Ooni Tech Scholarship by Utiva: How Nigerians Can Get Free Tech Training

Applications are regularly invited from young Nigerians interested in technology for the Ooni Tech Scholarship, an initiative supported by the Ooni of Ife and implemented by Utiva, one of Africa’s leading tech education platforms.

The scholarship was created to reduce the barrier to entry into the tech industry, empower Nigerian youths with in-demand digital skills, and prepare them for global opportunities in technology.

Although earlier editions (such as the 2021 cohort) have been completed, the program has continued to inspire similar tech empowerment and scholarship initiatives in Nigeria. This article explains what the Ooni Tech Scholarship is about, who is eligible, and how interested Nigerians can stay prepared for future openings.

About Utiva

Utiva is a well-known technology workforce development company in Sub-Saharan Africa. The organization focuses on:

• Training individuals in high-demand tech skills
• Helping businesses hire and upskill tech talent
• Building a strong digital workforce across Africa

Utiva delivers its programs digitally, making it accessible to learners across Nigeria and beyond. Over the years, Utiva has trained students from multiple African countries, with a strong focus on practical, job-ready skills.

Learners are supported by experienced coaches, mentors, and industry professionals throughout their learning journey.

About the Ooni of Ife

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), is the 51st monarch of Ile-Ife, regarded as the ancestral home of the Yoruba people.

Since ascending the throne in 2015, Oba Ogunwusi has been actively involved in youth empowerment, education, entrepreneurship, and technology advancement. His support for initiatives like the Ooni Tech Scholarship reflects his commitment to preparing Nigerian youths for the digital economy.

About the Ooni Tech Scholarship

The Ooni Tech Scholarship, powered by Utiva, was designed to help Nigerians:

• Discover opportunities in technology
• Gain access to free or fully funded tech training
• Learn skills that are relevant in today’s global job market

The scholarship focuses on capacity building, not just certificates. Beneficiaries are trained to become employable, entrepreneurial, and digitally competitive.

Who Can Apply for the Ooni Tech Scholarship?

Based on past editions, applicants are expected to meet the following criteria:

• Must have a strong interest in technology
• Must be willing to learn a digital or technical skill
• No age limit (open to students, graduates, and working professionals)
• Must be a Nigerian citizen
• No prior tech experience required for beginner tracks

This inclusive approach allows both beginners and career switchers to participate.

Scholarship Benefits

While benefits may vary by edition, previous Ooni Tech Scholarship programs offered:

• Full or partial scholarship for Utiva tech courses
• Access to a free 2-day tech bootcamp
• Career guidance on choosing the right tech path
• Exposure to in-demand fields such as:
  • Data Analysis
  • Product Design
  • Software Development
  • Digital Marketing
  • Business Analysis

The bootcamp typically helps participants understand the tech ecosystem and identify skills aligned with their goals.

How to Apply for the Ooni Tech Scholarship

For past editions, applications were completed online through Utiva’s official platform.

Interested Nigerians are advised to:

• Follow Utiva’s official website and social media pages
• Monitor announcements from the Ooni of Ife’s initiatives
• Regularly check trusted platforms like nyscinfo.com for updates

Always beware of fake scholarship links and only apply through official channels.

Conclusion

The Ooni Tech Scholarship by Utiva is part of a broader effort to prepare Nigerian youths for the future of work. Even if applications are not currently open, staying informed and building basic digital skills can give you an advantage when new cohorts are announced.

Technology remains one of the fastest ways to build a sustainable career, and initiatives like this continue to open doors for Nigerians with passion and commitment.