How Tosin Onikute Leads viable careers through tech with his Impactful Tutoring

By Tosin Clegg

Centered around impact and its long term benefits to a younger generation, Tosin Onikute is on a journey of changing the lives of many one at a time. His educational journey started off in Middlesex University where he earned his degree in Computer Science. He recounts that, “My time at Middlesex gave me a strong theoretical foundation and practical skills that companies value. The curriculum was designed with industry needs in mind, which continues to serve me well to tackle increasingly complex challenges in professional environments.”

After graduating, he recognized that his education had given him advantages that most young people in the communities back home might never access, and he made bridging this gap his mission.

His classes cover fundamentals but emphasize projects over theory. During a recent session, students worked in small groups, building e-commerce websites for local businesses. This impact has successfully birthed viable careers for the young people under his guide.

This practical approach which have been instrumental to the success of his initiative stems from Onikute’s experience in the industry. He points out that, “These kids don’t need another certificate to frame. They need portfolios that show actual work.”

Resources remain a constant challenge. The space, borrowed from a sympathetic property owner, has unreliable electricity. Many students share computers, and internet access comes through Onikute’s hotspot. He estimates he spends about 15% of his income supporting the program.
The impact of Tosin’s work gained wider recognition following a special training event held in May 2023, organized jointly with Secretary to the Chairman Adekoya E. Seyi. The session attracted over 100 young participants eager to develop marketable digital skills.
More established tech training centers have approached Onikute about partnerships, but he remains cautious. He explains that, “They want to charge fees or make big promises about jobs. I’m just trying to give these kids the skills they need to succeed.”
The impact is becoming visible beyond the classroom. Five former students now work as junior developers, while others have launched small businesses offering web services to local shops.
Onikute is particularly focused on increasing female participation. And this matters to him because it’s going to provide an avenue for the girl child to expand her horizon and earn something for themselves. “Currently, only about a quarter of students are women,” he said. “We’re working on that by having some of my female colleagues from the industry speak to girls at local schools.”
The value goes beyond technical skills for those who stick with the program. As 18-year-old Olabinjo Adewale put it, “Before, I thought tech was just for certain types of people. Now I see it’s just about solving problems, and I’m good at that.”
Onikute’s vision remains modest but focused. “I’m not trying to create the next Google billionaire. I just want kids from this neighborhood to have options beyond what they see.”