🌍 Breaking Barriers: My Journey as a Nigerian Woman in Tech & Lessons Learned

This is a submission for the WeCoded Challenge: Echoes of Experience

Years ago, if you had told me I’d be sharing my story as a woman in tech, I would have never believed you. When I was growing up, I didn’t see a lot of women in this space, much less Nigerian women who looked like me "it felt like trying to get VIP access to an event where my name wasn’t on the list". But somehow, through a mix of curiosity, persistence, and resilience, I made my way. It has not been a straightforward journey for me, but each hurdle has made me into the person I am today.

My Background

Unlike many people who knew from an early age that they wanted to be in tech, like those “I started coding at age 10” prodigies😆. I sort of stumbled into it. In fact, I would consider my entry as a rather unexpected twist. I decided to undertake a B.Sc. in Computer Science, unsure about where it would leave me professionally. All I knew was that I had a great love for problem-solving. After four years, I had not only earned a first-class degree but I also emerged as the best student in my department. That moment made me realize this wasn’t just about grades, I genuinely enjoyed learning, breaking down complex problems, and creating solutions. Although my academic credentials were quite impressive, stepping into the ‘real world’ was different altogether. Being Nigerian, there seemed to be a lack of tech opportunities around me. Initially I dabbled in a variety of fields such as graphic design, virtual assistance, and even technical support. Ultimately, settling down on web development and data science proved to be a wise decision considering my background. Given the complete absence of formal support, I turned to free resources on the internet, in particular YouTube videos, hoping they would teach me something new. The process was long and challenging, but I kept going.

Challenges I Faced

One of the biggest hurdles was getting noticed for opportunities. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr felt like they had an invisible “Nigerians need not apply” sign. I had the skills, but getting jobs? That was another battle. I’d apply for gigs, get ignored, and repeat the cycle like it was a sport. There was also the issue of financing further education, If chasing scholarships were an Olympic sport, I’d have at least three medals by now. Finding financial aid was a full-time job. In addition to external barriers, there was also an internal struggle: self-doubt aka my annoying inner critic. I sometimes felt like I wasn’t "tech enough". Seeing others with better resources, opportunities and fancier LinkedIn profiles made me wonder if I was just faking it. But I realized something, I was doing the work and that counted for something. With time, I learned to celebrate little wins like finishing a program I worked hard on, getting recognized for my efforts, and seeing my own projects come to life.

Triumphs & Growth

Looking back, I can say I’ve come a long way. Every setback has only made me stronger. I've explored different career paths and I didn't settle: Virtual assistant? Done. Graphic designer? Been there. I love that I’ve been able to experiment and grow, even when things didn’t go as planned. That whole chasing-funding-like-it’s-a-sport thing? It paid off, from winning scholarships to working in different roles and pushing myself to learn web development and data science, I’ve built my own path one step at a time. Beyond structured learning and work, I’ve also developed a passion for questioning the norm, whether in tech, education, or life in general. This curiosity led me to start initiatives like a YouTube channel for kids, and I've also started building real life projects that address issues in my community. I’m not just learning for fun (okay, sometimes for fun). My ideas for a Transport Fare Guide and an Affordable Housing platform came from seeing everyday struggles in Nigeria and wanting to create solutions. While these projects are still developing, they remind me that tech isn’t just about coding, it’s about impact. Even outside tech, I’ve seen growth. I started a digital template business on Instagram, tapping into my design skills to create something profitable. I also learned the importance of self-care and balance, taking time to enjoy the things I love doing like traveling, painting, gardening and documenting my office fits😎. These are my reminders that growth isn’t just professional, but personal too.

Perhaps my biggest triumph is realizing that I don’t need to have it all figured out right now. The path isn’t always straightforward, but every step, every challenge, every project, every learning moment moves me closer to where I want to be. I’ve stopped downplaying my achievements. I belong here, and I’m going to take up space. Period!!!💅🏾✨

Lessons & Advice

If you ever feel like you don’t belong in tech, here’s what I’ve learned:

• Opportunities won’t always come knocking. Sometimes, you have to build the damn door.

• Your skills matter more than where you come from. Even when it feels like platforms are biased, keep refining your craft. Your work will eventually speak for itself.

• Find your people. Community makes a difference. Having a support system, whether it’s other women in tech or online mentors that can help you keep going.

• You are enough. No, really. Imposter syndrome will lie to you. Don’t listen.

My journey in tech is still unfolding, and I have no idea where I’ll be in five years. But what I do know? I’m not stopping anytime soon. If you’re doubting yourself, trust me I’ve been there. Keep learning, keep pushing, and never underestimate what you’re capable of. Your story matters.

Because if I can do it, so can you.🫂