Nigerian-built cybersecurity game gains global traction

A Nigerian-built mobile puzzle game focused on cybersecurity and digital awareness is gaining global traction, underscoring growing interest in accessible, mobile-first learning tools as digital safety concerns rise worldwide.

The game, TechQuest, has recorded more than 10,000 downloads globally on the Google Play Store, according to its public listing, with users from multiple regions adopting the app as an introductory tool for understanding basic cybersecurity and technology concepts. The uptake reflects a broader shift toward informal, self-paced digital learning delivered through smartphones rather than traditional classroom or corporate training models.

TechQuest introduces cybersecurity concepts through interactive, puzzle-style gameplay, avoiding the text-heavy formats that often discourage beginners. Designed for short, session-based use, the app allows users to engage with topics in brief intervals, a format that has resonated with students, working professionals, and casual learners seeking practical digital skills without long time commitments.

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Public user reviews on Google Play frequently highlight the app’s simplicity and ease of use, particularly for non-technical users. The game currently holds a user rating of over 4.5 stars, based on close to 100 public reviews. Users have also cited the absence of in-app advertisements or paid upgrades as a key factor in their continued engagement, a contrast to many free mobile education apps that rely on monetisation through ads.

As cyber risks increasingly affect individuals, businesses, and public institutions, digital literacy and basic cybersecurity awareness are being viewed as essential skills rather than optional knowledge. Phishing scams, identity theft, and data breaches continue to rise globally, pushing demand for tools that introduce cybersecurity concepts early and in approachable formats.

Mobile-based educational tools are playing a growing role in filling this gap, particularly in regions where access to formal cybersecurity training remains limited. Smartphones have become the primary computing device for millions of users across Africa and other emerging markets, making mobile-first learning platforms a practical entry point for digital skills development.

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TechQuest was developed by Bisola Faith Kayode, a UK-based Nigerian cybersecurity professional. Its growing adoption reflects a wider trend of Nigerian developers in the diaspora contributing to global technology innovation while building products that remain accessible to users across different regions, including Africa.

User activity and feedback around TechQuest suggest sustained interest in game-based approaches that break down complex technology topics into manageable, engaging experiences.

For many users, the appeal lies not in mastering advanced cybersecurity techniques but in building foundational awareness through everyday interaction. As digital threats evolve and online activity deepens worldwide, tools like TechQuest point to how education, gaming, and cybersecurity are increasingly converging on mobile platforms.

Royal Ibeh is a senior journalist with years of experience reporting on Nigeria’s technology and health sectors. She currently covers the Technology and Health beats for BusinessDay newspaper, where she writes in-depth stories on digital innovation, telecom infrastructure, healthcare systems, and public health policies.

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