In the bustling heart of Ketu, amidst the vibrant chaos of Lagos, lies a humble flat that became the birthplace of Rebecca Saka’s journey into the world of technology. From a young age, she was drawn to the inner workings of computers, inspired by her elder brother’s expertise as a computer hardware engineer. “I was able to format systems for him,” Rebecca recalled, “and I’d always help him out with his work.”
Little did she know that this childhood fascination would blossom into a lifelong passion that would involve empowering others to harness technology to solve real-world problems
Rebecca’s tech odyssey began in 2007 when she joined her brother’s computer repair business, eagerly soaking in knowledge and skills. Even during her secondary school years, she exhibited a keen interest in technology and innovation. Fueled by this passion, she pursued a degree in computer engineering at Ekiti State University, where she flourished despite the low representation of women in her department.
It was during her university years that Rebecca’s journey took a significant turn. She became actively involved in a community of technology enthusiasts, immersing herself in the world of modern tech and software development. The pivotal moment came when she attended a women in tech event in 2018, where she learned how to build Android apps. “There was this women in tech event happening that Saturday. We were taught how to build Android apps.”
This marked the beginning of her foray into software development, a path she pursued with unwavering dedication
As an undergraduate, Rebecca seized numerous employment opportunities, including roles at companies like Omonious Flow, where she contributed to building tech products aimed at solving real-world problems. “It specializes in helping women solve period pain through tech,” she explained her contribution to building the tech product.
However, it was her passion for empowering women in technology that truly set her on a remarkable journey.
Girls Can Code Flutter
A research study conducted in every part of the world discovered that women constitute just 34% of the workforce in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Being a male-dominated space makes this fastest-growing and highest-paid sector equally accessible for women.
In Nigeria, as well as in the technology industry, while women make up 25% of employment, only 5% occupy leadership positions, as reported by Kwabol, a tech startup, in February 2024.
In response to the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields, particularly in Nigeria, Rebecca and her friend embarked on a mission to bridge this gap. Together, they founded the Girls Can Code Flutter initiative, a pioneering program designed to empower teenage girls through coding and mobile app development. Through mentorship, education, and opportunities, Girls Can Code Flutter aims to nurture the next generation of female tech leaders, fostering creativity and innovation among its participants
Utilizing virtual platforms, Rebecca and her team provide interactive lessons and projects for girls across Lagos and Calabar, encouraging them to explore their potential and showcase their creations. Their ultimate goal is to create a supportive environment where girls feel empowered to pursue careers in technology, breaking barriers and defying stereotypes along the way.
“The girls build various projects and share their creations on Twitter, where people comment on their work. We provide them with challenges, instructing them to build specific projects, which they then complete and showcase on Twitter,” she told Prime Progress.
A new BrainChild
In addition to her work with Girls Can Code Flutter, Rebecca is on the cusp of launching her innovative tech product, Seamless, in May 2024. Inspired by the challenges faced by Nigerians in the diaspora when undertaking construction projects remotely, Seamless aims to revolutionize the construction industry by providing a platform for direct interaction between clients and professionals.
With Seamless, Rebecca hopes to alleviate the frustrations and setbacks experienced by diasporans, ensuring transparency and accountability in construction projects
“So Seamless, is focused on the Nigerian market actually and we hope to help people solve, construction project problems using tech,” she explained.
Looking ahead, Rebecca’s aspirations extend beyond mobile app development. Fueled by a desire to inspire young minds and unleash their creativity, she envisions establishing a robotics school in Nigeria. Drawing upon her own experiences and expertise, she sees robotics as a pathway to empower individuals to explore the limitless possibilities of technology, ultimately shaping the future of innovation in Nigeria and beyond.
As Rebecca Saka continues to pave the way for women in technology and spearhead groundbreaking projects, her journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the ever-evolving world of technology.
“I’m excited about the potential for groundbreaking projects in this field. Ultimately, my dream is to establish a robotics school right here in Nigeria, where budding innovators can learn, explore, and shape the future of technology,” she added.
Rebecca Saka's journey into technology began in Ketu, Lagos, inspired by her brother's work as a computer hardware engineer. This early fascination led her to pursue a degree in computer engineering and become active in technology communities. A pivotal moment came in 2018 when she learned to build Android apps at a women in tech event. Rebecca has since worked on various tech projects, including contributions to Omonious Flow, which helps women manage period pain through technology.
In response to the underrepresentation of women in STEM, Rebecca co-founded the Girls Can Code Flutter initiative, aimed at empowering teenage girls in coding and mobile app development. This program uses virtual platforms to provide lessons and projects to girls across Lagos and Calabar, encouraging them to explore their potential and share their creations publicly.
Furthermore, Rebecca is preparing to launch Seamless in May 2024, a tech product designed to assist Nigerians in the diaspora with construction projects. Her long-term vision includes establishing a robotics school in Nigeria to inspire and nurture young innovators. Rebecca's journey exemplifies the power of passion and perseverance in advancing technology and empowering others.
