Ivie Osoiye Advances Early Digital Literacy Through Children-Focused Tech Initiative

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

As efforts to position Africa for a digital future intensify, cybersecurity professional and education advocate Ivie Osoiye, widely known as The Roman Ivy, is reshaping the conversation by prioritising early childhood exposure to technology.

Osoiye is the founder of Stix and Codes Academy, a digital education initiative aimed at introducing children aged six and above to essential technology skills.

Her approach departs from conventional models that focus largely on young adults, instead framing digital literacy as a core life skill that should begin early.

Established on the principle that early exposure builds long-term confidence and competence, Stix and Codes Academy offers structured, age-appropriate learning programmes for children and teenagers. Its curriculum includes coding fundamentals, game development, robotics, logical reasoning and digital creativity, delivered through interactive and hands-on teaching methods.

According to the academy, the learning model is designed to make technology approachable and engaging rather than abstract or intimidating. Students are encouraged to experiment, ask questions and work on practical projects, fostering problem-solving skills and digital confidence at a formative stage.

Osoiye’s professional background in cybersecurity plays a key role in shaping the academy’s content. Beyond technical skills, learners are introduced to online safety, ethical technology use and digital responsibility, ensuring they develop awareness alongside capability.

With Africa home to one of the youngest populations globally, Osoiye’s initiative reflects a long-term strategy focused on preparing future generations for meaningful participation in the global digital economy.

Osoiye maintains that Africa’s technological transformation should not begin at university or in the workplace, but in childhood, through early access to guidance, skills and opportunities. Through Stix and Codes Academy, she is working to expand that access for young learners across the continent