PHILEMON JOHN
PHILEMON JOHN
Software Engineer
Philemon John is a Nigerian software engineer, technology entrepreneur, and community builder. He is the Founder and Founding Engineer of Hiredlance Digitals and the Founder of DevCircles, a community-driven tech ecosystem empowering developers and tech professionals through state-level communities, collaboration, networking, continuous learning, and career opportunities.
His work focuses on building digital products, strengthening technology communities, and creating opportunities that help individuals and businesses thrive through technology.
Early Life & Passion for Technology
Philemon’s fascination with technology began long before he became a software engineer.
Growing up, he had limited access to computers, so he spent time in local cyber cafés learning how computers worked and exploring the internet. In 2002, while many people simply visited cyber cafés to browse, he became deeply curious about the technology behind them. Those early experiences sparked a passion that would eventually shape his career.
Today, that same curiosity continues to drive his interest in building software and technology ecosystems that solve real-world problems.
Education
Philemon earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Pure and Industrial Chemistry from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Recognizing the growing importance of digital security, he later obtained a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity from Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
Although his academic foundation began in the sciences, his passion for software engineering, cybersecurity, and technology entrepreneurship led him into the technology industry.
Building Hiredlance
In 2018, Philemon founded Hiredlance as a freelance marketplace designed to connect businesses with professionals offering digital services.
Although the marketplace gained early interest, the Nigerian freelance market was still in its infancy and lacked the level of adoption needed for long-term sustainability. Rather than abandon the vision, he transformed Hiredlance into a full-service digital agency.
Today, Hiredlance Digitals provides software development, website design, mobile application development, branding, UI/UX design, and digital solutions for businesses.
As the Founding Engineer, Philemon remains actively involved throughout the project lifecycle, from initial client consultations and product strategy to software development, deployment, and long-term support.
Founding DevCircles
In June 2019, Philemon founded Abuja Developers Circle, beginning with a single WhatsApp community created to connect developers within Abuja.
What started as a local initiative gradually expanded into multiple state chapters and was later rebranded as DevCircles to reflect a broader vision of connecting technology communities across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.
Today, DevCircles brings together developers, designers, founders, cybersecurity professionals, students, and other technology professionals through physical meetups, technical workshops, podcasts, networking events, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
The organisation is also developing a next-generation social collaboration platform that will help members connect, showcase projects, discover career opportunities, find collaborators, and strengthen local technology ecosystems.
Engineering & Leadership
Beyond writing software, Philemon enjoys solving complex business problems through technology.
His approach combines technical execution with product strategy, allowing him to work closely with clients from project discovery through final delivery.
Whether building business applications, community platforms, or digital products, he believes technology should create measurable value for the people who use it.
Vision
Philemon’s long-term vision is to build technology that empowers people.
Through Hiredlance and DevCircles, he is committed to creating products, communities, and opportunities that help developers and technology professionals learn, collaborate, build meaningful careers, and contribute to a stronger African technology ecosystem.
He believes that while talent is everywhere, opportunity is not. His mission is to help close that gap by building the infrastructure that enables innovation to flourish.
Beyond Work
Outside of software engineering, Philemon enjoys mentoring aspiring technology professionals, sharing insights on software development and entrepreneurship, and exploring emerging technologies that have the potential to shape the future.
He believes the most meaningful innovations are built where technology, community, and education come together.