TS Academy officially launched its merchandise line at the inaugural TS Connect event in Lagos, drawing over 1,400 students and alumni for a community-focused tech gathering that combined networking, games, giveaways, and lifestyle culture.
First Edition of TS Connect
The event marked the first edition of TS Connect, bringing together members of the TS community from various learning cohorts, including Novara and Phoenix. Many attendees met physically for the first time after months of online interaction through classes and learning communities.
Merchandise Launch Highlights
Central to the event was the launch of TS Academy’s merchandise line, featuring branded hoodies, shirts, tote bags, water bottles, and other lifestyle items. The launch quickly became a standout moment, with attendees purchasing and wearing items throughout the event, extending the TS brand beyond online classes into a visible community identity.
Several products sold out quickly, and attendees repeatedly requested additional items, underscoring the strong connection students felt with the community. Following demand, TS Academy announced that merchandise orders would continue online, with additional drops and future collections planned. Interested buyers can place orders through the official TS Academy merch store.
Community Vision
Adetola Durojaiye, Founder and CEO of TS Academy, explained the vision behind TS Connect: “A lot of tech events can feel overly formal or transactional. We wanted to create something more relaxed where people could actually connect naturally, have conversations, meet others on similar paths, and enjoy being part of a community physically.” He noted that the response reinforced the need for more community-driven experiences in Africa’s tech learning space. “One thing we noticed almost immediately was how easily people connected once they got comfortable. You had students, alumni, people already working in tech, and people just starting, all sharing experiences openly. That atmosphere is something we want to continue building across more cities.”
Event Activities
Beyond the merchandise launch, the event featured karaoke sessions, games, and raffle giveaways, with laptops and phones presented to selected attendees. Participants also highlighted the opportunity to meet in person those they had previously only interacted with online.
Expansion Plans
Following the success of the Lagos edition, TS Academy announced that TS Connect will expand to other Nigerian cities, including Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Enugu, Owerri, and Calabar. Future international editions are also being considered in cities such as Accra, Nairobi, London, and Birmingham.
About TS Academy
TS Academy is an African edtech platform focused on equipping digital professionals with technical and digital skills for the evolving technology economy. Through structured learning programmes and practical training, the academy helps creators and digital professionals expand their capabilities and transition into deeper roles within the tech ecosystem.
