As cyber threats escalate globally and locally, ThinkCyber Nigeria is steadily positioning itself as one of the most influential forces shaping Nigeria’s cybersecurity workforce. Through a combination of immersive simulation training, international partnerships, and targeted career development programmes, the organisation has made significant strides in producing a new generation of skilled cyber defenders equipped for both local and global opportunities.
In an interview reflecting on the organisation’s progress over the years, Mike Ikem, the Country Manager and Operations Director of ThinkCyber Nigeria, described the journey as both challenging and deeply rewarding. According to him, the growth of the cybersecurity sector in Nigeria has created an urgent need for professionals who can not only understand threats but actively defend institutions against them.
“We recognised very early that Nigeria did not lack intelligence or ambition,” Ikem said, leaning forward as he spoke with a measured intensity. “What we lacked was access — access to real training, access to world-class tools, and access to the kind of exposure that allows young professionals to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their counterparts in Europe, America, or the Middle East. So, our mission became simple: bridge that gap.”
At the heart of ThinkCyber’s capacity-building efforts is its Cyber Security Talent Pipeline Hub, a programme that brings trainees into direct interaction with realistic cyber-attack simulations. Ikem explained that this hands-on style of training has been instrumental in producing job-ready graduates capable of navigating high-pressure environments.
“Cybersecurity is not something you learn by memorising theories,” he said. “When you’re dealing with real threats — ransomware, phishing campaigns, critical infrastructure attacks — you must understand how attackers think. You must respond in seconds, not hours. That is why we invested in simulation technology like Cyberium Arena. It places students inside real-world attack scenarios. They learn to defend, to investigate, to strategise. And they make mistakes safely, which is the greatest teacher.”
Over the years, the programme has grown to attract graduates, career switchers, and young professionals seeking global relevance. Ikem described witnessing their transformation as one of the most gratifying aspects of the work. “When a student walks in on day one, many of them are unsure,” he recalled. “They ask themselves, ‘Can I really do this? Can I switch careers? Can I compete globally?’ And then you watch them grow. You watch them respond to complex attacks. You watch their confidence build. And suddenly, they’re landing jobs with banks, telecom companies, consulting giants — and even remote cybersecurity firms abroad. That transformation is powerful.”
He also emphasised the wider impact this growth is having on Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. “Every cybersecurity professional we train strengthens the country,” he said. “They’re protecting businesses, financial institutions, government agencies, and small companies. They’re preventing losses, safeguarding data, and reducing national vulnerability. Capacity building in cybersecurity is not just career development — it is nation-building.”
ThinkCyber’s influence has also expanded through its strategic partnerships with universities across Africa, where it helps establish Centers of Excellence in Cybersecurity Education. These centres are designed to give institutions the resources, curriculum, and tools needed to produce high-quality cybersecurity talent.
“We want cybersecurity capacity-building to be sustainable,” Ikem explained. “It shouldn’t depend solely on one organisation. Universities should be able to train students effectively long before they even enter the job market. By collaborating with them, we’re ensuring that the next decade of African tech professionals will be better prepared than the last.”
Financing has been another key factor in widening access, as many young Nigerians often face financial barriers to entering specialised tech fields. Ikem spoke candidly about this challenge and the solutions ThinkCyber has implemented. “We knew affordability would be an issue,” he said. “So we introduced flexible payment systems and partnered with PressPayNg to provide education financing. Talent should never be wasted because someone couldn’t pay upfront. We want every capable young person to have a fair shot.”
The result of these combined efforts is a vibrant and growing community of cybersecurity professionals who are increasingly in demand both locally and internationally. Many ThinkCyber graduates now work with leading banks, mobile network operators, technology firms, and high-profile consulting companies. Others have secured remote international positions with competitive entry-level salaries that significantly improve their socioeconomic standing.
When asked why ThinkCyber Nigeria continues to invest heavily in simulation-based training and capacity-building initiatives, Ikem smiled knowingly. “Because the future depends on it,” he said. “Cybersecurity is now as essential as electricity. Every country needs defenders. Every organisation needs protection. And every young Nigerian deserves the chance to be part of that future. We are simply doing our part — and we are just getting started.”