AgileBridge has entered into a strategic partnership with Grant Thornton to train over 300 professionals in product management, in one of the largest coordinated efforts to address the growing shortage of qualified product managers in Lagos’s fast expanding technology sector. The partnership, which began with its first training session in July 2023, was created to bridge the digital product management skills gap by offering structured training, mentorship, and practical learning for professionals seeking to move into tech-focused roles.
Speaking about the initiative, Chinonso Ukadike, Founder of AgileBridge, said the organisation remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s digital talent base. “At AgileBridge, we believe in creating clear pathways for professionals to enter and excel in product management roles. The demand for skilled product managers has never been higher, and this partnership with Grant Thornton allows us to meet that need at scale,” he said.
The programme was structured around three key pillars that focus on developing well-rounded professionals: structured learning in essential product management competencies, one-on-one mentorship with experienced experts, and practical guidance for applying these skills in real product environments. Participants were trained in product strategy and roadmapping, user research and customer discovery, agile methodologies, stakeholder management, product metrics and analytics, feature prioritisation, and go-to-market strategies.
Each participant was paired with an experienced product manager who offered direct mentorship, industry knowledge, and personal career advice throughout the six-week intensive programme. Ukadike explained that the goal was to prepare professionals from various non-technical fields. “We’ve designed this programme to support professionals from diverse backgrounds—finance, operations, and traditional project management—and equip them with both foundational knowledge and practical experience required to succeed in product management roles,” he added.
The initiative comes at a time when many technology companies in Lagos are struggling to fill key roles due to limited local talent. Industry reports show that Nigerian tech firms lose significant revenue every year as a result of skills shortages, with product management being one of the hardest positions to fill.
Kolapo Okeowo Dunni, a representative of the Gantt Institute, described the collaboration as a major milestone in Nigeria’s tech talent development journey. “This programme is a landmark achievement for us. We are thrilled to partner with AgileBridge to create impactful pathways for professionals entering digital product management. AgileBridge’s commitment to talent development is commendable, and we call on like-minded organisations to invest in initiatives that empower the future of Nigeria’s technology workforce. Together, we can build a more inclusive and innovative tech ecosystem,” he said.
The programme was open to professionals without traditional technical training but with a strong passion for technology and product development. The selection process involved multiple stages to ensure that participants demonstrated genuine interest and readiness for a career shift into product management.
“We’ve already mentored and trained professionals who are now excelling in the industry,” Ukadike stated. “Many have secured roles in leading Nigerian tech companies, while others have launched their own product-driven startups. This partnership with Grant Thornton will allow us to scale that impact even further.”
Although the report did not specify the number of immediate job placements, both AgileBridge and Grant Thornton confirmed plans to expand the programme following the success of the first cohort. As Lagos continues to strengthen its reputation as West Africa’s leading technology hub, the partnership stands out as a strong example of how collaboration between training organisations and industry experts can help close skill gaps and build a more capable digital workforce.
