From Zero to Tech Hero – How Izuchukwu’s Faith, Friendship, and Focus Sparked a Career in Tech

In today’s edition of YuSocial Spotlight, we shine a light on a young Nigerian - Izuchukwu Johnson, who turned curiosity, grit, and mentorship into a thriving career in tech.

His journey is one that many aspiring techies can relate to — humble beginnings, a spark of inspiration, persistent effort, and breakthrough moments.

From borrowing time on a friend’s computer to earning his first dollar from a remote tech job, this story is a testament to what's possible when passion meets opportunity.

Can you take us back to the very beginning of your journey into tech?

Absolutely! My tech journey officially began around 2014 — the year I finally got my own PC. It was a modest system, but to me, it was everything.

Like most people, I started by watching movies and doing basic stuff, until one day I walked into a café and saw a friend doing graphic design. What he was doing completely amazed me. He showed me software like CorelDRAW and Adobe tools, and I got curious.

At the time, I didn’t go deep into learning. I just watched a few YouTube tutorials and left it there. Things didn’t really take off until much later.

So, when did things start getting serious?

That was in early 2021. I reconnected with an old friend — Victor — who was working remotely for a foreign tech company in the UK, though he was living in Nigeria.

What caught my attention wasn’t just his job, but his lifestyle of giving and supporting community projects, especially in church. I’ve always loved giving back too, so seeing someone use tech to create such impact inspired me deeply.

I approached him and said, “How can I do what you're doing?” That conversation changed my life.

That’s powerful. What did your friend do to help you get started?

He agreed to mentor me. He introduced me to the concept of online communities — something I had never heard of before. I used to think "Community Manager" meant assisting traditional leaders, like chiefs or village heads! But he explained it was a digital role, managing online groups and forums. That was my entry point.

He sent me a catalog of training videos. We’re talking thousands of hours of content — from blockchain to content creation, grammar, community structure, and how to present yourself online. I consumed it all. Every day, day and night, I was watching and learning.

At that point, were you earning anything from it?

Not at all. It wasn’t about money yet. I was focused on building skill and mastery. I spent six months in intense self-paced training, always reaching out to Victor whenever I got stuck. He was always there to guide me through.

Eventually, after that six-month stretch, Victor helped me land my first remote job where I earned my first dollars. That was a huge turning point for me.

What kept you motivated during those long months of learning without any financial return?

Honestly, it was Victor again. His generosity and impact spoke louder than any paycheck. I saw him fund projects, commit financially to the church, and support people freely.

I wanted to be that kind of person — someone who could use tech as a tool for impact. I believed that if he could do it, so could I.

What happened after you landed your first job?

I didn’t stop there. I wanted to go deeper. So, I started researching full-stack web development and found a place called Digital Dreams ICT Academy in Awka.

After making inquiries, I was impressed — not just with the curriculum but with the follow-up. One of their desk officers called me repeatedly over a three-month period just to check in and encourage me.

That level of commitment from their end convinced me to enroll. And I started learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

How’s that going now?

Funny enough, while I was still undergoing training, an opportunity came up at the academy itself — and I got employed. So I’m now both learning and working in the tech space, growing every day.

That’s truly inspiring. Any advice for others looking to make a similar leap into tech?

Yes — just start. Don’t wait until everything is perfect. Don’t get caught up in analysis paralysis. Start with what you have. Learn from people who are ahead of you. Be open to mentorship. Put in the work, stay consistent, and don’t focus on the money at first. Focus on becoming valuable.

Tech is one of the fastest-growing industries in this century. If you commit your time, energy, and resources, it will pay off — not just financially, but in how you can help others too.

Final Thoughts
At YuSocial, we believe stories like this are proof that you don’t need a perfect start — just a determined one. Whether you're a vendor, creator, or aspiring techie, remember: Your journey is valid, and your effort counts.

Want to share your story on YuSocial Spotlight? Get in touch. You never know who your journey might inspire.