Student Paddy and SafeBridge Shape Future Tech Innovators at UNILAG
Student Paddy, in collaboration with SafeBridge and the Entrepreneurship & Skill Development Centre (ESDC) at the University of Lagos, concluded its transformative 12-week Shadowing Program with an impactful closing event on Monday, December 9, 2025.
The program, aimed at preparing the next generation of tech innovators, focused on equipping participants with hands-on experience in PHP Full Stack Development.
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This initiative bridged the gap between academia and industry, providing students with practical fintech development skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals. It comes at a crucial time when the demand for skilled developers in Nigeria’s burgeoning fintech industry is at an all-time high.
Transforming Classroom Knowledge into Industry Expertise
The shadowing program highlighted the collaboration between two standout UNILAG students—Abdullah Oyetoro and Fuad Adegoke—and mentor Olaleye Osunsanya, a Software Engineering Manager and Consultant with nearly two decades of global IT experience, having worked with brands like Adeva and Dimension Data.
Throughout the program, Olaleye mentored participants on critical aspects of fintech development, including backend and frontend programming, payment system integration, and platform optimization. His guidance offered students invaluable insights into the real-world challenges and demands of the fintech industry.
Empowering Tech Talent
Abdullah Oyetoro: A 300-level Systems Engineering student, Abdullah honed his backend development skills by focusing on server-side integration and platform optimization for SafeBridge. His ability to solve complex problems and enhance secure financial systems earned him recognition as a standout talent.
Fuad Adegoke: Also a 300-level Systems Engineering student, Fuad excelled in frontend development, with a strong emphasis on user experience and interface design. His work demonstrated exceptional potential as a versatile full-stack developer.
Both participants secured internships and job offers, underscoring the program’s success in advancing career readiness.
Key Outcomes of the Program
The Shadowing Program achieved several significant milestones:
Hands-On Learning: Participants engaged in practical coding, debugging, and testing, directly contributing to SafeBridge’s platform enhancements.
Knowledge Transfer: Under Olaleye’s mentorship, participants learned industry best practices in full-stack development and secure fintech systems.
Career Impact: Blockchain-certified credentials were awarded to participants, ensuring the authenticity and verifiability of their achievements.
A Collaborative Effort
SafeBridge, a fintech escrow service founded by Olu-Daniel Jeremiah, provided a robust learning environment. The platform’s emphasis on secure online transactions allowed participants to tackle real-world problems and develop innovative solutions.
The ESDC at UNILAG, led by Professor Sunday Abayomi Adebisi, played a pivotal role in organizing and supporting the program. Renowned for bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and professional skills, the ESDC empowers students with tools to excel in competitive industries.
As a testament to its commitment to student development, Student Paddy donated ₦100,000 to the ESDC, further demonstrating its dedication to capacity building and value sharing.
Shaping the Future of Tech in Africa
The success of this program underscores the importance of academic-industry partnerships in fostering innovation and skill development. Student Paddy, founded by UNILAG alumnus Nnaemeka Praise Ifeakor, continues to lead the charge in creating opportunities for students to gain practical experience and mentorship.
With plans to expand across Africa, Student Paddy remains committed to empowering the next generation of tech leaders, equipping them with the skills and confidence to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
This initiative is a beacon of hope for aspiring tech professionals, emphasizing the transformative power of collaboration in shaping the future of technology and innovation in Nigeria and beyond.
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Source: Legit.ng
