Everyone is born with a dream to succeed, to excel, and to build a life they’re proud of.
But along the journey, challenges show up, and one of the biggest barriers many young Nigerians face today is access. Access to the right tools, the right community, and the right opportunities to develop valuable digital skills.
For many, the gap between potential and success is not a lack of talent. It is simply a lack of access to platforms that help them learn, grow, and build. This is the gap that Upskill with Cardtonic is bridging.
Now in its third edition, Upskill 3.0 has supported young tech talent across Nigeria with essential tools for the winners, helping them accelerate their digital careers. This article will discuss the program’s mission, participant experiences, and Cardtonic’s commitment to building Africa’s digital future by investing in young minds.
Cardtonic’s Upskill Mission & Objectives
From the very first edition, Upskill with Cardtonic’s objective has been the same: to help young tech talent grow and succeed.
The company understands that part of its success comes from the community, and this program is a way to give back. Through access to resources, such as a good laptop, Upskill supports young tech talents in building their skills and potential.
In other words, Cardtonic created Upskill to provide opportunities for career growth and to help participants make a real impact in Nigeria’s digital world.
The Upskill 3.0 Experience
This year, 16,000 young Nigerians applied for Upskill 3.0, eager to grow their tech careers. However, from this large pool, only 20 finalists were selected to receive an M4 MacBook laptop, while 15 runner-ups received ₦200,000 each as consolation prizes.
The truth is the selection process was rigorous, but carefully structured.
First, applications were reviewed to ensure the 16,000 met the eligibility criteria: Nigerian nationality, age under 30, a passion for tech or content creation, and a proven track record in their chosen skill.
Those who met the criteria advanced to the next stage, where candidates were assessed based on their tracks: software engineering, data science, product management, creative design, and content creation.
Only about 250 applicants passed the cut-off for this stage and moved on to interviews. Here, the final winners were determined. The announcement of winners led up to the prize-giving ceremony, which took place on November 1st, 2025.
This comprehensive process ensured that the 20 finalists were not only talented but also well-prepared to make the most of the resources and opportunities provided by Upskill 3.0.
What the Participants Have to Say
Is an impact really made if the finalists of Upskill 3.0 don’t say so themselves?
Well, at the prize-giving ceremony, Adeniyi James Adebayo, a product manager, shared his excitement about what the program and his new laptop would mean for his work. He said,
“The laptop will actually change a lot for me right now because one thing I understand is that productivity is very tied to the tools you use and how you use them. This will take me from ground zero to a ground ten, and even much further, because of the opportunities I’ll now be able to access. I’m also really looking forward to working with Cardtonic, because with tools like this and an environment like this, the possibilities are endless.”
Other participants also expressed their gratitude for being selected as winners, highlighting how much being part of Upskill 3.0 meant to them. They each mentioned that they are ready to use the program as a launchpad to make an impact in Nigeria’s tech space.
Cardtonic’s Vision & Forward-Thinking Role
The Upskill initiative is just one way Cardtonic supports young tech talents across Nigeria.
As one of the country’s leading fintech companies, Cardtonic provides practical solutions that make financial transactions easier and more convenient.
Through its app, users can get a virtual dollar card, trade gift cards, and pay online bills. And by combining these tools with initiatives like Upskill, Cardtonic is helping Nigerians take advantage of technology to manage their finances and expand their opportunities.
Wrapping Up
Upskill 3.0 proves that with the right tools and opportunities, young talents can reach their full potential. Cardtonic is proud to support these individuals and help build a stronger tech community in Nigeria.
This year’s edition shows that when talent meets opportunity, great things can happen. And Cardtonic will continue to create platforms that open doors for the next generation.
