At our very first physical meetup in Lagos over the weekend, Dr. Biodun, our founder, asked Sylvester, one of our volunteers, “What can Cyberdata do for you?” As Partnerships Manager, what I heard was, How can Cyberdata further partner with you for your growth?
Interesting how partnership is such a basic thing. Even individuals need it to arrive at their goals and do great things. We recently announced new partners on our social media platforms, signaling that our vision and impact are expanding across Africa. Our dream is to build a pipeline of African talent in cybersecurity and data science, and to partner with innovators and young dreamers shaping the continent’s digital future. A huge goal, no doubt.
So what do I do? Type a lot of documents like the other PM? Just kidding. My role involves shaping Cyberdata’s goals into narratives that others can believe in, act on, and grow with, ideally for more than one season.
Our Story
As our designated storyteller, I won’t just echo what you’ll find in our mission and vision sections. The short version is: our founder is paying it forward. From a boy in Agege fascinated with computers to a cybersecurity leader and professor, he knows firsthand the power of access and support. Through teaching and building, he identified a critical gap, the need for more African talent ready for the next wave of tech and innovation. This is why we exist.
Want the full story? I’ve got insider information. We’re launching a video series soon. You’ll hear the why and the how of Cyberdata straight from us. Not following us on social media yet?
Fix that.
Co-Actors: Partnerships in Action
- AltSchool Africa
If you’re African, chances are you’ve heard about AltSchool and their scholarships. In case you haven’t, they’re a virtual learning platform improving access to global-standard skills training for Africans. Before partnering with AltSchool, we offered scholarships to engineering students at Nigerian universities, providing textbooks and learning materials in cybersecurity and data science. We know how hard it is to learn without structure.
Today, we’re building a talent pipeline for future tech jobs. AltSchool built the classroom. In January, we partnered to sponsor scholars through their program. They’re a few months in, and we’re excited to watch their journeys unfold.
2. Lifemac Africa
We’re also nurturing young leaders from junior secondary school through our Cybersecurity and Data Science Clubs. From club meetings to comic books and workbooks, we’re sparking imaginations about the digital future. Lifemac Africa is a Ghana-based social enterprise nurturing critical thinkers, especially girls, youth, and people with disabilities, in tech, STEM, health, and more. Together, we’re co-creating learning resources like comics to make cybersecurity and data more accessible to young minds.
3. YAF Ghana
YAF Ghana supports high-achieving, low-income students to access top university scholarships. Our partnership helps extend academic scholarships to Ghana, reinforcing our mission to develop talent across the continent.
The Future is Collaborative; What a year it’s already been, and we’re just getting started. In the months ahead, we’re looking to connect with schools, nonprofits, companies, and philanthropists who share our vision.If you’re wondering, “What can I do for Cyberdata?” here’s my answer:
● If you’re a business or institution with cybersecurity or data needs, we’re growing the talent you’ll soon rely on. Tap into our pipeline.
● If you want to expand the career imagination of African teenagers, sponsor and distribute one of our comics.
● If you’re a cybersecurity leader, let’s talk mentorship. Virtual coffee’s on me.
● Planning a hackathon, tech event, or data conference? Let’s collaborate.
Have an idea we should explore together? I’m always reachable: pelumi@cyberdatafoundation.org