The Nation Newspaper

Category: Tech

  • Job creation: Startups to get N10m boost

    Job creation: Startups to get N10m boost

    Grooming Endowment Trust (GET), in collaboration with Kickoff Africa, has announced a plan to offer selected startups the opportunity to secure up to N10 million in equity-free investment, along with access to expert mentors and valuable market opportunities. 

    According to a statement from the non-profit organisation, the GETaccelerated programme is designed to empower early-stage founders in Nigeria.

    Applications for GETaccelerated are open until Saturday, July 29, it said, adding that GETaccelerated aims to support startups operating in key sectors such as financial services, healthcare, education, agriculture, digital (economy) infrastructure, social impact, media, mobility/logistics, and commerce (e-commerce or social commerce).

    A statement by organisers noted that after an extensive screening and selection process, 10 startups will receive a cumulative sum of N55 million in equity-free funding, access to expert mentors, and numerous market opportunities to scale their businesses. 

    To be eligible, startups must be registered and incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), have a minimum viable product (MVP) with some traction or paying users, and have been in operation for a period of 6 months to two years.

    Read Also: BOMA 2023 summit: AU to mobilise investment for biotech AI startups

    It noted that the unique business model should directly or indirectly create some form of  impact (social, economic, socioeconomic, or political) within communities.

    Operations Manager, GET, Michael Adoghe said: “We are thrilled to hold the second edition of GETaccelerated and provide early-stage founders with the resources they need to scale their ventures.

    “With equity-free funding, mentorship, and market opportunities, we believe this program will be a catalyst for growth and innovation for Nigerian startups.”

    “Founding Partner, KickOff Africa Fola Olatunji-David,said: “We experienced firsthand how supporting entrepreneurs create more opportunity and impact in underserved and marginalised communities, through the maiden edition of the GETAccelerated programme.”

  • How to prolong battery life-span, by tech expert

    How to prolong battery life-span, by tech expert

    A tech expert, Mr. Oso-davies Segun has shared valuable insights on how to prolong one’s phone battery lifespan.

    Segun explained that charging one’s phone to 100% and letting it drain to 0% puts strain on the battery and affects its overall lifespan.

    With a focus on creating educational content, Segun aims to help people understand their devices better, including the intricacies of smartphone batteries.

    Read Also: MC Walter eyes 130-hour Enter-a-thon Guinness World Record

    To minimize strain, Segun advised keeping the battery level between 20% and 80%.

    He also highlighted the impact of high-performance applications, such as games, on battery life.

    According to him, these apps can cause the device to heat up, further reducing the battery’s lifespan.

    Segun said: “The importance of software updates in maintaining battery health and overall device efficiency is of utmost importance”.

    He further advised: “Stop exposing phones to extreme temperatures and have your phone checked if it consistently runs hot.

  • The impact of generative AI and te​chnology on digital business transformation — Lani Sodunke

    The impact of generative AI and te​chnology on digital business transformation — Lani Sodunke

    In the past decade, “digital transformation” has evolved from a buzzword to an operational imperative and one of the most significant advancements in recent years has been the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into business processes.

    From healthcare and finance to retail and manufacturing, businesses have been automating processes, migrating to the cloud, and chasing data-driven decisions. This transformation is not just a trend but a necessary evolution for companies aiming to achieve efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and superior performance. One  of  the areas  of  artificial  intelligence  that has undergone considerable advancement in recent years is  generative artificial intelligence  (GenAI).

    Generative AI is not just another wave of tech, it’s a shift in how value is created, distributed, and captured in the digital economy. At first glance, generative AI tools like ChatGPT, DALL·E and Midjourney seem like creative assistants, useful for generating content, images, and code. But in practice, they’re doing more than saving time. They’re redefining what digital teams are capable of, and how fast businesses can ideate, build, and ship.

    For instance, a product manager can now prototype a new landing page, generate UI suggestions, draft onboarding copy, and mock up user flows all without looping in five different departments. That’s not just efficiency. It’s a reshaping of team dynamics and delivery models. When applied across departments like marketing, customer support, HR, and development, the compounding impact of generative AI becomes clear. It turns lean teams into high-output machines, capable of scaling without ballooning headcount.

    We’re entering an era where ideas can be tested, built, and validated at unprecedented speed. Forward-thinking digital businesses are designing systems where AI handles the first 70% of execution, drafts, summaries, mockups and human specialists focus on review, strategy, and refinement. It’s not about replacing jobs. It’s about upgrading how time and expertise are used.

    A startup with a handful of people can now do what once required a 20-person team. A mid-sized enterprise can explore markets, launch microsites, and analyze customer feedback without months of planning. But here’s the catch: technology alone doesn’t transform businesses. Strategy does. Generative AI is a multiplier. If you already have a clear direction, it helps you move faster and with more flexibility. If you don’t, it just accelerates the chaos.

    With this power comes a new layer of responsibility. Generative AI introduces legal, ethical, and operational risks, from misinformation and bias to data privacy and IP ownership. Businesses must put frameworks in place for AI governance: Who owns the output? How do we ensure content is accurate and brand-safe? What are the escalation paths for flagged results? Training employees on responsible use and setting boundaries for AI-generated work isn’t a nice-to-have,  its critical infrastructure. Without it, businesses risk reputational damage or worse.

    The most successful digital businesses won’t be the ones with the fanciest AI tools, they’ll be the ones who embed AI into their operations with intention. They’ll build cultures of experimentation, establish feedback loops between humans and machines, and use AI not to cut corners, but to unlock deeper work.

    They won’t ask, “How do we replace people with AI?” They’ll ask, “How do we empower people with it?”

    That mindset, strategic, measured, and focused is what separates hype from real transformation. Generative AI isn’t just the next phase of digital transformation. It’s a catalyst for reimagining how work gets done, who does it, and what’s possible at every stage of business growth. The companies that recognize this won’t just adapt. They’ll lead. And they’ll do it not by chasing trends, but by building smarter, faster, and more human-centered digital businesses powered by technology.

  • How AI and Robotics can transform supply chain automation in Nigeria — Tawakalitu Abereijo

    How AI and Robotics can transform supply chain automation in Nigeria — Tawakalitu Abereijo

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics are revolutionizing supply chains worldwide, but their impact in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, is just beginning to unfold. With a growing population, increasing e-commerce activities, and complex logistics challenges, Nigeria stands to benefit significantly from AI-driven automation in its supply chain and logistics sector.

    Nigeria’s supply chain faces multiple inefficiencies, including poor infrastructure, unpredictable demand, and manual processes that slow down operations. AI and robotics can help streamline these challenges by automating key aspects of logistics, warehousing, and inventory management. Smart algorithms can predict demand fluctuations, optimize delivery routes, and reduce delays in the movement of goods.

    For instance, AI-powered tracking systems can help Nigerian businesses monitor shipments in real time, reducing theft and mismanagement. Robotics can automate repetitive warehouse tasks, improving efficiency and lowering costs for businesses struggling with labor shortages or high operational expenses.

    The integration of AI and robotics into Nigeria’s supply chain would not only enhance efficiency but also create new job opportunities. While automation may replace some manual tasks, it will also generate demand for AI specialists, robotics engineers, and data analysts. This shift calls for investment in digital skills training to prepare the Nigerian workforce for the jobs of the future.

    Additionally, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which make up a significant portion of Nigeria’s economy, could benefit from AI-powered supply chain solutions that make it easier to track inventory, forecast demand, and optimize deliveries. This could reduce business costs and improve profitability in sectors like agriculture, retail, and manufacturing.

    Despite its potential, AI-driven supply chain automation in Nigeria faces hurdles. Limited internet connectivity, high costs of AI implementation, and a shortage of skilled professionals are major challenges. However, with increased investment in digital infrastructure, government support for technology adoption, and partnerships with global AI firms, Nigeria can gradually overcome these barriers.

    If Nigeria embraces AI and robotics in its supply chain, the benefits could be transformative. Faster and more efficient logistics, reduced costs for businesses, and improved service delivery for consumers would create a more competitive economy. While challenges remain, the future of work in Nigeria’s supply chain sector is undoubtedly digital, and those who invest in AI today will be the leaders of tomorrow.

  • AI Technology on future of work: expert’s insights and predictions for digital age

    AI Technology on future of work: expert’s insights and predictions for digital age

    Seun Mafa is a visionary entrepreneur and artificial intelligence (AI) expert who is transforming the landscape of government operations, healthcare, finance, education, and other sectors through his innovative solutions. With his companies, Ignite Consults and 5Africa, Seun is creating game-changing AI-powered solutions that are empowering communities and reshaping the future of work.

    The impact of AI technology on the future of work is a topic of great importance in the digital age. Seun Mafa, with his deep understanding of the transformative power of AI, is well-positioned to offer valuable insights and predictions about the changing nature of jobs and skills in this new era.

    According to Mafa, AI technology is set to revolutionise the way we work, learn, and live. He predicts that AI-powered automation will significantly transform the job market, eliminating some jobs and creating new ones that require a different set of skills. As a result, workers need to embrace lifelong learning and upskilling to remain relevant and competitive in the job market.

    Mafa also highlights the importance of ethical considerations in the use of AI technology. He believes that AI should be designed and deployed in a way that prioritizes human values and ethical principles, such as fairness, accountability, and transparency. This approach will help to address the potential risks and challenges of AI, such as job displacement, bias, and privacy concerns.

    In his work with Ignite Consults and 5Africa, Seun is already making a significant impact on the future of work through his innovative AI-powered solutions. For instance, Ignite Consults is helping government agencies to streamline their operations, reduce costs, and improve service delivery through AI-powered automation. This approach is creating new job opportunities that require skills in AI development, data analytics, and process improvement.

    On the other hand, 5Africa is transforming the education sector in Africa through its bespoke e-learning platforms that leverage AI technology to enhance student learning outcomes. This approach is creating new job opportunities for educators, content creators, and AI developers while addressing the critical skills gap in the education sector.

    Mafa’s insights and predictions on the impact of AI technology on the future of work are timely and relevant. His commitment to ethical and sustainable AI solutions that benefit people worldwide is inspiring, and his companies’ success stories demonstrate the transformative power of AI technology in shaping the future of work. As we continue to navigate the digital age, Seun Mafa’s vision for the future of work provides a valuable roadmap for individuals, businesses, and governments to harness the potential of AI technology for the greater good.

  • ‘How AI can tackle fraud’

    ‘How AI can tackle fraud’

    A Software Engineer/Developer and Business Analyst, Prince Efue has shared his expertise on the future of payments and fraud prevention at the esteemed BusinessDay Nigeria event. 

    The conference, titled: “The Future of Payments and Fraud Conference 2023: Stanching the Leaks, Digitization of Payment and Cybersecurity Solutions,” brought together industry leaders and experts to discuss emerging trends and strategies in combating fraud.

    During the conference’s fourth session, which focused on “staying vigilant through prevention, oversight, and policies,” Prince Efue spoke about integrating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning into the Financial Ecosystem. 

    Drawing on his extensive experience at Efuelite Solutions Limited, a leading software company, Prince Efue highlighted the successful partnerships established with various financial institutions in Nigeria to deploy efficient Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Systems.

    Speaking on integrating Artificial Intelligence in combating fraud, a prevalent financial crime that affects both individuals and organizations, he said. “It’s time we leveraged Artificial Intelligence to address so many expansive issues relating to finance. Massive data sets, such as transaction records, can be analyzed with AI to detect and prevent fraudulent activities”.

    “Through identifying unusual patterns or behaviors, algorithms powered by Artificial Intelligence can detect potential credit card fraud in real-time, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations like the GDPR. This helps maintain public trust and mitigates legal repercussions that may arise”, he stressed. 

    However, Prince Efue acknowledged that while Artificial Intelligence plays a crucial role in fraud prevention, there can be errors in its predictions. These can generate false positives, mistakenly identifying innocent transactions as suspicious, or false negatives, failing to detect genuine criminal activity. 

    To address these challenges, Prince Efue emphasized the importance of constantly refining and updating AI models while introducing human oversight. 

    “With the combination of advanced technology and human expertise helps, errors will be minimized, further improving the accuracy of AI-driven predictions, and reduces the risks of unnecessary investigations, reputational damage, and missed opportunities to apprehend criminals,” he stated.

    Prince Efue expressed optimism about the future of fraud prevention, emphasizing that by embracing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, financial institutions can enhance their abilities to detect and prevent fraud, ultimately safeguarding the interests of their customers and the broader economy.

  • From Vision to Reality: How Adekunle Idris is leveraging technology to help fight fraud in financial services across Africa

    From Vision to Reality: How Adekunle Idris is leveraging technology to help fight fraud in financial services across Africa

    Financial fraud remains a pervasive challenge across Africa, with alarming statistics revealing billions of dollars lost annually to fraudulent activities.

    Reports from Quartz Africa and Stears underscore the urgency of innovative solutions to address this pressing issue, as fraud continues to undermine trust in financial institutions and hinder economic development across the continent.

    According to the MTN Nigeria Earnings Release Q1 2023, the financial landscape in Africa is experiencing a surge in fraudulent activities, with losses amounting to significant sums each year. This reality highlights the critical need for proactive measures to combat fraud and protect both individuals and economies from its devastating effects.

    In the face of these challenges, Adekunle Idris, a dedicated product manager and API Products Team Lead for MTN, a multinational corporation and Africa’s largest mobile telecommunication provider, has emerged as a pioneer in leveraging technology to fight financial fraud.

    With a background in software development and a passion for driving positive change, Idris has played a pivotal role in developing innovative solutions to safeguard financial systems and empower communities across Africa.

    Read Also; 10 Nigerian entertainers with most social media following

    One notable example of Idris’s impact is his involvement in the development of MTN Application Development & Programming Interface (MADAPI), a platform enabling MTN’s partner and service providers to access Open APIs and deliver new services securely. This initiative has not only facilitated innovation but has also strengthened the resilience of MTN’s financial ecosystem against fraudulent activities.

    Idris’s journey in the tech industry spans from his early years as a developer to his contributions to the Federal Ministry of Finance, Nigeria on a Revenue Assurance & Collection System and now his strategic involvement at MTN Mobile Money Payment Service Bank Limited (MoMoPSB), where he led efforts to combat fraud and enhance security.

    The 22 billion Naira fraud incident on MoMoPSB’s network served as a wake-up call, prompting Idris and his team to develop proactive solutions leveraging the power of technology. By deploying a suite of APIs that helped with partners/users KYC, authentication, secured payment processing, remittance, etc.

    By harnessing advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms, Idris and his team were able to analyze vast amounts of data, identify patterns indicative of fraudulent behaviour, and implement real-time preventive measures. This proactive approach not only mitigated the impact of fraud but also restored trust and confidence in MoMoPSB’s services, paving the way for its continued growth and expansion across Africa.

    Idris’ commitment to leveraging technology for social good extends beyond traditional methods of combating fraud. With over 3.2 million active MoMo wallet users in the first three months, MoMoPSB has significantly expanded financial inclusion and accessibility for millions of Africans, empowering businesses and individuals to thrive in an increasingly digital landscape.

    The transformative potential of technology in combating fraud is undeniable. However, its success hinges on collaborative efforts between industry stakeholders, government agencies, and technology innovators like Idris. By prioritizing security and implementing proactive measures, Idris has ensured that MoMoPSB remains a trusted and secure platform for millions of users across Africa.

    Looking ahead, Idris remains committed to driving positive change through technology, particularly in addressing the unique financial needs of diverse African communities. As Africa continues to embrace digital transformation, his contributions serve as a beacon of innovation and resilience in the fight against financial fraud.

    Adekunle Idris’ journey exemplifies the transformative power of technology in combating financial fraud in Africa. Through his visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and innovative solutions, Idris has not only protected financial systems but has also empowered communities to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

  • How UX design industry can reach its full potential – Mayowa

    How UX design industry can reach its full potential – Mayowa

    Verified UX designer cum avid design storyteller, Adegunwa Mayowa Rebecca is a master’s degree holder from Sheffield Hallam University. She has in the last five years designed her cap with many feathers having worked and designed products for renowned companies. In this interview, she discusses her growth and future career plans, amongst others.

    When did you develop a passion for UX design?

    As a young and curious new graduate a few years ago, I wanted to learn a skill outside my educational background. I wanted something challenging, something with a strong creative thought process, I wanted a skill that would allow me to make an impact and practically solve problems in a fun, intuitive and creative way.

    Fortunately, I found my way to intern in an Information Technology (IT) firm where I was exposed to what a digital product life cycle is, I was exposed to software development as a whole and the entire development process where I was opportune to explore various opportunities available for me. I found UI UX design different in a special way due to the Creative outlet: UX design offers the opportunity to express creativity and bring ideas to life. I fell in love with all the creative process that goes into turning an idea into a digital product that addresses and solve real-life issues and create seamless and intuitive experiences for users.  It became a no-brainer for me as I thought to myself “It is either this or nothing”.

    How has the journey been so far?

    As a self-taught designer, I will be lying if I said it has been a smooth ride. However, because of my passion for continuous learning and growth, I have worked hard over the years to acquire the perfect creative aptitude. Over the past five years, I have Designed and managed successful products and ventures for companies such as Crowdbotics (USA), Cloudfift (USA), Cloudfift Inc (USA), MTN (Congo) and Charisol (California). Saphital (Nigeria). Out of day-to-day role, I have also designed and managed the Nigerian presidential election tracking and monitoring dashboard for the Centre for Democracy and Development.

    The UX design industry is quite big, what are your thoughts on the industry’s patronage/acceptance in Nigeria?

    The UX design industry has seen growth and acceptance globally, including in Nigeria. With the increasing importance placed on user experience and the rise of technology and digital industries, UX design has become a crucial aspect of product design and development.

    In Nigeria, there is a growing recognition of the value that UX design brings to businesses and organizations. As the tech and digital sectors continue to grow, it is likely that the demand for UX designers will also increase in the country.

    However, as with any industry, there may also be challenges, such as a shortage of skilled professionals, limited investment in design and technology, and a lack of understanding of the role and value of UX design.

    Overall, the patronage and acceptance of the UX design industry in Nigeria are likely to continue growing, but challenges may need to be addressed for the industry to reach its full potential.

    Any plans to mentor more designers and any incentives or what they stand to benefit from the mentorship?

    I am a self-taught designer with a passion for continuous learning and growth. I have mentored designers about the nuances of product design over the past 5 years – motivated by my frustration at having no mentors to guide me. Whether I am speaking on design, teaching budding designers, or collaborating with others to achieve their goals outside my day job, my goal is to democratize design learning.

    In addition, I am a verified mentor on one of the most structured and industry-accepted mentoring platforms that serve a global community of mentors and learners in tech.

    Incentives for participating in a mentorship program can vary according to individuals’ goals and what they aim to gain out of the mentorship session. However, as a leader in the industry, with the mentorship, I provide designers can benefit in many ways including:

    Skill development: As a mentor, I provide guidance and support in developing practical design skills and knowledge.

    Industry insights: With experience in the field, I can provide valuable insights into the UX design industry and help designers navigate the job market.

    Career advancement: As a mentor, I offer support and advice in achieving career goals and advancing in the field.

    Networking opportunities: I provide platform, events, and opportunities to connect with other designers and professionals in the industry.

    Personal growth: I help designers grow both professionally and personally and provide a supportive environment for personal and professional development.

    This is a new year, what plans do you have for the industry in Nigeria and your career?

    This year I am focusing a lot on accessibility and inclusive design: As the digital landscape continues to evolve, there is a growing emphasis on ensuring that websites, apps, and other digital products are accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities and diverse needs.

    I am also looking towards the art industry, trying to explore various ways that technology can be used to improve how art enthusiasts interact and engage more with artwork.

    These are sneak peek at some of the things I aim to achieve this year.

  • GetBundi introduces pidgin courses to fast-track digital skills learning

    GetBundi introduces pidgin courses to fast-track digital skills learning

    With research by reputable institutions showing that people, especially youths, learn better and faster when taught in their home language, GetBundi, an educational technology platform, has incorporated Nigerian Pidgin as a major language of instruction for some of its Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) skills.

    The platform announced this on 1st December 2022 after it went live with its online STEM and Digital Skills Centre with the launch of its dedicated web and mobile app versions.

    Osita Oparaugo, founder of GetBundi, said the decision to run some of the digital skills courses in Pidgin English came after reading the conclusion of studies by the World Bank, UNESCO and others that using a language of instruction closest to the people matters a lot especially for learning foundational skills.

    “In a research paper published by Yew Chong Soh, an economist at the World Bank Group, Ximena Del Carpio, practice manager at the World Bank, and Choon Wang, a lecturer at Monash University, the authors, while acknowledging the undeniable advantages of multilingualism, reinforced the need to use a language of instruction that is familiar to children (and teachers) when teaching foundational skills,” Oparaugo said.

    He said the paper, which focused on a language policy change in Malaysia, found that students performed worse in Mathematics and Science tests after the language of instruction in these subjects was switched from Bahasa Malaysia to English between their primary and secondary school years.

    “According to the authors, the impact of learning Mathematics and Science in English, a non-native language, throughout primary and secondary school years was even more negative as boys performed worse than girls across the board. The authors concluded that children learning in their native languages develop their core skills better,” he said.

    Oparaugo also cited India, a country known globally as an ICT powerhouse, where, propelled by the understanding that teaching in a native language can help more people understand concepts better, there has been a movement to explain technology in local languages like Tamil, Hindi, Bengali, etc.

    “This is why we are delivering some of our digital skills courses, such as Video Editing, Coding, Graphics, Cinematography, Digital Marketing, Cyber Security, etc in Pidgin English. We believe that Pidgin would be the game changer that would fast-track the achievement of our ‘GetBundi VISION 2032′, where we are targeting to equip 10 million Africans in 10 years with 21st-century skills that will make them instantly employable,” he said.

    Speaking on the choice of Pidgin instead of other indigenous languages, Oparaugo said it is the most widely spoken language in Nigeria that is understood by most people even within some West African countries.

    “Nigeria for example has roughly 300 indigenous languages which are not mutually intelligible. Pidgin is a common language used throughout the country and it is able to break the barrier of communication among the different ethnic groups,” he said.

    As an African product, he confirmed that in its further content developments, GetBundi would offer digital courses in over 11 major languages indigenous to sub-Saharan Africans.

    GetBundi MVP, launched in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, in June 2022, is designed to deliver high quality, engaging and accessible STEM courses focused on six years of post-primary education as well as digital skills courses for everyone. The platform secured approval from the Imo State Ministry of Education on 31st October, 2022 for the establishment and operation of its STEM and digital skills centre, and went live with its dedicated web and mobile app versions on 1st December 2022.

    GetBundi has a vision to up-skill, through its STEM and digital skills centre, 10 million Africans by 2032 and beyond in order to create an inclusive sustainable development driven by technology

  • Olajide Osundare: A leading architect of West Africa’s digital infrastructure transformation

    Olajide Osundare: A leading architect of West Africa’s digital infrastructure transformation

    In an increasingly digitized global economy, the integrity and scalability of telecommunications infrastructure have become essential to national development.

    At the center of this transformation in West Africa stands Olajide Osundare, a highly accomplished and widely respected network engineer whose career has been defined by innovation, technical mastery, and impact at scale.

    Through a decade of professional excellence, Osundare has emerged as a trusted leader in the design and deployment of high-performance network systems that underpin core financial services, telecommunication frameworks, and data-driven governance across Nigeria and Benin Republic.

    Olajide Osundare’s career reflects a commitment to strategic infrastructure transformation through the development and integration of advanced, high-resilience technologies.

    At MTN Benin, one of the region’s most prominent telecommunications providers, he served as Senior Network Engineer for IT Infrastructure, where he led a groundbreaking initiative to migrate legacy server farms to Cisco’s Application Centric Infrastructure Fabric.

    This shift to software-defined networking replaced rigid, hardware-centric models with adaptive, programmable architectures, boosting performance, reducing latency, and increasing operational agility. Under his leadership, MTN’s core routing infrastructure was successfully migrated from Cisco ASR 9010 to ASR 9910, and IPv6 was implemented to meet the expanding demands of mobile broadband, video communication, and cloud-based services. These upgrades enabled MTN to accommodate exponential user growth while strengthening national internet backbone resilience.

    Before his tenure at MTN, Osundare held the role of Senior Core IP Engineer at Cobranet Nigeria Limited, where he architected critical IP backbone infrastructure for major enterprise clients in financial services, oil and gas, and government.

    He designed high-availability, low-latency solutions that powered some of Nigeria’s most demanding digital environments. His work with AFRINIC on public prefix advertisements and route policy design ensured seamless global integration and reliable service availability for clients operating across continents. His leadership extended beyond deployment to team development, as he implemented formal training programs for Tier 1 and Tier 2 network engineers, contributing to national technical workforce advancement.

    Earlier in his career, he served at Sterling Bank Plc as an IT Service Support specialist. In this role, he ensured the security, reliability, and efficiency of bank-wide digital operations. He was responsible for the configuration, installation, and optimization of critical networking devices including firewalls, switches, and VPNs, while also enforcing rigorous change and configuration management protocols. His strategic interventions played a key role in maintaining consistent uptime and protecting digital assets throughout Sterling Bank’s network, supporting uninterrupted financial services delivery at a national scale.

    Osundare’s credentials reflect the depth of his technical capabilities and his exceptional professional standing. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical and Electronics from Madonna University and has earned a suite of advanced industry certifications that distinguish him among the most technically elite professionals in the field.

    These include the Cisco Certified Network Professional – Enterprise, Cisco DevNet Professional, Cisco ACI Implementation Specialist, Cisco Enterprise Design Specialist, and Mikrotik Routing Engineer certifications. These globally respected certifications are awarded to professionals with proven mastery in the most complex and emerging areas of network infrastructure and system automation.

    Throughout his career, Osundare has driven some of the most consequential and nationally significant IT infrastructure transformations in the region. He led the complete migration of a Tier 1 Internet Service Provider’s data center to a software-defined network, achieving substantial gains in efficiency, automation, and failover protection. He played a central role in the design and deployment of network resilience for Nigeria’s National Switch, a critical component of the country’s interbank transaction ecosystem that supports ATM services, real-time payment settlements, and point-of-sale operations. He also implemented secure and intelligent SD-WAN solutions for national banks, enabling seamless financial transaction processing and secure remote access across vast organizational footprints.

    These achievements position Olajide Osundare not merely as a capable engineer but as a visionary leader who consistently delivers infrastructure solutions with cross-sector, cross-border relevance. His systems support millions of users, contribute to financial inclusion, enhance economic resilience, and strengthen digital sovereignty across national jurisdictions. His influence continues to shape the evolution of network architecture in a region that is rapidly embracing cloud computing, edge networking, and digital-first public services.

    As governments and private enterprises across West Africa look toward building smart cities, expanding 5G capabilities, and enabling seamless digital governance, Osundare stands at the forefront of these ambitions. His combination of deep technical insight, systems-level thinking, and strategic foresight mark him as an outstanding contributor to the present and future of digital transformation on the African continent.

    His work is not only recognized by institutions and peers, but is increasingly seen as essential to the advancement of secure, scalable, and resilient telecommunications systems that power national economies. Olajide Osundare is, by all standards, a leading figure in the global conversation on network engineering and digital infrastructure—an individual whose expertise is both exemplary and indispensable.