With a firm educational background and a degree in theatre arts from the University of Port Harcourt, Victor Tubotamuno laid the foundation of his career in event management which later metamorphosed into a tech startup.
Fuelled by his revolutionary mindset in the tech sector, Tubotamuno established Earlybrite, a digital space to help parents and schools adapt to remote learning and keep students engaged.
To further drive his digital revolution in Africa, he authored the book, “Digital Guardians”, meant to create a resource that empowers parents and teachers not just to become tech-savvy but proactive in safeguarding their children’s digital experiences.
In this interview, Tubotamuno shares with BusinessDay his journey into the tech space. Excerpts:
How did you transition from theatre arts to technology?
A pivotal moment in my transition to technology occurred when I attended a tech event and met my co-founder for my first tech startup. Continuous learning and guidance from mentors in the digital space further fuelled my revolutionary mindset in the tech sector.
This journey ultimately led me to embrace entrepreneurship, driven by a passion for technology and innovation.
What inspired you to create Earlybrite?
The inspiration to create Earlybrite arose from the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. Schools and parents were stranded, struggling to adapt to remote learning and keep students engaged. Seeing this, we decided to step in.
Our goal was to provide a solution that made learning accessible and engaging, ensuring that students could continue their education effectively despite the disruptions.
Hence, we developed Earlybrite, offering innovative and tech-focused educational resources to support schools and parents during these unprecedented times.
How has Earlybrite impacted society?
Earlybrite has significantly impacted society by revolutionising the approach to education, particularly in technology and programming. Since its inception, we have trained over 7,000 students across the continent, providing them with essential skills and knowledge to thrive in the digital age.
Our programmes have empowered young learners, enabling them to excel in their studies and pursue careers in technology, by fostering a love for learning and innovation,
The platform has helped bridge the educational gap, offering high-quality, and accessible education to students who might otherwise have been left behind.
This widespread influence has transformed individual lives and contributed to the broader goal of developing a skilled and tech-savvy generation.
Impressive! Can you share any success stories or testimonials related to Earlybrite’s impact?
We’ve received heart-warming feedback from schools participating in our afterschool programmes and from parents involved in our digital parents’ forum.
For instance, Mater Ecclesais College in Epe- Lagos State shared with us that their students who were educated through Earlybrite’s afterschool programmes, successfully identified and avoided a phishing email, showcasing their improved online safety skills.
Meanwhile, parents from the digital parents’ forum reported significant progress in becoming tech-savvy, through the resources and guidance provided.
You are writing a book, can you tell us about the inspiration behind “Digital Guardians”?
“Digital Guardians” was born out of a deep concern for the safety and well-being of our children in the digital age.
As parents and educators, we face the challenge of guiding young minds through a rapidly evolving online landscape.
I wanted to create a resource that empowers parents and teachers not just to become tech-savvy but proactive in safeguarding their children’s digital experiences.
That’s commendable! How does “Digital Guardians” address this challenge?
The book provides practical guidance on digital citizenship. It covers topics like online privacy, cyberbullying, responsible social media use, and digital literacy.
By understanding these concepts, parents and educators can effectively monitor and guide their children’s online activities. It’s about fostering a healthy digital environment where children can explore, learn, and connect safely.
What impact do you envision for “Digital Guardians”?
The impact is twofold. First, it empowers parents and teachers to bridge the digital knowledge gap. They’ll gain confidence in navigating social media platforms, recognising potential risks, and setting appropriate boundaries.
Second, it creates a ripple effect children who grow up with tech-savvy parents and educators will also adopt responsible digital habits. Ultimately, we are shaping a generation of informed, responsible digital citizens.
How do you plan to engage these audiences when the book is launched?
We would integrate with the Earlybrite ecosystem to continue reaching out to more schools and parents.
Additionally, we have a forum at Earlybrite called the Digital Parents Forum, a movement of tech-savvy parents dedicated to fostering digital literacy.
To further evangelise the message when the book is out, we will organise workshops and global book reading tours, ensuring widespread engagement and impact.
Through these efforts, we aim to create a community of informed and responsible digital citizens.
What’s next for Earlybrite?
Our journey continues with exciting new developments. We’re expanding our content library, afterschool programmes, and global exchange initiatives while collaborating with schools and exploring partnerships with other organisations.
We’re also broadening our reach to more countries and developing new edtech products to enhance the learning experience for students. Besides, we’re building a talent factory to transform and nurture talent across Africa.
Moreover, we are actively exploring opportunities to partner with government agencies to scale our initiatives. Collaborating with government bodies can help us reach a broader audience, integrate our programmes into national education systems, and leverage resources to enhance our impact.
Through networking, we aim to implement our digital literacy and education solutions on a larger scale, ensuring that more students, parents, and educators benefit from our programmes.
