The Nation Newspaper

Category: Technology

  • Oluebube: Carving a niche in tech industry

    Oluebube: Carving a niche in tech industry

    A young software engineer, Oluebube Princess Amadi, is fast redefining the technology industry. Apart from carving a niche for herself, the leading figure at the Open Source Community Africa  is providing life-changing tools and support to budding software developers. RASAQ IBRAHIM reports.. 

    In the competitive global  technology industry today, just few individuals have distinguished themselves as a pivotal figure who has driven innovation to move the industry forward. One of such rare gem is Oluebube Princess Amadi, a first class software engineer who has carved a niche for herself on the international grid of excellence. 

    The journey of the tech guru currently serving as the engineering team leader at the Opens Source community Africa which has chapters in over 21 countries and has impacted no fewer than 19,000 software engineers embodies essence of visionary and purposeful leadership and transformative impact. 

    With her hands-on vast experience in the tech world, Oluebube’s commitment to excellence and unparalleled talent have garnered her widespread recognition both in Africa and beyond. This further solidifies her position as a leading figure in the tech industry, and reinforcing the trust placed in her abilities and the awe-inspiring height she has reached. 

    Yet, Oluebube’s story extends beyond a number of change she has brought to the tech world. No wonder, she has been able to redefine how the tech industry works and contribute to kubernetes, the second largest open source project in the world and the largest Go project globally. Her role as Release Docs Lead for Kubernetes shows her commitment to making this tool accessible to users worldwide.

    Oluebube ’s journey from contributing to smaller projects to leading significant initiatives within Kubernetes community exemplifies the transformative power of open source. Her  inspiring story is a compelling reminder of how open-source contributions can drive personal growth, foster global collaboration, and lead to groundbreaking technological advancements.

    The tech expert relentless dedication to staying ahead of industry trends and her ability to translate data into actionable insights has brought growth not only to her career and personal growth but also her organization. Her strategic prowess combined with creativity and innovation makes her an invaluable asset in the ever competitive tech industry. 

    Sharing her journey and insights on why everyone should contribute to  open source, Oluebube said, “Open source is more than just a way to build software; it’s a way to build community”.

    “Contributing to open source allows you to work with people from all over the world, learning from each other and building something together,” she explains. 

    “This global collaboration is a key to open-source development, connecting developers regardless of geographic boundaries. This eventually led me to contribute to Kubernetes, the second largest open-source project in the world and the largest Go project globally.

    “Kubernetes is a testament to the power of open source project. It is a project that’s continuously evolving thanks to contributions from a diverse community of developers.” 

    On the core objective of Open Source  Community Africa, the tech expert said, “Our mission is to empower developers, especially those from underrepresented communities, to create and contribute open-source projects”, 

    Through workshops,  hackathons, and mentorship programs, Oluebube and her team provide life changing tools and support needed to succeed in the open-source world.

  • Google announces 110 new languages translate

    Google announces 110 new languages translate

    Google has announced a major expansion of Google Translate, adding 110 new languages to the platform.

    This update is part of Google’s 1,000 Languages Initiative, which uses AI models to support the 1,000 most spoken languages around the world and represents a significant step towards breaking down language barriers and fostering communication across diverse cultures.

    The new inclusions include eight languages from across Africa, which now join Nigerian languages Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Fulani, Kanuri, and Tiv, which were already supported by Google Translate.

    Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications and Public Affairs Manager for West Africa at Google, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “Our mission is to enable everyone, everywhere, to understand the world and express themselves across languages. With the addition of these 110 new languages, including many from Africa, we’re opening up new opportunities for over half a billion people to connect and communicate.

    “Africa, with its rich linguistic diversity, is a key focus of this expansion. The addition of numerous African languages underscores Google’s commitment to supporting underrepresented languages and amplifying voices from across the continent.”

    Kola-Ogunlade further explained the complexities involved in language selection: “A lot of consideration goes into new language additions for Google Translate, ranging from which languages to include to the use of specific spellings. Many languages do not have a single, standard form, so learning the specific dialect that is spoken the most in an area is more feasible. Our approach has been to prioritise the most commonly used varieties of each language.”

    The latest expansion utilises the PaLM 2 large language model, following the addition of 24 languages in 2022 using Zero-Shot Machine Translation. This technology enables Translate to more efficiently learn languages that are closely related to one another or have various distinct dialects. Google collaborated extensively with native speakers to ensure accuracy and prioritise the most commonly used varieties of each language.

    The 110 new languages represent over 614 million speakers worldwide, covering around 8% of the world’s population. This includes major world languages with over 100 million speakers, languages spoken by small Indigenous communities, and languages undergoing revitalization efforts.

    Key African Languages Now Supported by Google Translate: Middle Africa: Kikongo, Eastern Africa: Luo, Swati, Venda, Western Africa: Fon, Wolof, Southern Africa: Swati, Ndebele.

    Notably, this update marks Google’s largest expansion of African languages to date, including:

    Afar is a tonal language spoken in Djibouti, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. Of all the languages in this launch, Afar had the most volunteer community contributions.

    Cantonese is one of the most requested languages for Google Translate. Because Cantonese often overlaps with Mandarin in writing, it’s tricky to find data and train models.

    Manx is the Celtic language of the Isle of Man. It almost went extinct with the death of its last native speaker in 1974. But thanks to an island-wide revival movement, there are now thousands of speakers.

    NKo is a standardised form of the West African Manding languages that unifies many dialects into a common language. Its unique alphabet was invented in 1949, and it has an active research community that develops resources and technology for it today.

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    Punjabi (Shahmukhi) is the variety of Punjabi written in Perso-Arabic script (Shahmukhi) and is the most spoken language in Pakistan.

    Tamazight (Amazigh) is a Berber language spoken across North Africa. Although there are many dialects, the written form is generally mutually understandable. It’s written in Latin script and Tifinagh script, both of which Google Translate supports.

    Tok Pisin is an English-based creole and the lingua franca of Papua New Guinea. If you speak English, try translating into Tok Pisin — you might be able to make out the meaning!

    To learn more about Google’s latest expansion of Translate, visit the Help Center. You can also get started translating at translate.google.com or on the Google Translate app on Android and iOS.

  • Telcos launch campaign on data management

    Telcos launch campaign on data management

    In a concerted effort to address widespread complaints about data depletion, Nigeria’s Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have collaboratively launched a consumer sensitisation campaign aimed at providing practical guidance for more effective data management. This initiative is designed to enhance consumer satisfaction by helping subscribers optimise their data usage.

    In a joint, the MNOs highlighted several smart data usage behaviours that can help prevent data depletion. These include disabling automatic app updates, enabling data saver mode, and closing unused apps to prevent background data consumption.

    To prevent unauthorised access and strengthen data security, the MNOs advised consumers to use stronger passwords and regularly update their hotspot and Wi-Fi passwords to prevent unauthorised access.

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    For a seamless video streaming experience, users should ensure they have sufficient data and turn off auto-downloads to effectively manage content consumption.

    With the advent of advanced network technologies like 4G, LTE, and the latest 5G, which offer ultra-fast data speeds and enhanced browsing and streaming experiences, the speed of data consumption and pattern have increased significantly. Consumers are encouraged to understand these changes and manage their data usage accordingly.

    “It is important for consumers to familiarize themselves with the specific terms and conditions of their data plans,” the MNOs emphasized. “Different plans cater to various needs, including weekend-specific plans, social media-only plans, and regular plans configured for night use only.”

  • Taiwo Omisogbon named recipient of pioneer in Tech Award at NTIH

    Taiwo Omisogbon named recipient of pioneer in Tech Award at NTIH

    Automation isn’t just changing how things work, it’s changing who they work for. Across Nigeria’s evolving innovation landscape, few engineers have demonstrated how inclusive systems design can unlock opportunity at scale like Taiwo Omisogbon. His quiet but impactful approach earned him the Pioneer in Tech Award at the National Technology Innovation Honors (NTIH), a testament to his ongoing commitment to building tools that serve broad and often overlooked realities.

    The NTIH ceremony brought together leaders from government, industry, and academia, from directors of national technology agencies to digital economy advisors and private sector executives. Their presence spoke to the credibility of the forum and the growing emphasis on inclusion as a pillar of innovation in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. At the center of that conversation was him, whose work has consistently translated engineering intelligence into accessible, scalable frameworks that prioritize utility over complexity.

    He is not simply an automation engineer; he is a systems thinker with a gift for making intricate solutions feel intuitive. His track record spans a diverse set of environments, from healthcare and manufacturing to small business operations and field-based service delivery. In each context, his approach is consistent: identify the gaps, remove friction, and build processes that people can use, not just understand.

    The honor reflects not just a milestone in his professional journey, but a lasting contribution to the evolution of automation in Nigeria. Receiving the Pioneer In Tech Award affirms that, as an automation engineer, Omisogbon is influencing more than the technical dimension, he is shaping the broader structure of national progress through innovation, discipline, and practical impact. This honor places him among a distinguished group of experts whose ideas and execution continue to strengthen the country’s technological foundation and inspire future builders in the field.

    Over the past few years, he has contributed to initiatives designed to bridge digital divides in operational settings, embedding automation that supports rather than overwhelms. From adaptive audit tools in healthcare facilities to modular workflow engines for resource-constrained industries, his innovations have steadily challenged the idea that complex tools must be difficult to use. In fact, the ease with which non-technical users can interact with his solutions is one of the reasons his work has found such traction across sectors.

    His recognition at NTIH affirms a shift in how automation is valued: not by how loud it is, but by how deeply it integrates into the way organizations function. While many in the space still focus on high-tech demonstrations, he has built a reputation by staying close to the problems and building from the inside out. His inclusion-first mindset isn’t just an engineering approach; it’s a leadership philosophy that acknowledges the diversity of users, institutions, and realities in Nigeria’s innovation economy.

  • Adedayo Jigida wins outstanding technological achievement award at NTIH

    Adedayo Jigida wins outstanding technological achievement award at NTIH

    Precision, imagination, and disciplined engineering are often what separate experimental concepts from technologies that endure, and Adedayo Jigida has built his reputation in robotics on exactly that distinction. At the National Technology Innovation Honors (NTIH), he was named the recipient of the Outstanding Technological Achievement Award, a recognition reserved for innovators whose work demonstrates technical depth, national relevance, and a clear contribution to advancing real-world automation.

    The ceremony convened key figures across Nigeria’s technology and research landscape, including engineering regulators, automation specialists, government agencies driving digital transformation, and leaders from the manufacturing and energy sectors. The blend of public and private sector attendees underscored the significance of the award, reflecting the level of influence and professional respect associated with Jigida’s accomplishments.

    His engineering work has earned increasing visibility for its reliability and practicality, especially in environments where human safety, operational accuracy, and adaptive intelligence are non-negotiable. By combining mechanical design, intelligent sensing, and system-level reasoning, he has created robotics solutions that thrive in complex, unpredictable environments. From autonomous inspection devices to micro-robotic tools for precision tasks, his work equips institutions with technologies that enhance performance while reducing risk.

    This honor represents more than recognition of technical expertise, it highlights a sustained contribution to national progress. Winning an award of this caliber at NTIH marks Jigida not just as a skilled robotics engineer, but as a builder whose work strengthens Nigeria’s engineering infrastructure and shapes the broader direction of technological development. It places him among a distinguished community of practitioners whose innovations are actively influencing industry standards and future possibilities.

    Over the years, he has driven projects that range from robotics for hazardous field operations to intelligent automation frameworks that help organizations reduce downtime and improve operational efficiency. Whether collaborating with research institutes, industrial partners, or training programs preparing the next generation of engineers, he has remained committed to one vision: advancing robotics that serve real human needs in real environments.

    With this recognition from NTIH, Jigida joins a cohort of forward-thinking engineers redefining Africa’s technological identity. His achievements reaffirm a simple truth about innovation, it isn’t defined by the complexity of the machine, but by the clarity of its purpose and the courage to build systems that genuinely make life and work better.

  • Stakeholders gather in Lagos for GetBundi education technology’s digital networking session

    Stakeholders gather in Lagos for GetBundi education technology’s digital networking session

    Stakeholders in the tech ecosystem gathered in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, recently for a digital networking event organised by GetBundi Education Technology.

    The event with the theme “Indigenising Digital Skills Education: A Pathway to Africa’s development”, deliberated on the best approaches to close Africa’s digital skills gap and unlock the potential of the continent’s youth to participate fully in the evolving digital economy.

    The event attracted the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Abdullahi Inuwa, who was represented by Dr Aristotle Onumo; the Minister of Women Affairs, Barr. Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, who was represented; the GetBundi team led by the Founder/CEO, Barr. Osita Oparaugo; the Deputy High Commissioner/Head of Trade, Canadian High Commission Nigeria, Zaya Kuyena Dindembolo, among others.

    The NITDA DG underscored the importance of training Nigerian youths in digital skills, informing that the Agency has programmes strategically designed to propel Nigeria towards achieving 70 percent digital literacy by 2027 and training 3 million tech talents by that target year.

    “With global economies transforming digitally, there’s a rising demand for a workforce adept in both basic digital literacy and advanced technological skills. This shift presents a critical opportunity for nations, especially Nigeria, to leverage their youthful population and digital growth to establish a competitive edge in the global economy,” he said.

    Unveiling the NITDA Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) in a powerpoint presentation, Inuwa said the Agency’s focus is to foster digital literacy and cultivate talents; build a robust technology, research ecosystem; strengthen policy implementation and legal framework; promote inclusive access to digital infrastructure and services; strengthen cybersecurity and enhance digital trust; nurture an innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem, forge strategic partnerships and collaboration, and cultivate a vibrant organisational culture and an agile workforce in NITDA.

    The Minister of Women Affairs commended GetBundi for the networking meeting, which she said would help address the gender disparity while building a society in digital skills.

    The Deputy High Commissioner/Head of Trade, Canadian High Commission Nigeria, Dindembolo said that digital education means a lot in driving the ecosystem and lauded the efforts of GetBundi towards the digital skills education.

    Speaking on the theme of the event, the Founder/CEO of GetBundi Education Technology, Barr. Osita Oparaugo, said digitisation is gaining widespread significance and playing a crucial role in shaping labour markets and contributing to the growth of economies across the globe. 

    As such, there is increasing demand for proficiency in digital skills, from basic digital literacy to advanced digital skills necessary to participate in the global division of digital labour, and governments around the world are prioritising digital skills as part of their digital agendas.

    “However, in the face of a rapidly evolving digital frontier, the African continent falls short of individuals equipped with digital skills than the rest of the world. 

    “In 2022, African countries scored between 1.8 and five on the Digital Skills Gap Index. This is below the global average of six. Also, in a 2023 World Bank report, only 50 percent of countries in Africa have computer skills as part of their school curriculum, compared to 85 percent of countries globally,” Oparaugo said.

    Citing experts in the education and ICT sectors, the GetBundi boss said that for young people in Africa to compete with their peers in the global job market, they require early introduction to digital skills which have the potential to give them an advantage as they prepare for the modern workplace.

    “This is crucial because the International Finance Corporation noted that there will be about 230 million digital skill job gaps across sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, hence the need to equip African youths with relevant digital skills,” he said.

    He said factors such as outdated curricula, lack of proficient teachers, lack of proper education infrastructure, limited awareness, and insufficient training opportunities have continued to fuel digital skills gap in Africa.

    On how GetBundi is tackling this digital skills gap in Africa, Oparaugo said one of the major goals of the education technology platform is to empower learners with knowledge, skills and behaviours that will help them to transform their lives and improve the prospects of employment and productivity in employment; skill sets that will help them overcome demographic pressure that push young Africans to pursue opportunities overseas.

    He said countries like India and China have leveraged their population and digital technology to boost their economies, noting that there is no reason why Africa with a projected 1 billion people under 35 by 2030, cannot educate at least 20 per cent of its people with various digital skill sets. 

    He said if Nigeria, for instance, intentionally educates 10 million youths between now and 2030 and they work for companies overseas and earn just US$2,000 monthly, that would amount to US$2,000 multiplied by 10 million every month.

    The GetBundi boss urged governments across Africa to invest in education, especially in STEM for primary and post primary, and digital skill education for the youths to achieve a free and prosperous Africa.

    “No matter the sector, mastery of digital skills will in no small measure be a determinant of Africa’s developmental success. But you must consider indigenizing the learning process,” he said.

    The Executive Secretary of GetBundi Education Foundation, while introducing TechSis 2024, a GetBundi initiative designed to support women education in digital skills as part of bridging the gender divide in tech across Africa, informed that the programme targets to train 1,000 women in Web Development and Data Analytics, in partnership with Federal Ministry of Women Affairs which is sponsoring 300 women from the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.

    She solicited support for the TechSis 2024 initiative which will commence in July to unlock a future where Africans, regardless of their background, have the tools and resources to thrive in the digital economy.

    The Course Coordinator for GetBundi Education, Mrs Juliet Ijei, said the platform seeks to transform the educational landscape in Nigeria and Africa and to empower future generations to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

  • Google, CIIFA launch second cohort of Engage Nigeria Programme

    Google, CIIFA launch second cohort of Engage Nigeria Programme

    The Creative Industries Initiative for Africa (C.I.I.F.A.), in collaboration with Google, has launched the second cohort of the Engage Nigeria programme, a transformative initiative aimed at equipping 8,000 youth with creative industry skills.

    Engage Nigeria is part of the Skill Sprint initiative launched in 2023 to equip 20,000 Nigerian women and youth with vital digital skills. This national programme continues to support the country’s burgeoning creative economy with expanded reach and new partnerships. This cohort will benefit 6,000 creatives from across Nigeria.

    Building on the success of its inaugural cohort, which saw over 2,200 participants receive valuable training and mentorship, Engage Nigeria continues to provide comprehensive training in music business and production, event planning and management, cinematography and videography, animation, graphic design, and content creation.

    This holistic approach ensures participants are well-prepared to navigate and thrive in the competitive creative industry. The programme also includes mentorship from seasoned professionals and networking opportunities with industry leaders, enhancing their learning experience and career prospects.

    Nigeria’s creative landscape is a dynamic and growing sector, contributing significantly to the economy. From Nollywood’s global influence to the rise of Afrobeats, Nigerian creatives are making their mark worldwide. The Engage Nigeria programme taps into this potential, providing participants with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in various creative disciplines.

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    A notable expansion in this cohort is the partnership with the GOYF Community Digitech Hub, bringing the initiative to the vibrant Eti-Osa 02 community in Lagos. Hon. Gbolahan Olusegun Yishawu, an esteemed member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Eti-Osa Constituency 02 and a key supporter of the programme, stated: “We are delighted to collaborate with C.I.I.F.A to bring the Engage Nigeria programme to our constituency. This partnership will unlock opportunities for our youth and provide them with critical skills indispensable to excel in the creative industry. It is a monumental stride towards fostering economic growth and innovation in Eti-Osa constituency 02 specifically and Lagos State at large.”

    Godwin Tom, Founder of C.I.I.F.A., added, “Our mission at C.I.I.F.A is to empower the next generation of creative professionals in Africa. Partnering with GOYF Community Digitech Hub allows us to reach more young talents in Eti-Osa 02, providing them with the tools and knowledge to succeed in the creative economy. We are grateful for the support from Google.org in making this possible.”

    Olumide Falegan, Manager, EMEA Music & Culture at Google SSA, highlighted the significant potential he sees in Nigeria’s youth, stating, “Digital technologies are not just tools, they are catalysts for endless possibilities. Through these platforms, our young talent can emerge as key contributors to the digital economy.”

  • My focus is to launch boot camps for Ghanaian techprenuers – Prince Alvin Kwabena Ansah

    My focus is to launch boot camps for Ghanaian techprenuers – Prince Alvin Kwabena Ansah

    Ghanaian tech expert and e-recruitment consultant, Prince Alvin Kwabena Ansah, fondly referred to as PC_AKA_IRON_MAN, has stated he plans to create techprenuers. 

    The tech expert said he is determined to revolutionise the information technology landscape in Ghana. Born in 1979 in Accra, the country’s capital city, he was inspired by his grandparents’ artistry. They shaped his creative thinking from a young age and that has forged a huge influence in the gift he is to humanity. 

    The philanthropist, who is an avid collector of traditional Ghanaian board games, acquired relevant education to enhance his knowledge in science and engineering.

     He attended KNUST Secondary School, and later went on to get certifications in Software and Network Engineering from the UK Telecommunication Academy. 

    He also earned a bachelor’s in IT from GIMPA’s School of Technology, and then pushed further to get MPhil and PhD in Computer Science from the University of Ghana, Legon. 

    With 20 years of practice as a tech expert, PC_AKA_IRON_MAN founded WorkSmart Limited, borne out of the need for “innovative software solution and IoT products that could really empower businesses.” He also holds huge expertise in e-recruitment aspect, which he views from the standpoint of recognizing how technology could revolutionize the hiring process.

    Speaking in an interview, Prince Alvin Kwabena Ansah explained that he wants to further champion tech revolt in his country, by handing young Ghanaians with hands-on experience with cutting edge technology.

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    “For 2024, I’m focusing on expanding our reach and impact. I want to launch a series of tech bootcamps across Ghana, giving more young people hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology. I’m also working on partnerships with tech companies to bring more internship and job opportunities to Ghana. On the content side, I’m planning to dive deeper into emerging technologies like AI, LLM and blockchain, exploring how they can be applied to solve local challenges,” he said.

    Prince Alvin Kwabena Ansah draws inspiration from many sources but one that stands out is Dr. Tbomas Mensah, a Ghanaian-American chemical engineer and innovator. “His work in fiber optics and nanotechnology, and his efforts to bring technological advancements to Africa, really resonate with me”, he disclosed.

    Prince Alvin Ansah does not describe tech as a career, rather he sees it as a calling, which is why he believes strongly that it can be a source of solution to every challenge facing his country. He exemplifies a glimpse of his passion on TikTok, where according to him, he “demystifies” tech, to inspire others.

    “Tech isn’t just a career for me – it’s a calling. I’m passionate about it because I see technology as a powerful tool for transformation. In every piece of tech, I see potential solutions to the challenges we face in Ghana and across Africa. Whether it’s improving healthcare delivery, enhancing education, or boosting agricultural productivity, tech has a role to play. My TikTok videos are a way to share this passion, to demystify technology, and to inspire the next generation of African innovators. I want young Ghanaians to see tech not just as something we consume, but as something we can create and shape to address our unique needs,” he said.

    Prince Alvin Kwabena Ansah is fascinated about exploring the potential of AI and machine learning in solving unique and common challenges facing the continent, in areas like renewable energy and smart agriculture.

  • MTV Base premieres new show ‘Ghosted’

    MTV Base premieres new show ‘Ghosted’

    Leading youth and pop culture entertainment brand, MTV Base announces the premiere of its new reality show, ‘Ghosted’. This exciting and relatable series delves into the raw and often heart-wrenching experiences of individuals left feeling heartbroken and confused after seemingly promising relationships vanish into thin air.

    Hosted by dynamic MTV Base Culture Squad, Ilo and Oluchi, ‘Ghosted’ offers the show guests a chance at closure by confronting their ‘ghosts’ face-to-face. With their infectious energy and sharp wit, the hosts will guide the ‘haunted’ through every awkward encounter and emotional rollercoaster as the participants express their feelings and, hopefully, find some closure.

    Busola Komolafe, Paramount, expressed her enthusiasm for the new show saying, “We are thrilled to bring ‘Ghosted’ to our Pan African audience base. It’s a show that resonates deeply with many reality content lovers and offers a unique blend of entertainment and real-life drama that we believe will captivate our viewers.”

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    Ilooise Omonhinmin, MTV Base Culture Squad Member and co-host shared his excitement, “As co-host of ‘Ghosted’, I’m excited to guide participants through this emotional journey. The show offers a unique entertainment platform for people to find closure and understand the complexities of modern relationships.”

    Oluchi Harrison, MTV Base Culture Squad and fellow co-host, emphasised the importance of the new show for the participants. “Ghosting can leave people feeling hurt and confused. By bringing these stories to light, we hope to offer not just entertainment, but also empathy and understanding. It’s about helping people move forward,” she stated.

    Through the new reality series, MTV Base continues to push the boundaries of entertainment, offering quality content programming that resonates with the diverse interests of its young and dynamic audience.

  • Nigerian honoured in Canada for championing STEM education

    Nigerian honoured in Canada for championing STEM education

    A young Nigerian, Ms. Oyindamola Adesina, has been honoured in Vancouver, Canada, for her efforts at revolutionising Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, and empowering young Nigerians, particularly girls, to pursue careers in STEM.

    Oyindamola is the founder of Augment Potentials and a co-founder of Simbibot. 

    She was recognised at the Youth Congress held at the British Columbia University, Vancouver.

    Her journey to the Youth Congress began with her selection as a fully funded delegate by Voice for Rights International. She shared her story and work at Augment Potentials.

    According to Oyindamola, Augment Potentials’ mission is to transform STEM education in Nigeria.

    She added: “The organisation’s focus on delivering quality, practical, and hands-on learning experiences has positively impacted hundreds of young Nigerians. Since its inception in October 2023, Augment Potentials has mentored over 200 youths, empowered over 1,000 students with practical STEM education, and pioneered STEM clubs in over 15 schools.

    “This has provided guidance and support to young minds as they navigate their academic and professional aspirations in STEM fields, equipped students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving world of science and technology, and fostered a culture of curiosity, innovation, and collaboration within educational institutions across Nigeria.”

    Ms. Oyinidamola also highlighted an upcoming event to mark the International Day of the Girl-Child, scheduled for October 11 across various states in Nigeria.

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    “This initiative underscores Augment Potentials’ dedication to promoting STEM education for girls, empowering girls, and advocating for girls’ rights with the hope of breaking barriers and encouraging girls to embrace the exciting possibilities within STEM fields to boost their confidence, leadership skills, and growth mindset that will allow them to reach their full potential,” she said.

    Oyindamola’s story extends beyond her achievements at Augment Potentials. 

    She openly shared her struggles, including living with Sickle Cell disease and facing limited career prospects.

    This did not deter her though because through determination and a thirst for knowledge, Oyindamola became a self-taught software engineer. She then transitioned to product management and co-founded Simbibot, an ed-tech startup, further solidifying her commitment to educational innovation.