Ibadan pulsed with youthful energy on Friday as hundreds of tech enthusiasts, creatives, and innovators gathered for the second edition of TechCirvee Fest, a fast-growing technology festival organized by Nigerian startup and training academy Cirvee.
Far from being just another conference, the event blended technology panels, live performances, and real-world opportunities, underscoring the potential of Nigeria’s emerging digital economy and placing Ibadan firmly on the map as a rising tech hub.
“TechCirvee Fest is not just a gathering—it’s where young minds meet big ideas,” said Nimi Adegbite, founder of Cirvee, addressing attendees during the festival’s opening session.
Held at a venue buzzing with music, lights, and the hum of conversation, the festival offered an eclectic mix of activities. Attendees joined panel discussions featuring prominent figures in AI, fintech, and digital marketing, including speakers such as Adeife Adeoye, Pamilerin Adegoke, Tobi Ayeni, Emmanuel Michael, Tobi Bakre, and Felix Bissong.
Beyond the panels, participants explored a vibrant Innovation Showcase, highlighting tech products and creative solutions from local startups. Meanwhile, the “Impact & Rewards Segment” offered scholarships, giveaways, recognition awards, and job placements, a significant draw for Nigeria’s young, tech-curious workforce grappling with high unemployment.
The festival’s cultural flair culminated in a high-energy performance by Afropop star Peruzzi, whose music kept crowds dancing long into the evening.
Founded in 2021 by Adegbite, Cirvee is a Nigerian technology firm and certified training academy that provides tech education, career coaching, and digital solutions for businesses.
The company has gained attention for its commitment to practical, hands-on training aimed at equipping young Nigerians with job-ready skills in software development, digital marketing, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
Since launching, Cirvee has trained hundreds of youths, with many alumni now working in tech roles across Nigeria’s growing digital ecosystem. The festival serves as a platform to celebrate these success stories and to connect aspiring tech talents with industry players.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has seen a surge in tech startups and investor interest, but cities like Ibadan have often been overshadowed by Lagos. Events like TechCirvee Fest reflect a shift, spotlighting the potential of secondary cities to nurture tech talent and innovation.
With sponsors including MTN, Zoho, Oh Mobility, and Payrise, the festival highlights growing confidence in local tech initiatives. Yet challenges remain, from infrastructure gaps to high barriers for smaller startups seeking exposure.
For Adegbite, the mission is clear. “We’re creating a space where talent, opportunity, and technology intersect,” she said. “Our youth deserve platforms to showcase their creativity and drive Africa’s tech future.”
As the festival wrapped, discussions turned toward expansion, with hints that Cirvee may explore hosting similar events in other Nigerian cities—a sign that the spirit ignited in Ibadan might soon spread further across the country’s tech landscape.
TALKING POINTS
Who Benefits When Girls Code? Follow the Money. Here’s a provocative thought: Big tech loves the narrative of girls coding because it’s great PR. But who benefits when African girls build apps? Often, it’s foreign platforms profiting off the data and ideas. Africa must ensure that homegrown innovation stays under African ownership. Otherwise, we’re just fueling another digital colonialism.
It’s Time to Break the “Feel-Good Ceiling” Technovation’s amazing but let’s be blunt: we have to push beyond community programmes and competitions. Girls need pathways into investment capital, leadership roles, and the C-suite. Otherwise, we’re raising a generation of coders who’ll still be stuck as the junior team members while men run the show.
Grace Proves What’s Possible — Now Who’s Next? Grace Ihejiamaizu is a force of nature, but one woman can’t change a continent alone. Her success proves what’s possible. Now it’s time for governments, local investors, and African tech giants to put serious money and political will behind building millions more Graces.
