Two years ago, Nigerian brothers Osine and Anesi developed an Android web browser. Inspired by Google Chrome, they named their browser Crocodile Browser Lite. The web browser was described as a functional, fast browser for feature and low-end phones. This browser has started to yield financial returns for the two brothers and many have described them as the ‘wonder kid entrepreneurs’.
The two teenage brothers were featured on the British Broadcasting Corporation for the great feat, and they plan to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, sometime in future, to enhance their Tech entrepreneurial skills.
Like Osine and Anesi, a 12-year-old school leaver of Vivian Fowler Memorial College, Tomisin Ogunnubi, developed an Android mobile tracking application named, ‘My Locator’. The security app includes an alert system integrated to the Lagos State Emergency Service Number.
The stories of Osine, Anesi and Tomisin are a testament to many positives of the Internet usage in the lives of Nigerian teens and children. In a clime where we amplify negative tales, their stories shone bright and widely reported across the media. We dare say that Osine, Anesi and Tomisin represent just a tiny fraction of the many shining stars – teens and children – who today are doing great things because of the Internet and have become entrepreneurs even before attaining adulthood.
The emergence of the Internet in Nigeria has been a blessing, especially to the huge young population who have started their entrepreneurial and leadership journey from today. There is no gainsaying that the Internet has been very beneficial in diverse ways. The expansive amount of information on the Internet has been useful for children and teenagers in their academic pursuits. It keeps them connected with the outside world and helps them stay informed about everything that is happening around the world.
Educational websites and software like Wikipedia and Encyclopedia Britannica have advanced in popularity over the past few years with tweens and teens forming a greater part of their users. Those needing help on a topic for their coursework, or who are just generally interested in reading up on a particular subject can readily find it online.
There is no gainsaying that children, especially teenagers of this age, hold a strong advantage over the past generation in the wealth of knowledge available to them through the Internet, and this wealth of knowledge is slowly building them into becoming the super entrepreneurs and job creators of tomorrow. More so, the awareness and advancement that comes with it.
The Internet has also helped kids with respect to greater connectivity and globalisation. Today, students from different parts of the world can connect with their counterparts through video conferencing without leaving the classroom.
For instance, sites like Glovico are used to help students learn foreign languages online by pairing a group of students with a teacher from another country. In addition, instead of playing educational board games, students can learn the basics of spelling, counting and other early educational lessons through computer games that make learning fun. These computer games help children develop critical thinking skills.
Moreover, not every parent has the resources and budget to send their children on field trips. As a result, the child’s education may suffer. However, with a stable Internet connection, students can use the Internet to virtually attend web seminars online and learn. In a world that is becoming increasingly competitive, access to the Internet for our children cannot be overemphasised.
There is even more. The Internet helps these young lads with credible personal issues too. Growing up can be a tough process for children and teenagers. Sometimes, they can feel alone in certain situations, such as relationships or challenges from home.
By using the Internet, these children can find help and advice on problems they feel too embarrassed to talk about with their family or peers. This, in turn, minimises worries of teenagers, ensuring that they perform better in school and social life.
The Internet offers our kids more opportunities to develop and become successful in life, than a lack of it. If we must do anything about the Internet access for children and teens, it should be to make it even more accessible to them.
Read more at: https://punchng.com/nigerian-kid-entrepreneurs-from-the-internet
