By Adewale Banjo
Oluseun Onigbinde Fellowship (OOF) has announced the commencement of its second cohort as part of its contributions to transform Ogbomoso into tech talent hub.
The fellowship, named after the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BudgIT, Oluseun Onigbinde, aims to empower indigenes and residents of Ogbomoso by facilitating their seamless transition into the tech industry.
Ennovate Lab Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Jesudamilare ‘JD’ Adesegun-David, in a statement, recently, said following the success of the first edition, the second edition of the fellowship will be more impactful.
He said the new fellows, selected from a competitive pool of applicants, will receive immersive training, mentorship, and hands-on experience designed to unlock their potential and foster technology innovation.
“We are very excited to welcome this new cohort of fellows as we continue to equip grassroots talents with the necessary skills and opportunities to thrive in the tech industry, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and diverse tech ecosystem in Oyo State and Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, the fellowship will follow a comprehensive six-month programme, which includes a three-month intensive training in four learning tracks, including Software Development, Data Analytics, Product Design, and Digital Marketing.
Adesegun-David said it will be followed by a three-month compulsory internship, providing fellows with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
Onigbinde, whose pioneering work with BudgIT has transformed how citizens interact with government finances, expressed his enthusiasm for the second cohort.
He said: “It is inspiring to see a new wave of talents eager to make their mark in the tech world. The fellowship is not just about learning technical skills; it is about fostering a mindset of innovation and problem-solving that can drive positive change in our communities.”
On his part, Oluwaseun Afolabi, programme manager at the Oluseun Onigbinde Resource Centre, said: “OOF remains committed to democratising tech education and creating pathways for underserved communities to succeed in the tech industry.
“As the second cohort embarks on its journey, the fellowship looks forward to witnessing the remarkable achievements and contributions these emerging talents will bring to the tech ecosystem in Ogbomoso.”
OOF, which is a division of the Oluseun Onigbinde Resource Centre, an non-governmental organisation, started as a part of his commitment to leveraging technology for social good.
The fellowship is coordinated and managed by Ennovate Lab, an innovation hub, building resilient innovation ecosystems in underserved university communities by leveraging technology, entrepreneurship, and place-making starting from Ogbomoso to the rest of Africa.