A few weeks ago, I was on a Twitter space with a number of Nigerian techies who were just sharing some lighthearted banter about their experiences at tech events. Unsurprisingly, most of them were based in Lagos, and so the issue that came up the most in the conversation was having far too many tech events to attend.
As an “Ibadan Techie,” my tongue in cheek submission was to mention how lucky they are to be able to complain about having too many options while the rest of the Southwest is literally starving and struggling to get sustainable tech communities and meetups to attend.
Of course, this is not to imply that there are no tech events available in Ibadan. As Head of Operations for Ibadan Tech Expo, a tech event that had 10,000 tech enthusiasts attend its second edition in September this year and brought the most valuable brands in the city to one event venue, I am the first person to shout that the tech and startup ecosystem in Ibadan is finally displaying the potential that we have long believed that it has. An event like the Ibadan Startup Fest coming up later this month, which draws similar numbers and brings the big names in the startup space from around the country and even beyond to the city, is also a sign that Ibadan tech and startup ecosystem is ready for the big time.
My “rant” at that aforementioned X-space, as tongue in cheek as it was, has gotten me thinking about how, in addition to the big tech events, Ibadan also needs a lot more smaller tech events and tech communities. Because of the success that a big event like the Ibadan Tech Expo has achieved, there is a growing tendency of every tech and startup community to aim for their event to be the biggest gathering of “so and so enthusiasts in Ibadan/Southwest Nigeria.”
Again, it is not a bad thing because personally, I believe big tech and startup events are statements of intent, and the more statements a tech ecosystem can make, the more it is regarded as a force to be reckoned with.
But for an emerging or growing tech ecosystem like Ibadan, these large events can often be overwhelming, and their sheer size sometimes dilutes the personal connections, intimate learning experiences, and local community building that smaller events bring. As Danjuma Balogun, the convener of Ibadan Tech Expo himself, will say, “Ibadan Tech Expo is not an event to learn tech skills or do tech community activities; it is simply an experience to just bring every tech enthusiast in the city together.
My take is that if Ibadan’s tech ecosystem will truly grow, it needs more small tech events and knowledge-sharing communities. Small tech events, in contrast to large ones, often have a focused agenda and fewer speakers, allowing for deeper dives into niche topics, targeted workshops, and detailed discussions. This creates an environment where attendees feel more comfortable asking questions and sharing insights. In a small-group setting, industry experts and thought leaders are more accessible, and the audience can engage with them in meaningful ways.
For a growing tech ecosystem, this concentrated knowledge exchange can significantly boost the skills and understanding of its members. It encourages individuals to openly share ideas, ask questions without hesitation, and participate in interactive sessions that large events might not accommodate.
Furthermore, small events are often more affordable than large conferences, making them accessible to freelancers, students, and early-stage startups with limited budgets. This affordability makes it easier for diverse talent to participate, from young coders to bootstrapped founders. For a growing ecosystem, these low-cost entry points are crucial. They ensure that valuable learning, networking, and collaboration opportunities aren’t only available to those who can afford a high-priced conference pass.
Moreover, small events can be hosted in co-working spaces, universities, or local tech hubs, reducing overhead and supporting local venues. This affordability factor keeps the ecosystem accessible and inclusive, ensuring that diversity of voices and ideas are represented.
Small tech events allow participants to meet repeatedly, which strengthens relationships and builds a sense of community. These recurring interactions at local meetups or workshops help form a solid foundation for a sustainable tech ecosystem. Regular small events make it easier for people to feel like they’re part of a growing movement, a tangible network they can rely on and contribute to.
This community-oriented approach can lead to local collaborations, co-founders meeting and starting new ventures, or people organizing even smaller sub-groups around specific interests. A steady stream of small events creates consistency in networking, learning, and growth, nurturing a sustainable ecosystem in which participants feel deeply invested.
Again, my rant was without prejudice to the several tech communities that have sprung up in Ibadan, particularly since 2020. By virtue of my work at Ibadan Tech Expo and also for Techies Node, I have had the opportunity to be a part of a number of these tech communities, and needless to say, I am impressed by what I can see.
As a storyteller, I believe tech communities are the future of the ecosystem, and thus their stories form the core of my work at Techies Node. So if you are out there in this city and you believe you have a viable tech idea or skill that you can build a community no matter how small around, go for it. No matter how many tech events we have, there will always be room for one more. My biology is a little rusty, but I do remember that for every single elephant in the ecosystem, there are thousands of ants, and those ants, tiny and insignificant as they may seem, are as crucial in maintaining the balance in the ecosystem as the elephants are.
