My Journey with TIIDELab Fellowship: Step One of Six
The start of my journey with TIIDELab Fellowship has been nothing short of exhilarating. It all began when I received the long-awaited email on June 19th, 2023, informing me that I had secured a coveted slot in TIIDELab Fellowship Cohort 5 with a full scholarship. The joy that filled my heart was indescribable, surpassing any expectations I had set for myself. This was the beginning of a transformative six-month journey towards self-reliance and personal growth.
Induction Ceremony: A Dive into Knowledge:
Our induction ceremony on June 27th marked the official commencement of the fellowship. It was an auspicious occasion where we had the privilege of diving into the vast ocean of knowledge shared by TIIDELab founder, Mr. Kadir Salami. His words resonated deeply as he emphasized the importance of making a meaningful impact in society, nurturing our personal growth, and becoming individuals of value and interest. The ceremony set the stage for what promised to be an incredible experience.
During the induction, our coordinator, Mr. Shamsudeen Aderoju. , guided us through a comprehensive overview of TIIDELab Fellowship. We gained insights into the structure of the program, our daily activities, as well as the weekly and bi-monthly engagements that awaited us. We were introduced to our mentors, tech supports, and coaches who would accompany us throughout this transformative journey. The warmth of their welcome and their genuine dedication to our success filled me with a sense of excitement and anticipation.
The induction ceremony was also a moment of celebration and inspiration as we received goodwill messages and speeches from our Amiable alumni. Their words of encouragement and wisdom reminded us of the possibilities that await us and the profound impact this fellowship could have on our lives.
First Class: Introduction to Git and GitHub:
Our first class on the 27th of June delved into the world of Git and GitHub, hosted by the knowledgeable and insightful @unclebigbay. The lecture was an eye-opening experience, equipping us with essential skills to manage version control and showcase our projects on GitHub. Inspired by the session, I embarked on enhancing my GitHub profile, which now boasts an incredible and beautiful outlook. You can find it at
Leader’s Series: Wisdom and Inspiration:
The TIIDELab Fellowship encourages holistic development, and the Leader’s Series exemplified this principle. On July 3rd, we had the privilege of listening to guest speaker Mr. Theophilus Idakwoji , who shared invaluable insights on starting out as a software engineer and the key success factors. Among the lessons learned were the significance of soft skills, adaptability, the power of good work leading to more opportunities, staying updated on relevant technologies, finding inspiration, and embracing new opportunities with a resounding “yes.”
The following day, July 4th, we had another enriching leader’s series session with Mr. Adekule Adeyemi. His lecture focused on the introduction of data structures and algorithms, the fundamental building blocks of software engineering. We delved into the concepts of functionality, readability, maintainability, and the significance of the big O notation in optimizing our code. It was a profound learning experience that opened our minds to the intricacies of efficient coding practices.
Lectures, Peer Learning, and Teamwork:
The fellowship’s learning environment was further enriched by lectures, peer learning sessions, and presentations. These activities enabled us to collaborate with different groups, fostering a team spirit and exposing us to diverse perspectives. I had the pleasure of partnering with Uthman Usman, who proved to be an incredibly supportive, encouraging, and dedicated coding partner. Together, we laughed, learned, and shared code snippets, creating an environment of growth and camaraderie. Working with him has been an absolute delight.
Then comes the almighty CCAT:
The first CCAT (Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test) — the most dreaded morning dose of the fellowship. I must admit, I approached it with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. The CCAT is a crucial step in determining our progress in the fellowship.
The questions demanded intricate problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and the ability to think on one’s feet.
As I clicked the final submit button, a wave of relief washed over me. I had managed to surpass the daunting challenge, achieving the exact cutoff of 80%. The weight lifted off my shoulders, and I couldn’t help but celebrate this accomplishment.
The CCAT may be dreaded by many, but it is a crucial milestone that separates the determined from the hesitant. It serves as a reminder that challenges are meant to be overcome, and success is attainable with perseverance and a growth mindset. The CCAT experience kept teaching me the importance of preparation, time management, and the ability to perform under pressure.
Welcome to Team BitMasters:
It was time for team distribution, and I was thrilled to be added to Team One. Alongside 12 other talented individuals, we embarked on our journey as BitMasters — a team with a shared vision of mastering the digital realm, bit by bit. We wasted no time in creating a beautiful logo that captured our team spirit and motto.
Leading our team is the remarkable Oyedunmade Damilola, whose intelligence and approachability have made her an excellent choice as our team lead. Assisting her is Haruna Idris, a smart and resourceful team member. Together, we form a dynamic and cohesive unit, always ready to support, motivate, and challenge each other.
Working with BitMasters has been an incredible experience. The companionship within the team is unmatched, and everyone brings their unique skills and perspectives to the table. We push each other to excel, celebrate our successes, and provide a helping hand in times of need. It truly feels like having the best team anyone could ask for.
As we continue our Tiidelab fellowship journey, I am confident that BitMasters will leave an indelible mark. We are united by our shared passion for growth, innovation, and making a positive impact. Together, we will conquer challenges, learn from each other, and emerge as leaders in the digital landscape.
Physical Meetup: Regrets and Team Building:
On July 7th, Tiidelab, organized its highly-anticipated first physical meetup in the vibrant city of Abuja. Although, due to unforeseen circumstances, I unfortunately missed the event, I was delighted to hear about the incredible experiences shared by those who were present.
The highlight of the meetup was the enlightening team-building lecture delivered by the esteemed Mr. Shamsudeen Aderoju. His engaging session shed light on the significance of embracing opportunities, stepping into leadership roles, and taking up responsibilities. These invaluable insights resonated deeply with the attendees, leaving a profound impact on their personal and professional growth journeys.
During the meetup, participants were divided into teams, both physically and virtually, to embark on an exciting and enriching journey. Each team delved into captivating topics designed to enhance individual and collective development. Some of the thought-provoking subjects covered included Procrastination, Communication, Imposter Syndrome, Excellent Team Leaders, Time Management, and many more.
The physical meetup served as a catalyst for forging meaningful connections, building friendship, and strengthening the TIIDELab community. The passion and enthusiasm displayed by the participants were infectious, and it reinforced the value of networking and collaborating with like-minded individuals.
Although I regretted missing the inaugural meetup, my excitement and anticipation for future gatherings have only grown. The prospect of reuniting with fellow participants and embarking on yet another transformative experience are reasons to eagerly await the next event.
Nurturing Knowledge Sharing: A Reflective Session for Team Excellence
In our remarkable journey with Tiidelab Fellowship, we recently reached a pivotal moment where knowledge sharing took center stage. Group A came together for our first-ever Online Knowledge Sharing (OKS) session. The event was a collective effort, with three talented individuals acting as the organizer, presenter, and questionnaire facilitator. This interactive and educational session proved to be both enlightening and enjoyable, as we explored a wide range of topics and courses we had covered during our fellowship. The OKS session not only deepened our understanding of the subjects but also fostered a sense of unity and synergy within the fellows. The interactive nature of the session allowed us to engage deeply with the material, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and insights. It was an open forum where questions were asked, discussions sparked, and knowledge flowed freely. As a result, we gained a deeper understanding of the concepts, reinforcing the lessons learned and broadening our horizons in the process.
Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future: World Youth Skills Day at TIIDELab
World Youth Skills Day was an awe-inspiring event, leaving a profound impact on all participants, including myself, as we explored the vital topic of empowering youth for a sustainable future through skill development. Hosted by TIIDELab, the session brought together esteemed guest speakers, Celeste O, Fikayo Adepoju, and Sumaiya Nalukwago, whose expertise and insights truly did justice to the theme.
Amidst the celebration of youth skills and potential, my team and I had the honor of creating a captivating video, showcasing our respective professions and the profound impact of technology within them. The video served as a powerful testament to the transformative power of technology, highlighting how it has revolutionized industries and continues to shape our professional landscape in the years to come. please view with the link below:
The World Youth Skills Day event organized by TIIDELab not only emphasized the importance of skill-building but also underscored the immense potential and resilience of the youth in shaping a sustainable future. It was a reminder of the significance of continuous learning, adaptability, and embracing technological advancements to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Reflecting on the Second Physical Meet:
The second physical meetup with TIIDELab was a highly anticipated event, and I made sure to be there in person to soak in all the enriching experiences. The gathering was nothing short of wonderful as we had the honor of welcoming representatives from one of our valued sponsors: Industrial Training Fund, Nigeria, and our visionary founder Mr. Salami Kadri. The highlight of the meetup was an insightful lecture by Mr. Salami Kadri on “Securing Your Income for the Future.” The discourse centered around essential steps to achieve financial stability, emphasizing the significance of cultivating a creator mindset, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of preparation and relentless practice.
Amidst the enriching discussions, we also enjoyed a delectable feast of fried and jollof rice, accompanied by two succulent chickens. However, the highlight of the day was the head of house challenge, where creativity and innovation took center stage. With materials like cardboard paper, rubber bands, paper tape, and a cup, we embarked on an exciting mission to protect an egg, putting our problem-solving skills to the test.
Celebrating Collaboration: Bitmasters and Evola Excel in the first Inter Team Presentation
In an exciting inter team presentation, Team BitMasters joined forces with the talented Team Evuola, forming a remarkable partnership as we tackled the topic “Introduction and Basics of HTML.” Together, as a team of 25, we embarked on a mission to showcase the fundamentals of web development and impart knowledge to our audience.
Throughout the presentation, we demonstrated a deep understanding of HTML, emphasizing the importance of semantic elements and the building blocks of web content. The camaraderie and mutual support between BitMasters and Evuola were evident, contributing to a dynamic and engaging session.
Although we secured the third position among the three groups, our spirits remained high as we celebrated the opportunity to collaborate and grow as a united team. The experience served as a valuable learning opportunity, reinforcing the power of teamwork and the benefits of diverse perspectives.
As we reflect on this journey, we are grateful for the bonds formed and the wisdom gained from our teammates. The inter team presentation was a testament to the strength of collaboration, and we look forward to future challenges, united by a passion for coding excellence.
BitMasters and Evuola, a celebration of collective efforts and a commitment to continuous improvement in the world of web development!
Conclusion:
My first month with TIIDELab Fellowship was extraordinary. Engaging classes and diverse learning materials helped me build beautiful websites:
https://hotel-website-lovat.vercel.app/
Reflecting on this initial step, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with talented individuals. Resilience, consistency, and determination have been instilled in me, essential qualities for success in tech. I eagerly anticipate the upcoming steps, knowing TIIDELab has laid a strong foundation for my growth. Stay tuned for more insights as I navigate this transformative journey.
#TIIDELabFellowship #WebDevelopment #TechIndustry