At a time when many young Nigerians are seeking clarity, opportunity, and purpose, Solomon Kershima Yateghtegh emerges as a testament to what is possible when vision, resilience, and execution align. His journey is not only personal, it is emblematic of a larger movement to redefine Benue’s place on the global digital map.
Earlier this year, Solomon was selected as one of only 54 Nigerians, out of over 8,000 applicants, for the prestigious 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship under the Leadership in Business Track, hosted at the University of Iowa, USA. A native of Ushongo Local Government Area in Benue State and the Founder of Skyhub Nigeria, Solomon’s story is one of unwavering purpose, grassroots innovation, and expanding global influence.
From Local Vision to Global Relevance
Solomon’s journey began far from the global spotlight, in Jos, Plateau State, where in 2018 he founded Skyhub Nigeria with a mission to democratize access to digital skills. The early days were modest: a small room, limited resources, but an ambitious goal. In 2021, he relocated the initiative to Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, facing new challenges that tested his commitment, but also deepened his resolve.
In a region where technology adoption lagged behind national averages and where skepticism often outpaced support, Solomon chose persistence. Through consistent effort, Skyhub began training students, career switchers, job seekers, NYSC corps members, and small business owners, one cohort at a time. To date, Skyhub Nigeria has trained over 10,000 individuals, supported more than 500 small businesses, and incubated 12 startups—a significant achievement in a digitally underserved landscape.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship: A Strategic Opportunity
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship program of the U.S. government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), aimed at equipping Africa’s brightest minds with the tools to drive innovation and sustainable impact. For Solomon, the Fellowship is not simply a credential, it is a vital opportunity to represent Benue’s emerging tech ecosystem on the global stage.
He is currently undergoing an intensive leadership and entrepreneurship program at the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, within the Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa, working with mentors, investors, and policy experts. His mission is clear: to absorb global insights and translate them into locally relevant solutions that accelerate digital transformation across Benue and beyond.
Sustaining Impact Through Strategic Execution
What sets Solomon apart is his emphasis on execution over recognition. Beyond training programs, he has launched the Skyhub Nigeria Academy, which offers accessible digital training through both online and in-person modalities. His collaborations with government agencies, non-profits, and ecosystem enablers reflect his commitment to building systemic solutions that go beyond individual success.
Even while in the United States, Solomon continues to engage with stakeholders focused on youth development, technology policy, and startup acceleration, with the ultimate aim of creating a robust and inclusive digital economy for Benue State.
A Reflection of Benue Tech’s Mission
Solomon’s journey resonates deeply with the mission of the Benue Tech Community, to spotlight local talent, promote grassroots innovation, and build a sustainable pipeline for technology-driven growth. His selection to the Mandela Washington Fellowship reinforces a core truth: global recognition follows consistent local action.
Speaking to Benue Tech before his departure, Solomon shared:
“Benue has talent. What we need is intentional investment, mentorship, and systems that allow young people to dream, fail, and rise again. I’m committed to being a part of that system.”
Looking Ahead
From his early days volunteering in tech training sessions to leading Skyhub Nigeria with limited capital, and now contributing to global conversations on entrepreneurship and digital inclusion, Solomon Kershima Yateghtegh exemplifies the spirit of building with purpose.
He is not only representing his organization or his personal journey—he is representing Benue, Nigeria, and every aspiring innovator who dares to build in obscurity. For anyone questioning whether small beginnings can yield global relevance, this story offers a clear answer.
At Benue Tech, we are proud to say: From Benue Tech to the world, and this is only the beginning.
Published by Benue Tech News – advancing the narrative of tech from the heart of Nigeria.