When you hear “tech skills,” what comes to your mind?
JavaScript? Python? React? Figma? APIs?
That’s valid. Those are real and powerful skills.
But here’s something not enough people talk about, especially in Nigeria’s growing tech space:
You can know the code, but can you carry the team?
Let’s talk about soft skills, or as we like to call them at Odurinde.com, the real hard skills.
The African Tech Boom: and the Missing Ingredient
In the last few years, we’ve seen an explosion of tech talent across Africa, especially here in Nigeria. From Lagos to Port Harcourt, from Abuja to Enugu, tech hubs are rising, bootcamps are thriving, and remote job opportunities are becoming more accessible.
We even wrote a full article about this on how Nigerian devs can succeed in remote roles.
But there’s one gap many of us don’t prepare for:
Soft skills.
You can build a world-class app. But if you can’t explain your work, resolve conflicts, or adapt to feedback, you’ll hit walls fast — especially when working remotely or with international clients.
A Personal Story: The Silent Developer
Let me tell you about a friend I’ll call Dayo.
Dayo is one of the smartest developers I know. He could debug in his sleep. He once built a full ecommerce system for a local vendor, in just one weekend.
But when he got a remote job with a company in the UK, he struggled.
Not because he didn’t know his stuff, but because:
- He couldn’t speak up in meetings.
- He froze when asked to explain his thought process.
- He would get upset over Slack messages, thinking he was being attacked.
- He didn’t know how to give or receive feedback.
Six months later, they let him go. Not because of technical failure, but because of communication gaps.
Dayo didn’t need more courses on React.
He needed to learn how to be a better team player.
What Are Soft Skills, Really?
At Odurinde, we define soft skills as:
“The human abilities that help you thrive in a team, communicate clearly, and grow in your career.”
Some of the most critical soft skills in tech include:
✅ Communication
Can you explain what you’re building in a way that a non-technical person can understand? Can you write clear updates? Can you ask smart questions?
✅ Empathy
Can you understand the user’s pain before jumping to code? Can you put yourself in the shoes of a teammate who’s struggling?
✅ Adaptability
When the team changes direction, can you keep up without grumbling? Can you handle pressure and switch gears?
✅ Teamwork
Are you the kind of person others like to work with? Can you listen, compromise, and contribute meaningfully?
Why Soft Skills Are Even Harder in Africa
In Nigeria (and much of Africa), we were not raised with a strong focus on emotional intelligence or collaboration. We were taught to obey, pass exams, and not ask too many questions.
But tech is different.
In tech, especially in global teams, you need to speak up, own your work, and collaborate confidently. That’s why so many African devs struggle in their first remote roles, even though they are brilliant.
It’s not just about skills. It’s about mindset.
How Do You Build These Skills?
Here are a few ways to start growing your soft skills, today:
1. Join Tech Communities
Platforms like Twitter, Slack groups, or even your local WhatsApp developer circle help you practice communication and teamwork in low-pressure environments.
2. Volunteer for Team Projects
Work on side projects with friends or colleagues. Don’t just code, learn to split tasks, manage deadlines, and give updates.
3. Write and Share Your Knowledge
You don’t have to be a writer. Start small: write a LinkedIn post about a bug you solved. It helps build clarity and confidence.
4. Take Courses That Teach Beyond Code
At Odurinde.com, our curriculum goes beyond syntax. We teach you how to think, how to communicate, and how to grow, not just how to write code.
Explore our Web Development Course to see how we train complete developers, not just keyboard warriors.
Remote? Freelance? Full-time? You Need Soft Skills
Whether you’re a:
- Freelancer dealing with clients,
- Remote employee working with foreign teams, or
- Full-time developer in a Nigerian startup,
…you’ll need to speak well, think clearly, and work with people.
If you’re still deciding between freelancing and full-time work, check out this post:
👉 Freelancing vs Full-time: Which Path Is Right for You?
You Can Know the Code: But Can You Carry the Team?
This is the real challenge.
Too many people are focused only on tools, frameworks, and syntax. And while those things matter, the ability to communicate, collaborate, and lead, is what sets you apart.
At Odurinde.com, we’re on a mission to raise complete tech professionals, not just coders.
Because the industry is changing. The bar is rising. And talent alone is no longer enough.
Build What Can’t Be Automated
Code can be learned by anyone. But:
- Clear thinking
- Respectful communication
- Empathy in design
- Leadership in chaos
…these are what can’t be automated or replaced by AI.
So invest in your full self — not just your tech stack.
If you’re ready to grow, check out our courses.
Or get started with our Web Development Program, made for Africans, by Africans, with global standards.
And don’t forget: You can know the code, but can you carry the team?