We had the good fortune of connecting with Taiwo Joseph and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Taiwo, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I started out, I struggled significantly with finding the right platform to access quality internship opportunities. That personal frustration sparked the idea of building a tech academy—a space where training and real-world experience were integrated and easily accessible to aspiring talents. I envisioned a solution that could bridge the gap between learning and opportunity, especially for underserved youth.

In just over two years, we’ve trained over 5,000 youths across Nigeria and built a vibrant learning community of nearly 10,000 individuals. Our impact has grown through key partnerships with organizations like African Fintech Foundry, and we’ve been recognized by UN Women for advancing access to opportunities for young women. We were also named one of the Top 50 EdTech startups in Nigeria, affirming the value of what we’re building.

What should our readers know about your business?
Tell us more about your business and what sets you apart.
Thank you! I’m incredibly excited to share more about my journey, especially now that I’ve been selected for the Mandela Washington Fellowship, a prestigious program by the U.S. State Department. For me, it’s not just a recognition; it’s an affirmation. What began as an idea in the heart of a young girl from Lagos, Nigeria, is now being nurtured on a global platform that’s invested in building me into a stronger, more impactful business leader.

My business at its core is a tech-enabled learning platform that bridges the gap between training and opportunity. We don’t just teach skills, we help young people transition from learning to doing, through structured training, internship access, mentorship, and a powerful community.

What sets us apart is that we’re deeply intentional about accessibility and equity. Our programs are designed for youth and women who often get left out of traditional tech ecosystems. We’ve trained over 5,000 young people across Nigeria, grown a community of 10,000+ learners, and we continue to break down the barriers that hold back talent in underserved communities.

How did you get to where you are today? Was it easy?
It definitely wasn’t easy. There were moments when I didn’t know if the vision would work. I faced doubts, limited funding, and a lot of uncertainty. I started this without a fancy network or big backers just conviction, grit, and a clear problem I wanted to solve.

What helped me overcome those challenges was community and clarity. I surrounded myself with people who believed in the mission, including mentors like Remi Odunsi, who constantly challenged and supported me. I also focused on small wins and reinvested every little success into building something sustainable.

What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the lives we’ve touched, over 10,000 community of learners is something I’m proud of. When someone tells me, “This program gave me my first job” or “I now believe I belong in tech” that’s the real reward. I’m also proud of the fact that our work has been recognised by UN Women, we’ve been named one of the Top 50 EdTech Startups in Nigeria, and now, That I’m part of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Class of 2025.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand?
I want the world to know that Erilearn is more than a brand; it’s a movement. It’s about creating real access to opportunity for people who have talent but lack the platform. Our story is proof that solutions don’t have to come from outside Africa, we can build them ourselves, from the ground up.

And as for me, I’m still growing, still learning. But I’m committed to building systems that help others rise, because I know what it feels like to be overlooked. My dream is to ensure that the next generation never has to wonder if they belong in tech, they’ll know they do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Lagos for a week, I’d plan a mix of relaxation, culture, and a touch of tech just enough to show them the vibrant, creative energy that makes Lagos so unique.

We’d start off with a slow morning brunch at a cozy spot like Café One or Vanilla Moon, followed by a walk through Lekki Conservation Centre a perfect way to ease into nature right in the heart of the city. Midweek, I’d take them to Nike Art Gallery and Terra Kulture two of my favorite places that truly celebrate Nigeria’s rich culture and artistry.

Since I run a tech-focused academy, I’d take them to Yaba, often called the heart of Lagos’ tech ecosystem, and also show them Worksphere in Ikeja one of the innovation hubs I’m connected to. We’d meet some of the community members, and maybe visit my workspace so they get a real sense of what I do day to day.

No trip to Lagos is complete without a beach escape, so we’d hop on a boat to Tarkwa Bay or Ilashe, enjoy local favorites like suya and boli, and just take in the calm. For evenings, we’d explore live music spots and rooftop dining Bogobiri House, Shiro, or The View in Lekki are all great choices.

On the weekend, we’d attend a service at Heritage of Faith Church, then do something refreshing to wrap up the visit—maybe a sunset boat cruise or a final dinner by the water.

Lagos is chaotic and beautiful at the same time, and even though I don’t go out much, I’ve learned to appreciate its many layers. It’s always exciting to rediscover the city through someone else’s eyes

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely no journey is ever truly solo. I want to dedicate my shoutout to Remi Odunsi, who has not just been a Co-founder, but also a mentor and constant source of inspiration in my entrepreneurial journey.

Remi has played a pivotal role in shaping the vision and values behind our work. Her strategic clarity, encouragement during uncertain moments, and commitment to building something bigger than ourselves has deeply influenced both our growth and my personal development.

Whether it was helping me refine the core of our tech academy or pushing me to pursue bold ideas when I doubted myself, her belief in what we’re building has never wavered—and that’s made all the difference.

This shoutout is to Remi and to all the quiet builders and vision-sharpeners who often work behind the scenes but make the impact possible.

Website: https://www.erilearn.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taiwo_sparkles/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephtaiwodorcas/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010837957871

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