Career guide · 5 min read
How to break into tech in Nigeria without a degree
By The Roothub ·
You don't need a computer science degree to get into tech in Nigeria. Many entry-level tech jobs care more about skills than certificates. But you do need evidence that you can do the work.
That means choosing a direction, learning the basics and turning what you learn into something people can see.
Here's where to start.
1. Pick one lane
Tech is bigger than coding. Your starting point could be:
- Development: build websites and apps.
- Product design: make digital products easy and enjoyable to use.
- Data analysis: turn numbers into decisions.
- Digital marketing: help brands grow online.
- Technical support: solve problems and keep users happy.
Pick the lane that matches your interests and strengths. You can always switch later — but depth beats breadth when you're starting out.
2. Learn with a plan
Choose one beginner course and finish it. A simple weekly routine beats scattered tutorials:
- Learn a concept.
- Practise it with an exercise.
- Build something small with it.
- Get feedback and repeat.
Roothub Academy courses run in short 15-minute sprints, so you can keep this routine even on a busy week or a weak network.
3. Build proof first
Employers and clients hire evidence, not ambition. Start with projects around you: a booking flow for a local barber, a simple website for a small business, an analysis of sales data, a small marketing campaign.
Label each project honestly. Explain the problem you solved, how you approached it and what you'd improve next time. That story matters more than polish.
4. Make your work visible
Put your best work in a portfolio anyone can open. Include your contact details and one clear description per project: what it was, what you did and what changed because of it.
5. Join communities
Skills grow faster around people. Join communities where members share work, swap feedback and post opportunities. Participation builds the relationships that turn into referrals, gigs and jobs.
6. Apply — and tailor every CV
Be honest about your qualifications. Tailor your CV to each role: lead with the projects and skills that match the job, not everything you've ever done.
Expect rejection along the way. Use feedback to improve your work and your applications.
Start with your next move
Breaking into tech isn't about collecting every certificate or learning every tool. It's about building useful skills — and making those skills visible.
Pick one track. Complete one lesson. Start one project.
Explore the Roothub Academy online courses, find internships in Nigeria and begin building your proof.
Own your next move.