For millions of African children, learning computer science feels very difficult to grasp. But Computer Rhymes Initiative, a Nigerian EdTech startup, is changing that narrative through the language of music.
The startup is turning computer science concepts into musical rhymes and animated stories, making technology fun, relatable, and memorable for children aged 5 to 12.
In this edition of Techparley’s DRIVE100, where we celebrate Africa’s boldest startups, we spotlight Computer Rhymes Initiative, founded by Victor Egbe, which is transforming how young Africans grasp digital literacy through the power of music, storytelling, and technology.
“Millions of African children struggle to understand computer concepts due to abstract teaching methods, language barriers, and lack of engaging digital resources. Computer Rhymes turns computer science terms into fun, musical rhymes that children can sing, recite, and remember easily,” Egbe told Techparley.
Where Music Meets Technology
Computer Rhymes Initiative was born from a simple idea, that children remember better when they sing what they learn. Instead of long definitions and dry lessons, Egbe’s platform transforms ICT terms into catchy rhymes and engaging storylines that children can recite, sing, and dance to.
“Our goal is to teach computer science in the language of music,” Egbe explains. “If children can sing ABCs, they can also sing CPU, keyboard, and internet.”
According to him, the project combines audio rhymes, animated videos, and an interactive app (currently in development) that allows children to explore topics through music, visuals, and storytelling.
Each rhyme simplifies a computer concept, from software and hardware to coding and internet safety, while fostering creativity and curiosity.
Solving the Problem of Abstract Learning
Egbe, an award-winning ICT educator and UNESCO Digital Teacher Trainer, saw firsthand how young learners struggled with abstract computer concepts. Many lacked access to engaging materials or relatable content in their learning environment.
“Our primary audience is young learners (ages 5–12) in rural and urban schools who need foundational computer knowledge in relatable, memorable ways,” Egbe says.
According to the founder, Computer Rhymes addresses three major pain points among African learners:
- Limited access to engaging digital tools
- Low retention of computer concepts
- Boredom and disconnection in traditional ICT lessons
Computer Rhymes is led by Victor Egbe, who doubles as the Head of ICT and Digital Skills at Sunflower School, Kano. With over a decade of classroom experience, Egbe has consistently championed creative digital teaching methods that blend music and technology.
He works with a team of local animators, audio engineers, and teachers, collaborating to refine scripts, test content, and ensure that lessons resonate with real classroom dynamics.
A Fresh Approach in Africa’s EdTech Space
Unlike traditional e-learning platforms that rely heavily on reading and quizzes, Computer Rhymes introduces a multi-sensory experience. It blends music, visuals, and interactivity, engaging not just the mind but also the emotions.
Egbe’s approach stands out in an industry dominated by text-heavy apps and YouTube tutorials. While competitors focus on theoretical instruction, Computer Rhymes offers rhyme-based learning tailored for African children, a unique model that merges culture, creativity, and technology.
Since its inception, Computer Rhymes Initiative reveals it has released six original computer rhymes, each simplifying key ICT topics for primary school learners.
The startup has also developed prototype designs for its upcoming app, which will feature interactive lessons, lyrics, and linked topics for deeper learning.
Other notable milestones include:
- Production of animated videos for classroom and YouTube use
- Over 500 online and offline engagements from parents, teachers, and learners
- Recognition across social media and digital learning communities for innovation in teaching
With plans to launch a full animation series and a mobile app within the next year, Egbe noted that Computer Rhymes is already gaining traction among schools in Northern Nigeria.
Challenges on the Road to Growth
Like many early-stage startups in Africa’s EdTech ecosystem, Computer Rhymes faces hurdles around funding, technical capacity, and access to production tools.
To overcome these barriers, Egbe said the team is partnering with schools for content testing, engaging volunteer creatives, and exploring collaborations with EdTech organisations that share their vision of inclusive digital education.
Egbe’s roadmap for the next few years is as ambitious as it is inspiring. Within 12 months, Computer Rhymes plans to complete its animated series, launch its learning app, and reach 10,000 students across Northern Nigeria.
In 2–3 years, the goal is to partner with education ministries and EdTech organisations to integrate Computer Rhymes as a teaching aid in public and private schools nationwide. By year 5, Egbe envisions expansion into other African countries, introducing multilingual versions in Hausa, Yoruba, and Swahili to reach a wider audience.
Bridging Education and Innovation
Egbe strongly believes that government support can accelerate the growth of teacher-led startups like his.
“If I were the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, I’d create bridge education and technology through Digital Creativity Grants and national EdTech incubators to empower teachers and youth innovators,” he says.
He advocates for national EdTech incubators, where educators can develop, test, and scale digital learning tools that respond to Africa’s unique challenges.
While some fear that artificial intelligence might displace educators, Egbe sees AI as an ally. He believes that integrating AI responsibly can enhance creativity in education rather than replace human connection.
A Call to Action for Investors and Innovators
Across the African continent, the e-learning market is showing strong growth potential, with projections estimating it could grow to nearly $7.7 billion by 2033.
Analysts say this emphasises the need for accessible, engaging foundational resources, exactly the gap that Computer Rhymes Initiative is aiming to fill.
Egbe calls on venture capitalists and impact investors to look beyond profit when supporting African startups. For him, Africa’s biggest tech challenge remains the lack of localised digital content and weak digital foundations among children.
According to industry leaders, Computer Rhymes Initiative is proving that learning doesn’t have to be dull or difficult. Through rhythm, rhyme, and innovation, Victor Egbe and his team are rewriting how children understand technology.
Talking Points
It is remarkable how Computer Rhymes Initiative is reimagining digital literacy for African children by transforming complex computer science concepts into fun, memorable rhymes. This creative blend of music, storytelling, and technology directly tackles one of Africa’s biggest educational gaps.
By simplifying abstract ideas through rhythm and song, Computer Rhymes makes digital education not only accessible but also enjoyable, particularly for children in rural and underserved communities. It bridges the gap between traditional classroom learning and modern digital skills, helping schools with limited resources inspire curiosity and confidence in technology.
At Techparley, we see how initiatives like this can play a vital role in building Africa’s digital foundation from the ground up. Early exposure to technology through culturally relevant learning tools can shape the continent’s next generation of coders, creators, and innovators.
The project’s integration of audio rhymes, animated videos, and an upcoming interactive app positions it as a forward-thinking EdTech solution uniquely designed for Africa’s learning environment.
With its mix of creativity, education, and technology, Computer Rhymes Initiative has the potential to become a continental model for inclusive digital learning.
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