The Decision That Shocked My Family
In 2023, I chose vocational training over university. I had scored well enough in JAMB for computer science at a federal university. Instead, I enrolled in a 12-month intensive programme.
My father did not speak to me for two weeks. My mother cried. In Nigerian culture, this is seen as choosing failure.
Why I Made That Choice
My older cousins had CS degrees. By 2023, one worked in a call centre. The other did freelance design — a self-taught skill. Meanwhile, a friend from a coding bootcamp was already earning N350,000 monthly as a developer.
12 Months of Intensive Training
Months 1-3: Python, JavaScript, networking. 70% coding, 30% theory.
Months 4-6: Specialisation in embedded systems. Arduino, Raspberry Pi, real projects.
Months 7-9: Team capstone projects for real clients.
Months 10-12: Industry placement. Got offered a full-time position.
Three Years Later
I am 22. I work as an embedded systems engineer. Salary grew from N200,000 to N550,000. Real skills, growing portfolio, and job offers from two other companies.
My cousins? One is doing a masters. The other finally got a dev role after completing a bootcamp.