Semicolon is known for training software engineers, is teaming up with Abiola Ajimobi Technical University (Tech-U) in Oyo State to offer its alumni a new academic path, a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science in just two years.
The partnership introduces a credit transfer system that recognises Semicolon’s intensive training and industry-relevant curriculum, enabling graduates to complete a traditionally four-year degree in half the time. It’s a move aimed at addressing the longstanding gap between Nigeria’s academic institutions and the fast-evolving demands of the tech workforce.
“This isn’t about replacing universities, it’s about complementing them,” said Semicolon CEO Sam Immanuel. “Africa’s future lies in a thriving tech ecosystem, and building that ecosystem requires a new kind of collaboration.”
The collaboration works both ways. Tech-U students will also gain access to Semicolon’s practical training and tech ecosystem, while both institutions will co-develop course content, train faculty, and explore financing models that expand access to quality education for more Nigerians.
For Tech-U Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adesola Ajayi, the initiative aligns perfectly with the university’s mission. “There’s a clear disconnect between academic training and the world of work. This partnership helps bridge that divide,” he said. “The world today needs not just workers, but innovators, people who can build, solve problems, and lead.”
Semicolon is not new to bridging academia and industry. Since its founding in 2019 by Sam and Ashley Immanuel, the company has partnered with institutions like Henley Business School and Lagos Business School to expose students to business and entrepreneurial education alongside technical skills.
The Tech-U alliance mirrors a growing trend across Nigeria. Other edtech companies like AltSchool Africa have forged similar relationships with universities to offer credentials alongside alternative education. The model responds to a real need: many Nigerian graduates still struggle to find employment due to outdated curricula and limited hands-on training.
Semicolon trains about 150 students annually, with roughly a third having no prior university degree. COO Ashley Immanuel expects the partnership to be a game-changer. “This opens new doors for our alumni especially those who didn’t go to university but now want a degree that reflects their skills,” she said.
As Nigeria’s tech industry expands, such partnerships could redefine what higher education looks like less about sitting through lectures, and more about acquiring the skills to build, innovate, and thrive.