By Taiwo Babatunde
In the evolving story of Africa’s digital revolution, certain figures stand out—not for their wealth or corporate titles but for their relentless commitment to shaping others.
Mr. Izuchukwu Uchegbu is one such figure. For over five years, he has been a guiding force in Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, not only building solutions but also building people. His journey as a mentor, educator, and public speaker has touched the lives of thousands, with many of his mentees now holding senior engineering roles across top-tier tech firms in Africa and beyond.
Mr. Uchegbu’s impact began to crystalize in 2019 when he delivered his first major public session at the GDG Cloud DevFest in Lagos.
The event, a Google Developers Group conference focused on cloud technologies, attracted attendees eager to understand how modern cloud computing could reshape the digital world.
During his technical session, Mr. Uchegbu shared real-time demonstrations on building web applications using Google Cloud Functions. His presentation went beyond theory, offering attendees actionable skills in deploying serverless architectures—knowledge that remains in high demand across global tech markets.
But it wasn’t just the crowd engagement that defined his presence; it was the mentorship that followed. After the event, Mr. Uchegbu personally mentored five standout attendees, all of whom have since risen to prominent roles in tech. Their collective success speaks volumes about the seeds planted by one individual willing to give his time to others.
His mentorship journey extends far beyond GDG events. In 2018, he was invited by the University of Lagos to instruct at the Women in Engineering workshop, a pioneering initiative aimed at bridging Nigeria’s gender gap in tech. In these sessions, he taught core programming skills, demystified engineering career paths, and instilled a belief in what was possible.
In recognition of his work, he received a certificate of volunteer service from Associate Professor Gbenga Illori and a personal letter of appreciation from the Dean of Engineering, Prof. F.A. Falade.
Mr. Uchegbu’s leadership in tech education also manifests in his volunteer work with the Professor Ayodele Awojobi Design Competition (PAADC), Nigeria’s premier undergraduate innovation contest. Between 2018 and 2022, he contributed as a senior technical advisor, helping PAADC grow to reach over 80 universities and impact thousands of students. He not only helped maintain the organization’s digital infrastructure but also mentored participants on how to develop, pitch, and scale their tech-based solutions.
His passion for digital literacy also extends to younger audiences through the WiFi Combat Academy, a digital hub focused on teen technopreneurship. In 2019, Mr. Uchegbu taught students coding skills at workshops across Nigeria. These sessions are part of a broader initiative to prepare children and teens for the 21st-century workforce, especially in communities where exposure to tech remains limited.
In 2022, Mr. Uchegbu joined Pluglink’s Eureka Series, a platform designed to help creatives, developers, and entrepreneurs transform their ideas into market-ready products. Speaking to an audience of tech professionals and enthusiasts, he emphasized the importance of systems thinking and the iterative design process. “We wanted to show people the real journey—from idea to launch,” he explained. “So many give up at the first challenge. We wanted to change that narrative.”
His mentorship work also intersects with national development initiatives. During his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year, Mr. Uchegbu was a facilitator at SDGs Community Development Service, leading workshops on how digital innovation aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. His sessions specifically addressed SDG 17, emphasizing building partnerships for sustainable development, particularly through technology.
The unifying thread in Mr. Uchegbu’s efforts is his belief in community-led growth.
His approach is deeply collaborative. He invests in people—students, aspiring developers, women in tech, and underserved youth—not because it’s lucrative but because he believes a stronger tech ecosystem begins with more empowered minds.
As Nigeria positions itself as a leader in Africa’s digital economy, the contributions of individuals like Izuchukwu Uchegbu will continue to ripple outward—shaping not just the next generation of developers but the very fabric of innovation across the continent.