The founder of The Stellar Initiative and lead consultant at Rivil Consult, Precious Eniayekan, has revealed that she spent four years studying computer science at the university and graduated without owning a gadget, which cost her a great deal.
Eniayekan recently stated this on LinkedIn through a post in which she confessed that she cried when she gave out her 40th laptop computer because she did not own one until she was 25 years old.
“This is the reality for millions of young people from low-income homes across Africa. Talent is not their problem. Hard work is not their problem. Access is the problem,” she said.
She said that breaking out of poverty when one does not have the basic tools feels almost impossible, adding, “I know because I lived it. And, I was lucky. A woman I did not even know believed in me and in my family. That single act of kindness shifted my entire future.”
However, she warned that luck should not be a strategy for survival, and that access should not be a privilege, but a right, stressing, “That is why we built Boycode Africa.”
Eniayekan revealed that with Boycode Africa, they have learned that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not; and that no one can code, design, and chase global opportunities without the right tools.
“So far, we have trained over 200 boys in tech, and we do not just train, we equip. Laptops, gadgets, the means to practice, the chance to compete globally,” she said.
She added, “Every gadget donated is not just a device; it is a lifeline, a dignity, a freedom from the cycle of poverty.”
The Stellar founder said that Boycode started as an idea — one designed to combine emotional intelligence, digital skills, and mentorship to shape boys into global leaders — that has now become a structured ecosystem reaching over 1,200 boys across Nigeria and Ghana; involving over 60 global mentors, founders, and creators; and shaping boys into tech leaders, creators, and changemakers through bootcamps, conferences, and mentorship.
“This is why Boycode is not just a programme — it is a necessity and a proof that Africa’s next leaders are ready, but opportunity is not keeping up. The demand is far bigger than us. For every boy we can take in, four more are left waiting,” she added.
In light of this, the Stellar boss called on policymakers, partners, and funders who believe in Africa’s future to support their ‘Donate a Gadget’ campaign, stressing that, sometimes, all it takes is one laptop to change a boy’s life forever.
Precious Eniayekan concluded by stressing that the boys are ready, the future is ready, and the time is now.
