A Nigerian-developed platform, Otiya, is seeking to make learning more social and engaging by combining live quizzes, competition and prize draws in one browser-based service.
Created by UK-based technology company Helixus Ltd and Nigerian entrepreneur Olalekan Obisesan, Otiya entered public beta in August ahead of a wider launch later this year. The platform allows teachers, trainers, workplaces and community groups to create quizzes, host live competitions and run prize draws without requiring participants to download an app or create an account.
Users can join sessions on their phones with a six-character code, while organisers can host up to 100 players. Otiya includes ready-made quizzes on African music, food, history, geography and popular culture, alongside global topics and user-created content.
The platform is designed to work on low-bandwidth connections and basic smartphones, making it accessible in schools, community centres and informal learning settings across Africa. Organisers can create custom quizzes, add images and videos, and run live prize draws to keep participants engaged.
The platform’s name is drawn from the Yoruba phrase “Ó ti yá”, commonly used to signal that it is time to begin. Helixus says this African cultural identity is central to Otiya’s appeal, positioning it for users across Africa, the diaspora and global markets.
Obisesan, who previously worked in corporate technology roles, says Otiya was inspired by the need to make learning more interactive and less dependent on expensive hardware or high-speed internet. The platform is already being tested in schools, churches, workplaces and social clubs in Nigeria and the UK, with plans to expand to other African countries and diaspora communities.
The company sees Otiya as more than an educational tool. It is also a social platform where people can connect over shared knowledge, compete in friendly contests and celebrate African culture. Quizzes on Afrobeats, Nigerian cuisine, African history and proverbs are among the most popular, reflecting growing interest in cultural content among younger users.
Otiya joins a growing wave of African edtech startups that are rethinking how learning happens on the continent. From AI-powered tutoring to gamified language apps, African entrepreneurs are building solutions that address local challenges while appealing to global audiences.
What sets Otiya apart is its focus on social interaction and cultural relevance. Rather than replicating Western quiz platforms, Otiya is built around African contexts, languages and experiences. This approach is resonating with users who want content that reflects their identity and everyday life.
With public beta underway, Helixus is gathering feedback from early users to refine the platform before its full launch. The company plans to introduce more features, including advanced analytics for educators, multilingual support and partnerships with schools and cultural organisations.
For Obisesan, Otiya is proof that African innovation can compete on the global stage. “We are not just copying what exists elsewhere,” he says. “We are creating something uniquely African that the world can enjoy.”
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