Until that moment, you are a student. After it, you are a builder.

We are glad to announce that Toko Academy has partnered with SIRSTEVEHQ, one of Nigeria’s leading hosting and cloud infrastructure providers, to make sure our students and interns reach that moment much earlier than most.

Through this partnership, SIRSTEVEHQ is providing free hosting for Toko Academy students and interns while they learn. Not a demo. Not a sandbox that disappears at the end of the module. Real hosting, on real infrastructure, with the same tools professionals use every day.

You can read SIRSTEVEHQ’s announcement of the partnership on their blog.

Why this matters more than it sounds

Most people learning to code in Nigeria hit the same wall. The tutorials are free. The documentation is free. YouTube will teach you React at 2am for nothing. What isn’t free is the last mile — the part where your project becomes a thing that exists on the internet.

So learners stall. They build twelve projects that live only in a folder called projects on a laptop that may or may not survive the year. They finish a course with skills they cannot demonstrate and confidence they haven’t earned, because confidence comes from shipping, not from finishing videos.

And then they sit in an interview and get asked, “What have you built?” — and the honest answer is “a lot, but I can’t show you.”

That gap is not a talent problem. It is an access problem. This partnership closes it.

What our students actually get

Starting now, learners on our web development tracks and our interns working on live builds can:

• Deploy their coursework to real hosting from early in the curriculum, not at the end of it
• Work with the real stack — cPanel, domains, DNS records, SSL certificates, file managers, databases, email — the unglamorous infrastructure that every working developer touches weekly and no tutorial covers properly
• Build a portfolio that has a URL, not a screenshot
• Break things safely, learn what a 500 error actually means at 11pm, and fix it themselves
• Launch their own ventures on the same infrastructure, the moment they are ready

That fifth point matters to us as much as the first four. Not every one of our students wants a job. Many of them want a business. For those learners, the distance between “I know how to build a website” and “I run a business that builds websites” is mostly infrastructure and nerve. We can help with both.

We are big on real environments

If you have followed our work, you already know this about us: we do not believe in teaching technology in a vacuum.

Toko Academy runs from Yola, in Northeast Nigeria — a long way from where most of the country’s tech conversation happens. That distance taught us something useful early on. When you are on the periphery, you cannot afford to train people for a version of the industry that doesn’t exist. Our students will not be graded on how well they completed a lesson. They will be graded by clients who want a site live by Friday, by employers who want to see something working, by markets that do not care how good your notes were.

So we build our curriculum backwards from that reality. Our learners work on live briefs. Our interns ship for actual organisations. Our Young Innovators track puts children in front of real code, not drag-and-drop toys, because we would rather they meet the real thing early and find it friendly than meet it late and find it frightening.

Hosting was the one piece we could not hand them freely. Now we can.

We are also big on collaboration

We could have solved this quietly. Bought a reseller plan, absorbed the cost, said nothing.

We would rather say something — because the thing we most want to prove is that the ecosystem works better when we build it together than when we each build our own small kingdom.

Nigeria’s tech ecosystem has no shortage of ambition. What it often lacks is companies willing to spend something on people who cannot yet pay them back. Students are not a market. Interns are not a revenue line. Supporting them is a bet with a long payback and no guarantee, and most companies, understandably, do not make it.

SIRSTEVEHQ made it. That deserves to be said out loud.

So: thank you to Stephen Oduntan and the entire SIRSTEVEHQ team. Not for a sponsorship — for a decision. You chose to spend real infrastructure on learners who have nothing to offer you yet except who they might become. We do not take it lightly, and neither should anyone reading this.

If you are a founder, a developer, or a business owner in Nigeria looking for hosting, domains, cloud servers, or business email, we would ask you to consider SIRSTEVEHQ. We are not saying that because they gave us something. We are saying it because of what they chose to give it to. Support the companies that support the people coming up behind you.

What’s next

This is a starting point, not a finish line. As the partnership develops, we are looking at deeper collaboration — practical infrastructure workshops for our cohorts, deployment content built with SIRSTEVEHQ’s team, and pathways that take our learners from their first live site all the way to running their own client work on professional infrastructure.

To our students: you no longer have an excuse. The hosting is handled. Go build something and put it on the internet where the world can see it.

That’s the whole point.

Learn with us: tokoacademy.org
Explore SIRSTEVEHQ: sirstevehq.com

By joining this international movement, Toko Academy becomes part of a collaborative network dedicated to equitable, systemic change in education. The Academy will now have the ability to leverage Code.org’s open-license, high-quality curriculum to train teachers and provide students with foundational skills in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Driving Local Impact with Global Resources

As a member of the Global Partner Network, Toko Academy will focus on three key pillars:

• Localized Adaptation: Translating and adapting Code.org’s world-class curriculum to suit the specific cultural and linguistic contexts of students in Adamawa State.
• Teacher Capacity Building: Utilizing specialized professional development resources and online training to equip local educators with the tools to deliver high-quality CS instruction.
• The “Hour of AI” Movement: Leading regional participation in global campaigns like the “Hour of AI,” moving students from being consumers of technology to becoming creators.

“Our goal has always been to ensure that a student in Yola has the same digital opportunities as a student in any other part of the world,” said Daniel Ishaku, Founder/CEO of Toko Academy. “Aligning with Code.org—an organization that has already reached 42 million students globally—allows us to bring a proven, world-class framework to our community. We aren’t just teaching coding; we are shaping how education evolves in our region.”

Toko Academy’s partnership aligns it with a movement supported by global tech leaders such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. By utilizing Code.org’s research-backed materials, Toko Academy ensures that its students are learning according to the highest international standards, specifically tailored for the challenges of the 21st-century workforce.

About Toko Academy

Toko Academy is a leading technology training institute based in Jimeta-Yola, Adamawa State. With a focus on “Skills for Tomorrow,” the academy provides comprehensive training in software development, data science, and digital literacy. Through its CODEPLORERS initiative and adult professional tracks, Toko Academy is committed to building a robust tech ecosystem in North-East Nigeria.

About Code.org

Code.org is a US-based nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to computer science in schools and increasing participation by young women and other underrepresented groups. To date, Code.org’s initiatives have reached over 42 million students and 1.7 million teachers globally. Its vision is that every student in every school has the opportunity to learn computer science as a foundational subject alongside biology, chemistry, or algebra.

Myth 1: You Have to Leave the North to Learn Tech

Toko Academy, a major player in the tech landscape, based in Yola, is challenging the notion that aspiring tech professionals from Northern Nigeria must relocate to access quality training. By offering both onsite and online classes, the academy is making top-notch education locally accessible, thereby helping to stem the brain drain of talented individuals.

Myth 2: Learning a High-Value Digital Skill Will Break the Bank.

Toko Academy is debunking the myth that acquiring in-demand digital skills has to break the bank. By offering flexible installment payment plans, the academy makes these life-changing skills accessible to all, bridging the financial gap and opening doors to new opportunities.

Myth 3: Local Academies Only Teach the Basics.

Skepticism about regional institutions offering outdated curricula is disproven by Toko Academy. With its slogan, “Skills for tomorrow,” the academy offers a visionary curriculum including Data Analysis, Cybersecurity, UI/UX Design, and AI Essentials, preparing students for global careers.

Myth 4: You Need to Choose Between a Local and an Online Program.

Toko Academy’s hybrid model breaks down barriers by combining onsite and online classes, giving students the flexibility to choose what works best for them, whether they’re full-time students or working professionals.

Opportunity is Closer Than You Think!

Toko Academy in Yola sets a precedent for Nigerian tech education, demonstrating that excellent, affordable, and tailored training can thrive locally, not just in major hubs. It showcases how regional institutions can play a pivotal role in boosting national tech literacy.

Written By Grace Gwandi

With the theme “Women in Uniform Breaking Tech Barriers,” the event sought to address the gender gap in technology and security sectors, offering a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and recognition.

Speaking at the gathering, Daniel Ishaku, CEO of Toko Academy, emphasized the need to celebrate and empower women in uniform. He connected the event’s theme to the United Nations’ IWD 2025 global theme, “Accelerate Action,” urging for urgent and collective efforts to break down barriers and create more opportunities for women.

“Women serving in the Nigerian military and paramilitary forces are not only safeguarding our nation but also pushing the boundaries of technological advancements. However, their contributions often go unnoticed in civilian spaces,” Ishaku said.

One of the key initiatives unveiled during the event was the launch of a fundraising campaign to support digital skills training for women in uniform. Toko Academy aims to equip female security personnel with modern technological skills to enhance their roles in security, intelligence, and defense systems.

Panel discussions also explored ways to encourage more women to pursue tech-related roles within security agencies. Experts stressed the importance of policy changes, mentorship, and increased access to digital education.

The event concluded with an awards presentation to recognize outstanding women in uniform for their contributions to national security and technological advancements.

With initiatives like this, Toko Academy continues to play a pivotal role in empowering women, ensuring they have the tools, skills, and support needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Written By Grace Gwandi

In his keynote address, Daniel Ishaku, CEO of Toko Academy, emphasized the importance of celebrating women in uniform who are pioneering technological advancements and ensuring national security. He highlighted that while these women are often celebrated within their fields, their contributions are rarely acknowledged in the broader civilian space.

“These women are not only breaking barriers in their respective forces but also leading the way in technological innovations within security and defense. It is time we recognize their efforts and provide platforms to amplify their impact,” Ishaku stated.

The event featured awards for outstanding women in leadership, networking opportunities, and panel discussions focused on advancing gender inclusion in tech-related fields within the armed and paramilitary forces.

A major highlight of the celebration was the launch of a fundraising campaign to support digital skills training for women in uniform. Ishaku stressed the need for continuous training to bridge the digital divide, emphasizing that technology plays a crucial role in modern security operations.

Attendees, including government officials and representatives from various security agencies, commended the initiative. Dr. Mary Paninga, Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Planning Commission, praised the program for promoting gender equality and fostering innovation.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to support women in uniform, ensuring they have access to resources and opportunities that will further their careers in both security and technology.

Written By Grace Gwandi

One of the initial hurdles Dashe addressed was the common fear of posting. She encouraged attendees to overcome this hesitation by starting with small, authentic shares, highlighting that even seemingly minor contributions can build momentum and confidence.

Furthermore, Dashe emphasized that specializing in a specific niche allows content creators to connect effectively with their target audience. She also reiterated the need for two-way engagement, encouraging active participation by commenting on others’ posts and responding thoughtfully to comments on one’s content. This approach, she noted, is key to building a strong professional network and establishing credibility.

Dashe then transitioned to practical tools and strategies. She showcased LinkedIn’s built-in scheduling feature, which enables users to plan and automate their content distribution, ensuring a consistent presence. She also explored the diverse range of content formats available on the platform, including engaging carousels and impactful videos, encouraging users to leverage these to diversify their content strategy. Crucially, Dashe delved into the power of analytics, advising participants to regularly monitor key metrics such as reach, impressions, and engagement to refine their content strategy continuously.

In her concluding remarks, Miss Dashe succinctly summarized the core tenets of LinkedIn mastery: authenticity, unwavering consistency, and data-driven refinement. She reiterated that these elements, when combined, are the recipe for sustained success on the platform. For those eager to delve deeper, the full rebroadcast of this insightful webinar will be made available on Toko Academy’s YouTube channel. Additionally, Toko Academy offers a range of comprehensive courses designed to provide further in-depth training in content creation and digital strategy.

Written by Grace Gwandi

The session, facilitated by Ms. Happiness Zacham Kabantiok, Lead Instructor and Data Analyst at Toko Academy, was held at the invitation of Dr. Ibrahim Inuwa, Chair of the Department of Information Systems, SITC. The collaborative class introduced participants to one of today’s most in-demand business tools — Power BI — offering a mix of theory, practice, and real-world application.

From Data to Decisions

During the session, students explored Power BI’s practical capabilities, including data importation and transformation, building interactive dashboards, and visual storytelling through bar charts, pie charts, and line graphs. The focus was on helping participants understand how data visualization drives better decisions across industries.

“Our aim is to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world digital skills,” Ms. Kabantiok explained. “Power BI empowers students to see data not as numbers, but as stories that influence progress and innovation.”

Interactive Learning, Real Impact

The workshop was dynamic and engaging, with students actively asking questions and experimenting with datasets. The lively atmosphere reflected a shared eagerness to embrace technology as a core competency in modern careers.

Dr. Inuwa lauded the collaboration, describing it as an essential step toward strengthening data literacy in higher education.

“Partnerships like this ensure that our students are not only knowledgeable but employable — ready to add value in any digital-driven environment,” he remarked.

Toko Academy: Building a Future of Digital Leaders

Beyond the classroom, the collaboration showcased Toko Academy’s growing influence as a regional leader in digital skills education. The Yola-based institution continues to promote inclusive, practical, and community-focused learning experiences across Northeastern Nigeria.

“We believe in shared learning and empowerment,” a Toko Academy spokesperson said. “Through our programs and partnerships, we are nurturing the next generation of innovators, thinkers, and creators.”

A Shared Vision for Digital Growth

As Nigeria accelerates toward a data-driven economy, initiatives like this Power BI lab underscore the importance of collaboration between academia and industry. The event demonstrated how institutions like Toko Academy are equipping young people — especially in underserved regions — with tools that prepare them for the future of work.

With the success of the AUN lab, both organizations expressed optimism about future collaborations to expand access to data analytics, visualization, and broader technology education.

About Toko Academy
Toko Academy is a Yola-based digital learning institution dedicated to empowering individuals through hands-on training in Data Analysis, Web Development, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Literacy. The academy’s mission is to build capacity, drive innovation, and foster inclusive growth across Nigeria and Africa.

Website: www.tokoacademy.ng
Email: info@tokoacademy.ng
Socials: @tokoacademy

The event, held under the theme of innovation, inclusion, and empowerment, drew an impressive array of influential women leaders, industry professionals, and uniformed servicewomen — all united by a shared vision to bridge the gender gap in technology and open doors to new possibilities for women in every sphere.

Redefining the Role of Women in the Digital Age

While International Women’s Day is often celebrated as a moment to reflect on women’s contributions to society, this event went a step further — challenging traditional boundaries and redefining what it means to be a woman in today’s fast-evolving digital economy.

According to the organizers, the initiative was not just about recognition but transformation. “We wanted women in uniform — nurses, officers, teachers, and others — to see that technology isn’t out of reach. It’s a tool they can own, master, and use to shape the future,” said a representative from Toko Academy.

Through the sessions, participants were encouraged to embrace digital literacy and tech skills as essential life tools — not just for career advancement, but also for economic independence and community impact. The program emphasized that as the world becomes more digitized, women cannot afford to be left behind.

A Lineup of Powerful Voices

The event drew remarkable dignitaries and thought leaders who are shaping the women empowerment and innovation space in Adamawa State and beyond. Among them were:

• Mrs. Neido Geoffrey, Honorable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development
• Dr. Mary Paninga, Chairperson, Adamawa State Planning Commission
• Mrs. Nnenna Mosugu, Vice President (Finance), American University of Nigeria
• Mrs. Charity Ojonimi, CEO of Lillies Fashion Academy
• Mrs. Rebecca Shuabu, CEO of Beczee Events
• Hajia Aisha Bakari (Queen Hunter), Acting Commander, Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Services — whose bold presence underscored the strength and resilience of women in uniform

The panel discussions featured dynamic speakers including Barr. Leader Leneke, Hajia Zahra Idries, Miss Princess Oladipo, Lieut. Madaki Haruna, Miss Veronica, and Miss Ojomah of Menorah News, who shared real-life insights on leadership, innovation, and breaking systemic barriers.

The interactive and inspiring conversations explored how women — particularly those in uniform — can leverage technology to enhance security operations, administration, entrepreneurship, and education, among other sectors.

Technology: The New Frontier for Women Empowerment

One of the event’s major highlights was Toko Academy’s call to action for women to see technology as an equalizer — a gateway to new career paths and business opportunities.

From digital marketing to cybersecurity, from AI to web development, Toko Academy continues to equip young women and professionals across Northern Nigeria with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy.

The event reminded participants that “being a woman doesn’t disqualify you from learning tech — it’s an opportunity to stand out.”

Toko Academy: Building a Generation of Empowered Women

Founded with a vision to democratize access to digital skills, Toko Academy has become a strong voice for inclusion, empowerment, and innovation in Northern Nigeria. Beyond training programs, the academy serves as a platform for mentorship, leadership, and community impact — especially for women who often juggle multiple societal roles.

By bringing together women in uniform and the technology community, Toko Academy has sparked a conversation that goes beyond one event — it’s igniting a movement.

As technology continues to transform the world, Toko Academy stands as a beacon of hope and progress — ensuring that women, no matter their background or uniform, are not just participants in the digital revolution but active architects of it.