass our assessment, you can begin implementing projects, join a pod, and build your portfolio,” she explained.
Otukoya highlighted that the partnership with the 3MTT initiative has provided thousands of Nigerians with free, high-quality tech training, noting that Cohort 3 students, fully funded by the government, have already begun learning. “The students are getting quality education for free because the government is covering their costs. These are not just any instructors, we are bringing in seasoned professionals with real-world experience,” she said.
To ensure high standards, Darey.io has developed a Career Score Algorithm, a proprietary system that tracks user engagement and performance. “We have a framework that ensures people take their learning seriously. Every course, video watched, live class attended, and project submitted contributes to a learner’s career score. Our AI-driven platform analyzes their work, provides personalized feedback, and scores them accordingly,” Otukoya explained.
The system distinguishes serious learners from those who do not engage, with those failing to meet the minimum career score being removed. “If you’re not serious, you won’t fit into the category of people we can present to employers. We want African talent that can compete on the global stage,” she added.
Ensuring graduates are job-ready, Otukoya assured that those who achieve the required career score are placed in the Xterns program for real-world experience. “As soon as someone reaches the required score, we have full confidence in their abilities. We channel our energy into them, provide internship opportunities, and connect them with potential employers,” she said.
Darey.io has mechanisms to remove access to free training for those who fail to engage, ensuring that only committed learners benefit from the initiative.