Emmanuella Mayaki: Inspiring Journey of a Young Tech Prodigy

Early Life and Early Talents

Born in 2009 in Edo State, Nigeria, Emmanuella Mayaki showed an unusual aptitude for technology from a very young age. Encouraged by her family – her father, Prince John Mayaki, recalls realizing “we had a genius on our hands” when he saw her fascination with gadgets – Emmanuella dove into computing as a child. By the age of 7, she had already mastered fundamental computer applications like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and CorelDRAW. This early mastery of digital skills went far beyond play: she earned certificates in these applications, demonstrating a level of expertise rare even among adults.

Emmanuella’s hunger to learn only grew. At age 9, while still in primary school, she enrolled in advanced computer courses typically meant for adults. She attended a specialized information technology institute in Lagos where, despite being a child among adult students, she thrived – even earning the nickname “Professor” from her amazed classmates. During this period, she picked up real programming skills: learning web development, graphic design, and coding languages. By the time she was 10 years old, Emmanuella was proficient in multiple programming languages and tools, including HTML/CSS for web design, JavaScript, Python, Java, and PHP, in addition to her graphics and office software skills. Her rapid progress at such a tender age marked her as an ICT (Information and Communication Technology) whiz kid, setting the stage for even greater accomplishments.

Teaching and Leadership in Technology

Emmanuella’s unique educational journey took an extraordinary turn when she moved to the United Kingdom at just 10 years old. There, while enrolled as a student at Southfields Primary School in Coventry, she was hired as an after-school coding instructor for her peers – an almost unheard-of role for a child her age. Transitioning from student to teacher was initially “baffling,” Emmanuella admits, but instead of succumbing to any pressure or doubt, she embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. She taught basic computer programming to other children, bringing a fresh perspective to the classroom. In doing so, she proved that her age was no barrier to making a meaningful impact. Her work as a coding tutor in primary school at age 11 showcased not only her technical know-how but also a natural ability to lead and inspire others.

Inspired by her experiences in the UK, Emmanuella looked back to her homeland and saw a chance to help other children acquire the tech skills she had gained. In 2020, at just 11 years old, she launched her own educational initiative in Nigeria called “CodeKid”, an ICT academy aimed at teaching kids (especially girls) the basics of computing and programming. CodeKid began as an online and after-school tutoring platform through which Emmanuella could share her knowledge with Nigerian youth. The academy’s curriculum ranges from simple introductions to using Microsoft Office tools to more complex topics like building websites and writing code in languages such as Python and Java. Emmanuella’s vision was to empower the girl-child with 21st-century digital skills, bridging the technology education gap for young Nigerians. “Equipping the girl child with skills needed for survival in the 21st century” became her rallying mission. By founding CodeKid, she turned her personal passion into a platform for community upliftment, effectively becoming a teacher and role model to many other children even before becoming a teenager. Notably, Emmanuella’s achievement of starting an ICT academy at such a young age won her national attention in Nigeria, with media outlets celebrating her as a coding wonder who is helping close the digital literacy gap for girls.

Overcoming Challenges and Breaking Barriers

As a young Black girl making strides in STEM, Emmanuella Mayaki has navigated and overcome several social and cultural barriers. In many parts of the world – including Nigeria – it is uncommon for children, especially girls, to be steered toward technology fields; careers like medicine, law, or engineering are more typically encouraged by parents. Emmanuella’s success has helped challenge these norms. Her father notes that her accomplishments have “challenged a lot of negative stereotypes” about what girls and African children can achieve in tech. For instance, even as a 9-year-old sitting in classes with adult learners, Emmanuella proved she could hold her own, shattering the assumption that a child wouldn’t cope in such an advanced setting – in fact, her adult classmates’ respectful nickname “Professor” says it all.

Culturally, she also faced the reality that access to technology is limited for many youths in Nigeria. Internet connectivity and resources in West Africa lag behind global averages, with only about 5% of young people in parts of the region having internet access at home. In this context, Emmanuella’s early achievements required not just talent but determination to seek out opportunities (such as enrolling in an ICT institute and persuading adults to take her seriously). Moreover, stepping into an instructor role in the UK, she entered what is often a “boys’ club” – the world of coding and computer science traditionally dominated by men and boys. Being a Black girl in that space meant she was breaking two layers of stereotype. Yet, she handled the responsibility with confidence, focusing on her ability rather than her age or gender. “I know it’s a lot for a child like me — a 12-year-old girl,” Emmanuella said of the big goals she pursues, “but I can do it.” . That steadfast self-belief exemplifies how she has overcome barriers: by pairing her skills with courage and resilience.

Emmanuella’s journey also highlights the importance of mentorship and representation. When she succeeded as a coding teacher, it wasn’t just a personal win; it sent a message to other young girls of color that they too belong in tech classrooms and labs. Her story, as her father proudly notes, shows “what is possible with the right tutelage and guidance”. Each challenge she has conquered – whether it was excelling in an adult-dominated course, moving to a new country at age 10, or founding a tech academy in a society that hadn’t seen many 11-year-old female tech CEOs – has paved the way for those who come after her. Emmanuella stands as a trailblazer, proving that youth is not a limitation and that girls of African descent can excel in STEM fields when given the opportunity.

Achievements and Recognition

By her early teens, Emmanuella Mayaki’s list of accomplishments had grown to extraordinary lengths. At age 11, after establishing CodeKid, her work garnered major media attention across Nigeria. News outlets hailed her as a “Nigerian ICT genius” who was making waves in technology. International tech observers also took note – in 2021, Cybercrime Magazine profiled her as “one of tech’s most promising experts,” calling her a true programming prodigy. Such profiles not only celebrated her coding abilities but also highlighted her efforts to teach others, portraying her as a young leader in the push for digital literacy.

Emmanuella has received accolades that many seasoned professionals would covet. In May 2022, she was nominated as a STEM icon by STEM Kids NYC, an organization dedicated to inspiring children in science and tech. The group named her as a source of inspiration for students, recognizing how her story can motivate other kids to pursue coding and science. She was also invited as a guest speaker by Data Science Nigeria for a youth workshop on launching futures in data science and AI – a role that positioned her as an expert teaching others how to follow in her footsteps.

One of Emmanuella’s most remarkable milestones came when she was just 13 years old. In late 2022, she was accepted into Mary Baldwin University’s Program for the Exceptionally Gifted (PEG) in the United States, to study Computer Science. This made her one of the youngest people ever admitted to a university in the U.S., setting a new record in the process. Her admission letter welcomed her to the PEG class of 2026 – a testament to her academic prowess and intellectual maturity . Emmanuella had proven her scholastic ability by scoring 1300 on the SAT (in the 91st percentile) at age 13, meeting the rigorous criteria to enter college early. Upon her acceptance, Mary Baldwin University publicly celebrated her “incredible journey,” and news of this achievement spread widely as an inspiring story of youth achievement . It’s not every day that a 13-year-old steps onto a university campus, let alone in a challenging field like computer science, and Emmanuella’s success underscores her exceptional talent and hard work.

Such recognition and opportunities have solidified Emmanuella’s status as a role model. She has been described as one of the most influential young change-makers of her time. Yet, despite all the praise, Emmanuella remains focused on the bigger picture: using her gifts to open doors for others. Each award, nomination, or headline she earns is not just a personal honor – it amplifies her platform to advocate for technology education and inclusivity in STEM.

Looking Ahead and Inspiring the Next Generation

Now a mid-teenager with a college education underway, Emmanuella Mayaki continues to dream big and chart out bold goals for her future. She has expressed interest in “orbiting everything cyberspace has to offer,” from machine learning and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity and beyond. In other words, she intends to explore the cutting edge of tech disciplines, expanding her expertise and finding new ways to innovate. As a university student in the PEG program, Emmanuella is accelerating her learning in computer science, which will undoubtedly equip her to take on advanced projects and perhaps even research at an age when most of her peers are just starting high school.

Beyond her personal ambitions in technology, Emmanuella’s vision remains deeply rooted in empowering others. She plans to continue growing CodeKid and similar initiatives to reach more children who lack access to quality tech education. Her story has already inspired parents and educators to rethink the limits placed on young learners. “It’s been wonderful to see Emma inspire other parents to support the development of their own children in technology,” her father notes, reflecting on the ripple effect her success has caused in their community. Emmanuella symbolizes the importance of mentorship and early encouragement: when a young girl is told “you can do it” and given the tools, she just might change the world.

For many young people – especially girls and Black youth – Emmanuella Mayaki’s journey sends a powerful message. She represents possibility. Her achievements proclaim that passion and skill know no age, that girls have a place in coding labs and engineering teams, and that African youth can lead in technology innovation. Every time Emmanuella crosses a new frontier, she not only fulfills her own potential but also knocks down a barrier that once stood in someone else’s way. Her courage to be first (whether as the youngest teacher in the room or the youngest student at the university) lights a path for others to follow. In a world where STEM fields sorely need diversity and fresh perspectives, Emmanuella’s story shines as a beacon of hope and inspiration.

In the years ahead, Emmanuella aspires to keep learning, keep teaching, and keep breaking new ground. With her confidence, curiosity, and compassion working in tandem, there is little doubt she will continue to thrive. And as she does, countless eyes will be watching – the next generation of scientists, engineers, and coders who see in Emmanuella Mayaki a role model that looks like them. Her journey is far from over, but it already stands as a stirring reminder that youthful talent, when nurtured and believed in, can achieve truly incredible things. Emmanuella’s success is not just her own – it’s a victory for all young people dreaming of making their mark in STEM.