In today’s fast-changing digital world, having a tech skill is not just a bonus—it’s becoming a trend, especially among young people in Nigeria. Walk into a tech hub, a university campus, or even scroll through social media, and you’ll notice one skill being mentioned over and over again: UI/UX Design. If the term sounds a little unfamiliar, don’t worry. At its core, UI/UX Design is about creating digital products—whether apps, websites, or software—that are both visually appealing and easy to use. Think about your favorite app. Why do you keep going back to it? Maybe because it looks sleek, or because it’s simple to navigate. That’s UI/UX Design at work. But let’s take a step back. Growing up in Nigeria, you probably didn’t call it “design thinking” or “user experience.” Yet, you already understood the power of good design without even realizing it. Remember the excitement of seeing stickers tucked inside Indomie packs? Or those temporary tattoo stickers that came with chewing gums? They weren’t just random add-ons. They were designed to attract your attention and give you an extra reason to engage with the product. Fast forward a few years. Maybe you’ve sketched out outfit ideas on your phone, designed a t-shirt for fun, or thought about what your lip gloss packaging could look like if you ever started a brand. Those sparks of creativity are all tied to design—the same energy that fuels UI/UX today. And this is where Skill For All’s Tech Plug initiative comes in.
Skill For All created Tech Plug to be more than just another training session. It is a space where young people get the chance to bring their ideas to life. Recently, TechPlug hosted a workshop that spotlighted UI/UX Design, a session proudly sponsored by Skill For All in partnership with Skillworks.
At the workshop it was easy to understand that UI/UX design is about creating digital products (like apps, websites, or software) that are both useful and enjoyable to use; that UI (User Interface) Design is the look and feel of the product, the buttons, colors, fonts, icons, layouts, and images. It’s what the user sees and interacts with visually. Good UI makes a product attractive and easy to navigate. Also, that UX (User Experience) Design is the overall experience of using the product. It’s about how smooth, intuitive, and satisfying it feels.
Good to note that a product might look beautiful (good UI) but feel confusing (bad UX), or it might work smoothly (good UX) but look outdated (bad UI). The best products balance both.
It is wonderful to realize that the apps we scroll through daily don’t just happen. They are carefully thought out, designed, tested, and refined. And we are at the forefront developing those who will create these experiences.
In Nigeria, the tech ecosystem is booming. Startups are launching almost every other day, and many of them need designers who can make their products stand out. Whether it’s fintech apps like those helping us transfer money in seconds, or e-commerce platforms connecting small businesses with customers, UI/UX is at the heart of it all.
For young Nigerians, this is more than just a career path—it’s an opportunity to be part of building the future. Unlike some professions that require years of study and expensive certifications, UI/UX is accessible. With dedication, practice, and the right guidance, anyone can start building a portfolio in a matter of months.
And here’s the best part: UI/UX designers are in high demand worldwide. That means the skill isn’t just valuable in Nigeria, it opens doors to remote jobs and global opportunities.
What makes Tech Plug unique is that it’s not about bombarding participants with theory. Instead, it’s about giving them a preview of what it feels like to actually learn and practice a skill.
At the UI/UX Design spotlight event, participants didn’t just sit and listen—they got to interact, brainstorm, and imagine what their own projects could look like. For some, it was the beginning of a journey into design. For others, it was confirmation that this was the skill they wanted to pursue.
One participant described it as “unlocking a door you didn’t even know was there.” That’s the essence of Tech Plug. It’s about sparking curiosity, planting seeds of creativity, and showing young people that their ideas have value.
