Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, co-founder of Flutterwave and Andela, has yet again proven his commitment to nurturing young talent by mentoring students at the Teesas Summer School. The event, held in Lagos, gathered primary and secondary school students for an impactful session on entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation. Aboyeji, who is widely regarded as one of Africa's most influential technology entrepreneurs, shared his personal journey and offered practical guidance to the next generation of builders.
Aboyeji's Entrepreneurial Roadmap
During the interactive session, Aboyeji recounted how he co-founded Andela in 2014 to train African software developers and later Flutterwave to power payments for African businesses. He explained that both companies were created to solve specific problems. “If you want to be an entrepreneur, first become a problem detective. Look around you and identify unpleasant situations; then build a solution,” he told the students.
Aboyeji stressed that great companies often emerge from modest beginnings. He cited his own experience, noting that Flutterwave did not start with massive resources but with a clear vision to simplify cross-border transactions. Today, Flutterwave is valued at over $3 billion and has processed more than 400 million transactions across the continent. Andela, on the other hand, raised $200 million in a Series E round, proving that African talent can compete on a global scale.
Lessons on Resilience and Curiosity
The founder encouraged the young attendees to embrace curiosity and not fear failure. According to him, every successful entrepreneur has a story of setbacks. He said, “The difference between those who succeed and those who fail is the ability to get up and try again.” Aboyeji also emphasized the importance of learning technical skills, particularly coding, which he described as the language of modern innovation.
He advised the students to think like digital natives and leverage technology to address everyday challenges in their schools, homes, and communities. He shared examples of young Africans who created useful apps and platforms, urging the students to believe that they too can build transformative products.
About the Teesas Summer School
The Teesas Summer School is designed by Teesas Education, an edtech platform founded by Sim Shagaya. The program introduces students to coding, design thinking, and entrepreneurial leadership in a fun and engaging environment. It aims to fill the gap in Nigeria’s education system by providing practical skills that are not typically taught in classrooms.
This year's edition featured mentorship sessions with accomplished individuals like Aboyeji, giving students direct access to role models. The organizers believe that exposure to successful entrepreneurs will inspire participants to pursue careers in technology and business. The summer school also includes group projects, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Reaction from Students and Impact
The students listened intently and asked thoughtful questions about funding, idea generation, and leadership. Many said the session had changed their outlook on careers. A participant, who gave his name as Kelechi, said, “I used to think entrepreneurship was only for adults. Now I know I can start building my ideas now.”
Educators praised the initiative for bridging the gap between theoretical learning and real-world skills. They noted that mentoring from figures like Aboyeji provides motivation that textbooks cannot deliver. The summer school’s focus on problem-solving aligns with the needs of Nigeria’s developing tech ecosystem, where young founders increasingly drive economic growth.
Aboyeji's Broader Commitment to African Tech
Beyond the Teesas event, Aboyeji has consistently supported early-stage startups through his investment vehicle, Future Africa. He also co-founded Talent City, a project aimed at creating a hub for technology and creativity. His involvement in the summer school underscores his belief that Africa’s future lies in the hands of young people who are empowered to create, not just consume.
As Nigeria grapples with high youth unemployment, initiatives like this are crucial in equipping potential innovators with the right mindset and skills. The Teesas Summer School, with mentors like Aboyeji, is contributing to the rise of a new wave of African founders ready to solve local problems and compete globally.
With the summer school still running and more activities planned, participants are expected to continue developing their ideas. The interaction with Aboyeji may prove to be the spark that ignites their entrepreneurial journeys.
