Chioma Okpara’s journey into the world of technology is one of resilience, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to giving back to society. Unlike many who step into tech with a background in STEM, Chioma’s story began in an entirely different field—Pharmacology. As a young student at the University of Lagos, she was on the path to becoming a professional in pharmacology when fate intervened.
During her university days, an industry leader took a chance on her, introducing her to the world of technology. What started as curiosity quickly became a passion, and Chioma seized the opportunity to immerse herself in learning, growth, and hands-on experience in tech.
Through sheer determination, she not only transitioned into tech successfully but thrived, securing roles at Microsoft, Dell, Lenovo, and Micromax, where she played pivotal roles in driving tech innovation and digital transformation.
Bridging the Gap: Creating a Pathway for Young Tech Enthusiasts
Having navigated her own unconventional journey into tech, Chioma understood firsthand the struggles of breaking into the industry without connections or prior experience. This realization led her to establish a platform dedicated to empowering young underrepresented individuals, giving them a foot in the door of the tech world and ultimately securing them placements in various organizations.
Chioma’s initiative focuses on bridging the gap between talent and opportunities, breaking the cycle of recycling the same pool of employees in Nigeria’s tech industry.
Instead of companies hiring only from the existing workforce, her platform introduces fresh young tech enthusiasts—many of whom previously had no formal exposure to technology—into the industry. These young professionals, once overlooked, now work in leading tech firms, contributing innovative ideas and fresh perspectives to the digital ecosystem.
Her platform reaches diverse groups, including:
- Unemployed graduates struggling to find job opportunities
- Youths from community centers looking for career direction
- Young people from churches who need mentorship and career guidance
- Individuals unable to access university education, but who can intern and serve as apprentices in tech companies
Through mentorship, training, and coaching, Chioma empowers these young individuals, ensuring that their skills align with industry needs. She frequently invites industry leaders to engage with her mentees, providing valuable insights, career coaching, and networking opportunities. Many of her mentees have since gone on to secure roles at top tech firms, marking the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s digital workforce.
Inspiring the Next Generation: Tech Education from the Ground Up
Understanding the importance of early exposure to technology, Chioma does not limit her impact on young job seekers. She is a passionate advocate for introducing technology education at the grassroots level.
She visits primary and secondary schools, inspiring students to develop an interest in tech careers early on. Her school outreach programs equip young minds with knowledge about the endless possibilities within the digital space, planting the seeds for future tech innovators in Nigeria.
A Respected Industry Expert and Leader in Tech
Chioma’s expertise and credibility in the technology space are undeniable. She has worked with global tech giants, including Microsoft, Dell, Lenovo, and Micromax, contributing to strategic initiatives that have shaped the industry. As a seasoned professional, she is an active member of prestigious industry organizations, including:
- Nigerian Computer Society (NCS)
- Computer Professionals of Nigeria (CPN)
- ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association)
- AITP (Association of Information Technology Professionals)
- IAASSE (International Association of Academicians – Non-profit)
- The CIO Awards Network
These affiliations place her among the top thought leaders in Nigeria’s technology space, further amplifying her influence and credibility.
Empowering Tech and Humanity
Chioma Okpara’s work is not just about technology; it is about human and business progress. She has created a movement that transforms lives, providing young people with the opportunity to thrive in an industry that once seemed out of reach.
Her contributions are not just valuable to the tech industry but to humanity as a whole, as she continues to shape the future by investing in people, innovation, and inclusion.
