SkillUp50 · Edition 1.0 · Completed

Lagos 1.0

Where it started. We selected and empowered 50 emerging creatives across different creative fields, and brought them together to learn, connect and grow.

Participants
50 creatives
City
Lagos, Nigeria
Year
2025
Cost
Free
A participant speaking in front of the SkillUp50 Lagos welcome banner

Highlights

What participants received

  • Creative skill development sessions
  • Industry insights and mentorship
  • Community and networking opportunities
  • Learning resources
  • Support materials
  • Opportunities to showcase their growth

By the numbers

50

Creatives trained and supported

₦1.5M

Laptop awarded to standout participants

4 mo.

Extended mentorship for female participants

100%

Participants certified on completion

Moments from Lagos

A participant speaking in front of the SkillUp50 Lagos welcome banner
Participants asking questions during a session
Participants collaborating in small groups
A participant taking notes beside a laptop
A participant posing with the 'What is your Deestincts story?' frame
A participant speaking into a microphone
Participants listening during a session
A participant in front of the partner wall

In their words

Testimonial from a SkillUp50 Lagos participant
Testimonial from a SkillUp50 Lagos participant
Testimonial from a SkillUp50 Lagos participant
Testimonial from a SkillUp50 Lagos participant
Testimonial from a SkillUp50 Lagos participant
Testimonial from a SkillUp50 Lagos participant
Testimonial from a SkillUp50 Lagos participant

Made possible by

Lagos 1.0 was delivered with the support of forward-thinking brands, industry professionals and ecosystem partners.

  • Techpoint Africa

    Media & documentation partner

    Provided media coverage and storytelling support, documenting key moments and amplifying the impact of SkillUp50 across digital platforms.

  • TECHERFRICA

    Ecosystem & learning partner

    Led participant reorientation, mentorship sessions and career conversations, plus a dedicated mentorship track for female participants that ran for about four months after the event.

  • Utiva

    Ecosystem & learning partner

    Contributed to participant reorientation, mentorship sessions and career development conversations.

  • StableStack

    Ecosystem supporter

    Represented by its founder, a recognised figure in fintech and former founder of the acquired fintech company Vella, adding industry credibility and entrepreneurial insight.

  • Jofal Rayed

    Coffee partner

    Kept participants fuelled with daily coffee throughout the program.

  • Hillsville Farms

    Wellness partner

    Supplied fresh pineapples daily, contributing to participant wellness and the overall experience.

Next up · Edition 2.0

Ibadan 2.0

December 1–4, 2026 · Ibadan, Nigeria · Applications close November 15, 2026

Apply for Ibadan 2.0 The SkillUp50 series

Partner with SkillUp50

Support the next 50 creatives through sponsorship, products, media or strategic partnership.

View partnership deck contact@deestincts.com