A Nigerian technology entrepreneur based in the United Kingdom has launched an artificial intelligence-powered digital platform aimed at helping African students and skilled migrants better navigate education, employment, and migration systems abroad.
The platform, known as ISCANET, was developed by Matthew Akinpelu, a Nigerian tech founder in the diaspora with a view to ameliorating the growing challenges faced by Africans seeking study and work opportunities outside the continent. The service uses artificial intelligence to provide structured guidance on career readiness, employability pathways, and visa-regulated labour markets. A complementary platform, AfriApply, focuses on international education opportunities and application processes.
The initiative operates from the United Kingdom but is targeted primarily at African users, including students planning to study overseas and professionals seeking long-term career opportunities in foreign countries. According to information released by the founder, the platforms currently serve users from more than 60 countries with a significant number coming from Africa including Nigeria.
Akinpelu said the idea behind the platform was shaped by his personal experience as a migrant, where access to reliable, up-to-date information on immigration rules, education systems, and labour market expectations was often unclear or fragmented. He noted that many African students and migrants rely on informal advice, unverified online sources, or costly intermediaries, which can lead to poor decisions and missed opportunities.
He explained that ISCANET was designed to address this gap by using artificial intelligence to analyze user data and provide tailored insights on skills requirements, career alignment, and migration-related expectations in different countries. The goal, he said, is to help users make informed choices before relocating and to support them as they adjust to new education or work environments.
Since its launch, the platform has reportedly attracted over 15,000 registered users, including international students, recent graduates, and skilled professionals. Many of these users, according to the company, are seeking clearer pathways from education to employment in countries with strict visa and labour regulations.
The launch comes at a time when increasing numbers of young Africans are exploring opportunities abroad amid limited local employment options, rising education costs, and global demand for skilled labour. in Nigeria, this trend is often refered to as “Japa” Experts say platforms that provide accurate guidance could help reduce misinformation and improve outcomes for migrants and international students.
However, Akinpelu acknowledged that maintaining accuracy remains a major challenge, particularly as immigration and labour policies frequently change across countries. He said the platform is being continuously updated to reflect new rules and requirements, adding that future development will focus on improving data reliability and expanding access to more African users.
With the growing role of artificial intelligence in education and workforce planning, the launch of ISCANET highlights how African-led tech solutions are increasingly being developed to address migration and skills challenges affecting African youths.
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