The Transformative Legacy of Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin

In celebration of International Girls in ICT Day, I am honoured to profile one of Africa’s most remarkable advocates for young girls in technology, Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin. Her work has not only broken barriers but has also championed a movement that empowers girls to see themselves as creators, innovators, and leaders in the digital age. As a scholar focused on technology, innovation, and cooperative economics, I find Abisoye’s legacy an inspiring testament to the transformative power of education and advocacy. Her pioneering efforts have redefined what is possible for girls in underserved communities, creating a ripple effect of change that extends across Africa and beyond.

The intersection of technology, education, and social advocacy has rarely found a more compelling case study than the work of Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin. I view Abisoye’s contributions not just as impactful but as exemplary. Her visionary leadership, particularly in the adaptation of technology curricula to local African contexts, offers lessons for policymakers, educators, and entrepreneurs alike.

Abisoye’s work demonstrates that the transformative power of technology lies not merely in its tools but in the ways it is contextualized and applied to solve real-world problems. Her programs, designed to empower underserved girls, exemplify how innovation can be harnessed to address systemic inequalities while driving economic growth.

Localizing Global Solutions for Maximum Impact
One of Abisoye’s most significant achievements is her ability to adapt foreign coding curricula to local Nigerian realities. This innovative approach recognized that for technology education to be effective, it must resonate with the cultural norms, traditions, and social contexts of its learners. Her programs not only made technology accessible to young girls in underserved communities but also ensured that these girls could see themselves in the world of tech—an essential step in breaking long-held societal barriers.
Remarkably, these initiatives were offered free of charge, a rarity in an ecosystem where financial barriers often prevent access to quality education. This model, which merges cultural relevance with accessibility, has since become a benchmark for inclusive education.

A Catalyst for Cultural Change
Abisoye’s work goes beyond equipping young girls with technical skills. She has been a leading voice in challenging patriarchal norms that limit the potential of the African girl child. Through her advocacy, she has shifted perceptions about what girls can achieve, inspiring millions to view education and technology as tools for empowerment rather than privilege.
The results speak for themselves. Today, thousands of women in Nigeria are thriving as technical program managers, UI/UX designers, and tech entrepreneurs. This wave of inclusion in the technology sector can be directly traced to Abisoye’s unyielding advocacy and her ability to demonstrate the untapped potential of young girls in the digital economy.

Leveraging Technology for Economic Development
Abisoye’s early adoption of the tech bootcamp model is particularly noteworthy. When she launched her first coding bootcamp in 2012, the concept was still nascent globally. Yet, she saw the potential of this model to drive economic impact in underserved communities. Her programs did not just train girls in coding; they taught them how to solve real-world problems, empowering them to become innovators in their own right.
One example is Makoko Fresh, a digital platform inspired by the fishing trade, which allowed fishermen to sell their seafood directly to consumers. Initiatives like this reflect the far-reaching economic benefits of her programs, which equip participants with both technical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset.

Innovation on Demand
The Guardian Co-learning Model stands as a testament to Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin’s innovative approach to tech skills development for under-represented groups. This groundbreaking methodology integrates parents, particularly mothers, into the learning journey of young girls, creating a supportive ecosystem that extends beyond the classroom. By addressing the cultural and familial barriers that often hinder girls’ education, the model ensures that the skills and knowledge gained are sustainable and impactful. Mothers are not only included in the process but are often empowered with skills and resources to enhance their own economic opportunities, fostering a ripple effect of transformation within families and communities. This holistic strategy reflects Abisoye’s deep understanding of systemic challenges and her ability to craft solutions that are as inclusive as they are effective, making the Guardian Co-learning Model a replicable framework for sustainable change.

Global Recognition as a Changemaker
Abisoye’s remarkable contributions have positioned her alongside some of the most influential leaders in the world. In 2018, she was honored as one of the BBC 100 Women, a prestigious recognition that placed her in the company of trailblazers such as Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations; Stacey Cunningham, the first woman to serve as President of the New York Stock Exchange; and Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist and the first female mayor of Mexico City. This acknowledgment highlights the global significance of Abisoye’s work. Further cementing her reputation as a thought leader in technology and social impact, she has been selected for highly competitive programs such as the Edward S. Mason Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School and the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) by the U.S. Department of State. These achievements underscore the far-reaching impact of her advocacy and innovation.

Building Holistic Empowerment Models
As an academic, I am particularly impressed by the holistic nature of Abisoye’s approach. She recognized early on that empowering young girls required addressing the economic realities of their families. Her programs often included support for mothers, offering skill-based training and micro-loans through partnerships with organizations like Mamamoni. This dual focus on individual and community empowerment created a sustainable model of change.
Her innovation hub, Lady Labs, exemplifies her commitment to advancing inclusion in technology. Commended by leaders like former World Bank Vice President Oby Ezekwesili and Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Lady Labs is a testament to the scalability and replicability of her model.

A Legacy of Lasting Impact
The significance of Abisoye’s work lies in its ripple effects. Her programs have not only transformed the lives of individual participants but have also contributed to broader systemic change. Today, thousands of young women in Nigeria are breaking into the tech industry, reshaping the country’s economy, and challenging societal norms—all thanks to her pioneering efforts.
Her recognition as a CNN Hero and recipient of Bono’s ONE Women of the Year Award further cements her legacy. These accolades align her with changemakers like Nadia Murad, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and Connie Britton, a gender equality advocate.

Lessons for Economic and Social Development
As we look to the future, Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin’s work offers invaluable lessons. It demonstrates that effective economic development must be inclusive, context-driven, and sustainable. By empowering the most marginalized members of society—young girls in underserved communities—she has shown that innovation can be a powerful equalizer.
Abisoye’s legacy is one of resilience, vision, and an unshakable belief in the potential of individuals to transform their communities. Her journey reminds us that the true measure of innovation lies not just in technological advancement but in its ability to create meaningful and lasting change.

 

Igbafe is Professor of Co-operative Economics and Management Studies, Auchi Polytechnic