Polygon Bootcamp: 3 participants share experiences and expectations 

Temitope Akintade
Polygon bootcamp participants


The Polygon Bootcamp, an eight-week mentorship program and hackathon for blockchain developers in Africa, has kicked off to the delight of Web3 enthusiasts.

Developers who are newbies in Web3 – a decentralized online ecosystem based on blockchain – are taking advantage of the Beginner Track to launch their careers in the space. Also, there is a Master Track for experienced developers seeking advanced Web3 education.

All participants will form teams or build projects individually with the help of industry experts, with cash prizes to be won. The judges and mentors for the Polygon Bootcamp Africa class of 2022 include; Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Deborah Ajengbede, Njoku Emmanuel, and more.

In a chat with Technext, Adeola, Ifeanyichukwu Onuh, and Ottobong Christopher – participants of the program, shared bits and pieces of their experience so far and their expectations for the rest of the program. 

According to Adeola, joining the boot camp was a no-brainer after getting the information via Twitter. 

“I got information about the Bootcamp on Twitter. Who wouldn’t want to join the polygon Bootcamp? I saw that even after participating in this boot camp you get a certificate (of participation) as a junior blockchain developer from Polygon. With how big the Polygon brand is, who wouldn’t want a certificate from them?”

He further remarks that with his little background in web3 development, the modules and curriculum of the Polygon program provide sufficient knowledge on the technical and fundamental parts of the blockchain. 

Related post: Polygon to train 2,000+ Africans on blockchain at Bootcamp 

I have been into web3 and blockchain before the Polygon Bootcamp. When I entered, I realized it was a continuation of what I had done. Of course, there are challenges, there are times when I try to do something, and I get errors. I posted some challenges on the discord tonight and found solutions to them.”

Ottobong Christopher also reiterates Adeola’s views on the Bootcamp. 

.The curriculum, at first, was a lot of information, and it was awesome. For a beginner, you will actually understand. I’m enjoying the Bootcamp. 

The challenges of the Polygon Bootcamp participants

On the other hand, Ifeanyichukwu Onuh has endured a not-so-smooth start to the program. He observes that the curriculum is too voluminous. He says it’s tough because it’s still something new, but it is something he can bear with. 

Onuh has also discovered that an idea of the technicalities of web2 is needed to understand what is being taught fully.

Going forward

Given the challenges at this opening stage, Onuh emphasizes the importance of a strong community in learning. He proposes that students discuss what they learn with their peers twice or thrice a week.

Read also: Damilare Aregbesola speaks on how Polygon intends to place Africa on the global blockchain map

Adeola, on the other hand, says consistency and motivation are his watchwords. 

“I just need to go the extra mile, be consistent. The curriculum is enough.” – Adeola. 

Ottobong says there is a clear roadmap on the ground already. However, he suggested that the timeline of the next Polygon Bootcamp be extended because a lot of knowledge is being absorbed within a short while. He urged that the organizers consider that the participants will still build projects at the end.

“I would say they should extend it to 12 weeks for beginners. The curriculum is okay for me,” Ottobong says:

Regardless of the current challenges, Ifeanyichukwu Onuh is reaching for the stars, and the sky is not his limit. 

What I expect to get is to win the first prize and get connected to great people, my idols like Shodipo.”

Participants of the Polygon Bootcamp started submitting applications on the 26th of September. The hackathon is scheduled to end on the 21st of November. There are cash prizes to be won, and the winners will be announced on the 19th of December, 2022.


Technext Newsletter

Get the best of Africa’s daily tech to your inbox – first thing every morning.
Join the community now!

Register for Technext Coinference 2023, the Largest blockchain and DeFi Gathering in Africa.

Technext Newsletter

Get the best of Africa’s daily tech to your inbox – first thing every morning.
Join the community now!