The Nation Newspaper

Category: Technology

  • Olumuyiwa Orukotan wins 2021 tech trailblazer visionary prize for Data Innovation Excellence

    Olumuyiwa Orukotan wins 2021 tech trailblazer visionary prize for Data Innovation Excellence

    • By Kolawole Emmanuel

    In a year marked by rapid digital transformation across Africa’s financial sector, one name stood out for consistently turning complexity into opportunity: Olumuyiwa Idowu Orukotan, recipient of the 2021 Tech Trailblazer Visionary Prize for Data Innovation Excellence.

    Recognized for his pioneering work in financial machine learning, credit risk modeling, and fraud detection, Olumuyiwa’s contributions have reshaped how banks, fintechs, and policy leaders think about data-driven financial systems. The award highlights his ability to create scalable, inclusive AI frameworks that are not only technically robust, but also ethically grounded and locally relevant.

    At the time of this honor, Olumuyiwa architected an ambitious AI roadmap that influenced products and services across retail banking, credit, and compliance. His models, rooted in alternative data sources like telecom metadata and geolocation, drove a reduction in default rates while expanding credit access to thousands in previously underserved regions.

    His work on digital fraud detection was equally significant. By deploying machine learning for mobile and USSD transaction monitoring, Olumuyiwa helped reduce fraudulent activity and improve the overall resilience of digital banking channels. This had a direct impact on customer trust and positioned the bank as a frontrunner in data security innovation.

    The Data Innovation Excellence Award had participants and nominees from across all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Each year, the nomination process features high-impact professionals from regions including the North Central, South South, South East, North East, and North West, working in diverse sectors such as agritech, telecommunications, healthtech, digital finance, and civic technology.

    For the 2021 edition, shortlisted finalists included technologists who developed AI solutions for smallholder farmers in Benue State, mobile payment security tools in Kano, and education analytics platforms deployed across tertiary institutions in the South East. This broad regional representation ensures that the award truly reflects Nigeria’s nationwide innovation footprint.

    A panel of independent experts from the tech, data, and innovation ecosystem evaluated this year’s nominees based on scalability, originality, and sustained impact. Olumuyiwa’s selection reflects more than just technical brilliance, it underscores his long-term commitment to financial inclusion, responsible AI deployment, and ecosystem development.

    Reacting to the news, Olumuyiwa emphasized the importance of aligning innovation with real-world need. “Our responsibility as technologists is to make intelligence work for everyone, not just those already inside the system,” he said. “That’s how we build a truly inclusive digital future.”

    As Africa’s fintech landscape continues to evolve, Olumuyiwa Orukotan’s name is now firmly etched among those defining its most important breakthroughs.

  • Driving digital finance forward: Baruwa on optimising payments, customer experience

    Driving digital finance forward: Baruwa on optimising payments, customer experience

    By Omotade Folawe

    In an era where digital banking increasingly defines how Nigerians access financial services, the effectiveness of product design and data-driven decision-making can determine both adoption and trust. 

    Abdulazeez Baruwa, a Senior Product Manager in Digital Payments & FinTech at Polaris Bank, has been at the forefront of refining these systems to improve user experience, operational efficiency, and financial outcomes.

    Baruwa’s focus has been on identifying friction points in digital onboarding and payment workflows, then using analytics to translate insights into practical product improvements. 

    “Even small drop-offs in the onboarding process can have large downstream effects on adoption and retention,” he noted. 

    By systematically analysing user behavior, he was able to implement changes that reduced drop-off rates by 30%, while improving conversion on key onboarding features by 45%. 

    “Our goal is to ensure that technology serves customers efficiently, not just elegantly,” Baruwa explains.

    A key aspect of his work involved streamlining core app functionalities, including same-day loans and card issuance. These features were not introduced for novelty; they were data-driven responses to recurring bottlenecks identified across user segments. 

    “When we observed delays in access to critical services, we designed solutions that both accelerated delivery and improved reliability,” Baruwa says. The initiative resulted in a measurable impact on revenue and service uptake, demonstrating the tangible benefits of integrating user insights with product strategy.

    Beyond product features, Baruwa emphasizes the importance of structured processes in team operations. Through sprint planning, backlog refinement, and prioritization, he improved delivery timelines by 10% while maintaining high-quality outputs. 

    “Efficiency isn’t only about technology; it’s about aligning teams and workflows so that insights are acted upon promptly and effectively,” he adds.

    Baruwa’s approach underscores a broader lesson for the Nigerian fintech ecosystem: digital financial products succeed when they are rooted in evidence, responsive to customer behavior, and designed to anticipate operational challenges. 

    By combining predictive analytics with iterative design, his work demonstrates how financial institutions can expand inclusion, optimize resources, and build trust in digital channels.

    As digital banking adoption continues to grow across the country, insights from practitioners like Abdulazeez Baruwa provide guidance on balancing innovation with practicality. 

    “Data-driven design allows us to respond to real needs, rather than assumptions,” he observes. “It’s this intersection of technology, analytics, and customer understanding that ultimately strengthens financial systems and supports sustainable growth.”

  • Visionary, Olumuyiwa Orukotan’s silent revolution in African data science

    Visionary, Olumuyiwa Orukotan’s silent revolution in African data science

    • By Kolawole Emmanuel

    Some changemakers take center stage. Others, like Olumuyiwa Orukotan, reshape the system from the inside out, patiently, precisely, and profoundly.

    Over the last years, Olumuyiwa has emerged as one of the most influential minds behind Africa’s shift toward data-informed financial inclusion. From developing predictive fraud models at Interswitch to engineering telco-driven credit scoring systems at Access Bank, his work has quietly underpinned some of the continent’s most ambitious digital finance initiatives.

    At Interswitch, Olumuyiwa led the design of a real-time anomaly detection engine built on isolation forests and streaming analytics. The result? Over ₦1.2 billion in annual fraud losses averted. More importantly, the system became a template for other payment platforms navigating the growing volume of digital transactions in Nigeria and beyond.

    His next chapter, at Access Bank, pushed his influence further. Tasked with building out the bank’s data science function, Olumuyiwa developed a machine learning roadmap that integrated credit risk modeling, personalized banking, and compliance automation. One of his most celebrated contributions was a credit engine trained on telecom data, behavioral trends, and geolocation signals. The model reduced default rates by 21%, and opened up new lines of credit to thousands in underbanked regions across the North Central and South East.

    But for Olumuyiwa, impact has never been just about the numbers. “We’re not just predicting risk; we’re rewriting what financial access looks like,” he shared during a 2020 fintech leadership roundtable. “The real innovation is getting closer to the human truth behind the data.”

    That human truth now powers more than product design. Under Olumuyiwa’s guidance, Access Bank’s analytics unit collaborated with development partners to launch inclusion pilots in partnership with agricultural cooperatives and market women associations. These programs provided credit access to informal sectors previously written off by traditional scorecards.

    His influence is also felt in how organizations think about data ethics. By mid-2020, Olumuyiwa was already integrating fairness and explainability standards into all modeling workflows, anticipating regulatory trends that only later became mandates under Nigeria’s evolving data protection guidelines.

    Former colleagues describe him as a systems thinker who sees beyond the platform. “Olumuyiwa doesn’t just build tools, he builds foundations,” says Anita Madu, a senior executive at a West African mobile payments firm. “He’s the type of leader who makes other leaders rethink their assumptions.”

    In a field crowded with noise, Olumuyiwa’s approach is refreshingly deliberate. He is not chasing the spotlight, but as African financial systems undergo a data-driven transformation, his fingerprints are everywhere.

  • Major strides in material science research by Musa Fatahi, Azeez Adebayo, other researchers with locally made Potentiostat at UI

    Major strides in material science research by Musa Fatahi, Azeez Adebayo, other researchers with locally made Potentiostat at UI

    In a remarkable advancement in the field of material analysis, a team of distinguished researchers led by Musa Fatahi and Adebayo Azeez at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, has achieved a significant breakthrough. Their project involves the creation of a locally fabricated potentiostat, a development that is capturing the attention of the global scientific community and attracting potential investors interested in collaboration.

    This innovative potentiostat stands out for its cost-effectiveness and local adaptability, distinguishing itself from more expensive, commercially available counterparts. The equipment’s design, utilizing locally sourced components, makes it an invaluable asset, particularly in developing countries where budget constraints often limit access to such advanced technological tools.

    The introduction of this potentiostat is poised to transform the landscape of material analysis. Economically, it represents a shift towards reducing reliance on imported laboratory equipment, thereby saving substantial foreign exchange for countries. It also fosters the growth of local expertise in manufacturing and maintaining sophisticated scientific instruments, promoting self-sufficiency and technological independence.

    Read Also: UNIZIK hails Tinubu’s efforts in reforming varsity education

    The growing interest from potential investors in this project is a testament to its potential and impact. These investors are currently engaging in discussions with the researchers and the University of Ibadan, exploring opportunities for collaboration that could expand the project’s reach, enhance its capabilities, and potentially lead to more significant innovations in the field.

    The educational impact of this development cannot be overstated. The availability of an affordable and locally maintainable potentiostat enables educational institutions to provide more practical learning experiences in material analysis. This approach not only enriches the educational experience but also prepares a new generation of researchers and scientists to contribute more significantly to the field of materials science.

    In general, the project led by Musa Fatahi and Adebayo Azeez represents a significant stride in the realm of material analysis. It exemplifies how local innovation can address global challenges, demonstrating the importance of investing in and supporting homegrown research and development. The involvement of potential investors further underscores the project’s viability and the global recognition of the importance of sustainable, localized solutions in scientific research.

  • “Ethical AI in FinTech: Addressing Bias, Privacy, and Transparency in AI-Driven Financial Services.”

    “Ethical AI in FinTech: Addressing Bias, Privacy, and Transparency in AI-Driven Financial Services.”

    • By Okwuchukwu Udeh

    In the dynamic landscape of Nigerian FinTech, the fusion of artificial intelligence (AI) with financial services holds immense promise for innovation and growth. However, as we enter this era of technological advancement, it is essential to address the ethical complexities that come with the integration of AI. This discourse explores the ethical implications of AI in Nigerian FinTech, examining concerns related to algorithmic bias, data privacy, and transparency while suggesting strategies for developing ethical AI frameworks suited to the Nigerian context.

    Algorithmic Bias: A Barrier to Fairness

    Algorithmic bias is a significant challenge to the equitable provision of AI-driven financial services in Nigeria, a country renowned for cultural diversity. For instance, credit scoring algorithms used by digital lending platforms could perpetuate biases against particular demographic groups, such as women or individuals residing in underserved communities, if past lending practices displayed a bias against them. This could obstruct deserving individuals from accessing credit facilities.

    To further illustrate the issue, imagine a fintech company that has launched a digital lending platform for small-scale farmers in rural Nigeria. This company heavily relies on AI algorithms to determine loan eligibility, but without adequate measures to detect and address bias, the algorithms could discriminate against farmers from marginalised communities. This perpetuates systemic inequalities and exacerbates existing disparities in the accessibility of financial resources.

    To combat algorithmic bias, stakeholders should prioritise fairness and inclusivity in algorithm development and deployment. This would create a more equitable financial landscape where all individuals, regardless of demographic background, have equal access to essential financial resources and opportunities for economic advancement.

    Data Privacy: Safeguarding Confidentiality in the Digital Age

    Integrating AI in Financial Technology (FinTech) in Nigeria has raised serious concerns about the safety and confidentiality of users’ personal financial information. Mobile banking apps, powered by AI algorithms to offer customised financial recommendations, require collecting and analysing vast amounts of sensitive user data, including transaction histories and spending patterns.

    For instance, a popular mobile payment platform widely used in Nigeria raises questions about protecting user data from unauthorised access or misuse despite its promise of enhanced convenience and efficiency in financial transactions. Without strict data privacy protocols, the risk of data breaches or exploitation by third parties is high, which could undermine consumer trust and confidence in FinTech services.

    To address these challenges, robust regulatory frameworks must be established to safeguard personal financial data in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-driven FinTech. Additionally, proactive measures such as encryption technologies and user consent mechanisms must be implemented to enhance data security and protect user privacy in digital financial transactions. Only by taking such steps can Nigeria harness the transformative potential of AI in FinTech while ensuring the protection of individuals’ sensitive financial information.

    Transparency: Fostering Trust through Accountability

    Transparency is crucial to ethical AI in Nigeria’s FinTech industry as it builds trust and accountability among consumers, regulators, and industry stakeholders. However, achieving transparency in AI algorithms is difficult due to their complexity and opacity. Without proper transparency mechanisms, consumers may be left in the dark, unable to understand or challenge the decisions made by AI-powered financial services.

    For instance, Nigerian investment platforms like Cowrywise use AI for portfolio management and financial advisory services. While these platforms claim that their algorithm-driven wealth management strategies are precise and efficient, the lack of transparency surrounding their AI algorithms raises concerns among investors about the fairness and integrity of investment recommendations. As a result, investors may hesitate to trust these platforms with their financial assets due to the opaque nature of the underlying decision-making processes and their potential consequences.

    Developing Ethical AI Frameworks: The Role of Growth Experts

    In the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), the imperative of ethical AI frameworks stands as a cornerstone for responsible innovation. Among the multifaceted stakeholders involved in shaping the moral trajectory of AI, growth experts emerge as pivotal actors, wielding their expertise to align organisational objectives with societal values.

    Growth experts possess a nuanced understanding of market dynamics, consumer behaviour, and strategic growth initiatives. This unique perspective enables them to recognise the ethical implications of AI development and deployment. By integrating ethical considerations into growth strategies from inception, they navigate the complexities of AI innovation while prioritising integrity, fairness, and transparency.

    Their commitment to advancing responsible innovation is central to the role of growth experts. They advocate for ethical principles within their organisations, fostering a culture of accountability and integrity. By challenging conventional norms and engaging in discussions around the moral dimensions of AI technologies, they drive meaningful change from within.

    Moreover, growth experts play a crucial role in empowering stakeholder engagement. Recognising the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping ethical AI frameworks, they foster collaboration across academia, civil society, and industry peers. Through transparent communication and active engagement, they create avenues for knowledge exchange and consensus-building, ensuring that AI development reflects a broad spectrum of societal values.

    In the collective endeavour to develop ethical AI frameworks, growth experts are called upon to lead by example. Their role extends beyond organisational boundaries, encompassing broader societal concerns and implications. By leveraging their expertise and influence, they contribute to a future where AI technologies are enablers of progress, guided by principles of responsibility, equity, and human dignity.

    Empowering Ethical AI: Mobilising for Action

    As AI technology continues to be integrated into the Nigerian FinTech industry, it’s crucial to navigate the ethical complexities that come with it. Algorithmic bias occurs when AI systems produce discriminatory outcomes, often reflecting historical biases in the data used to train them. To ensure fairness and inclusivity, it is essential to employ algorithmic audits, diverse data sampling, and continuous monitoring to identify and address bias in AI algorithms effectively.

    Furthermore, it’s crucial to implement stringent data privacy protocols to safeguard users’ sensitive information in the FinTech ecosystem, by implementing robust data protection measures in compliance with global standards such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Nigerian FinTech companies can build consumer trust and mitigate the risk of data breaches or misuse.

    Transparency mechanisms also play a crucial role in fostering trust and accountability in AI-driven financial services. FinTech companies should strive to provide clear explanations of how their AI systems operate, including the data sources used, the algorithms employed, and the potential impacts on users. Transparent communication helps users understand the rationale behind AI-driven decisions, empowering them to make informed choices and hold companies accountable for their actions.

    Drawing inspiration from global initiatives such as the “Algorithmic Accountability Act” in the United States and the “Ethical Guidelines for Trustworthy AI” by the European Commission, Nigeria can develop its own ethical AI governance framework tailored to its unique socio-economic context. This framework should reflect Nigerian values of fairness, integrity, and transparency while addressing the challenges and opportunities in the country’s FinTech landscape.

    Collaboration between industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and civil society is paramount in shaping inclusive and equitable AI policies. By engaging in multi-stakeholder dialogues and partnerships, Nigeria can leverage collective expertise and perspectives to co-create ethical AI guidelines that balance innovation with societal values and concerns. Through this collaborative approach, the Nigerian FinTech ecosystem can foster innovation while ensuring that AI technologies benefit all segments of society.

    Towards a Sustainable Future of Ethical AI in Nigerian FinTech

    In conclusion, addressing algorithmic bias, data privacy, and transparency concerns is crucial to integrating AI ethically into Nigerian FinTech. Using local examples and contextual insights, we emphasised the need for growth experts and industry stakeholders to develop ethical AI frameworks that prevent systemic biases and uphold the principles of fairness and accountability. As Nigeria moves towards technological innovation and digital transformation, we should strive to create a future where AI-driven financial services empower all Nigerians, regardless of their socio-economic background, in an ethical, transparent, and inclusive manner.

    Okwuchukwu Udeh, Growth and Marketing Expert.

  • Top five Artificial Intelligence global experts

    Top five Artificial Intelligence global experts

    In recent times, Artificial Intelligence [AI] has become an archive, or a salient tool, and a pertinent third hand for humans in all affairs of life such as academics, apprenticeship, business, and health, to mention but few.

    There is no doubt about how AI helps in identifying problems, solving problems, and acquiring more knowledge. To many, Artificial Intelligence [AI] assists in identifying human errors and decision-making while to others, Artificial Intelligence [AI] is a “god” which helps to crack nuts.

    A way of answering mind-blowing questions like, “Is it possible to create an artificial brain?” led to the invention of Artificial Intelligence [AI] in the late hours of the 20th century. Meanwhile, 21st-century birth Artificial Intelligence (AI) experts across the globe, and here are the top 5 Artificial Intelligence [AI ] experts to keep an eye on:

    Top on the list is a Nigerian, Orjinta Nnaemeka Orji. As an artificial intelligence [AI] guru with vast knowledge in the field of artificial intelligence [AI] his educational background started in his hometown, Enugu, Nigeria. He is a graduate of the Mechanical Engineering department at Enugu State University of Technology [ESUT: 1995-2000].

    Also, he possesses a Postgraduate Education, a Master’s in Information Systems Management, at Walden University, Washington. Being an expert with more than 20 years of experience in the IT industry, Orjinta started his IT career with IBM as a technical post-sales representative with lead account responsibilities for clients including Citi, Fireman’s Fund Insurance, AT&T, and various other Fortune 1000 companies.

    More so, it is noteworthy that Orjinta Nnaemeka is a cybersecurity expert, too, who has consistently ranked a top 10 technical operation and professional services leader. His experience also includes a position as regional director and trusted adviser for leading Fortune 500 companies around APAC, EMEA, and North America.

    Orji has also worked as an independent contract consultant for companies including Macy’s, IBM, HPE, Price Water House Coopers, and many more. He is a strong voice of authority within the IT Cyber Resilience Data Protection sector, with frequent interviews and feature articles in major industry publications.

    Second on the raider is Greg Brockman, an American entrepreneur, investor, and software developer. Born in Thompson, North Dakota, into a Jewish family, Brookman attended Red River High School and enrolled in Harvard University [2008] but left a year later before briefly enrolling at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

    As a co-founder and currently the president of OpenAI, he began his career at Stripe [2010] upon leaving MIT and became their CTO in 2013. He left Stripe in 2015 to co-found OpenAI, where he also assumed the role of CTO. In his current position at the non-profit company OpenAI, he is currently researching interesting projects in the fields of deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), and general Artificial Intelligence.

    The Chinese-American computer scientist, Fei-Fei Li comes next. She is known for establishing ImageNet, the dataset that enabled rapid advances in computer vision in the 2010s. Born in Beijing, China, in 1976 and grew up in Chengdu, Sichuan, she studied at Sichuan Chengdu High School and graduated from Parsippany High School in [1995]. Li holds a Bachelor of Arts degree certificate with a major in physics from Princeton University.

    The Stanford University professor and Chief Scientist at Google Cloud has had a stunning career. She founded the non-profit organization AI4ALL – a company that advocates for non-discriminatory educational opportunities and expands access to AI and technology education. She served as the director of the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory from 2013 to 2018 and has received several awards for her more than 200 publications.

    Fourth on the raider is,  Andrew Yan-Tak Ng, a British-American computer scientist and technology entrepreneur who focuses on machine learning and artificial intelligence [AI]. Birthed in the United Kingdom [1976], earned his undergraduate degree with a triple major in computer science, statistics, and economics from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania [1997], earned his master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts [1998], and received his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley in 2002.

    In 2014, Ng was a co-founder and head of Google Brain and was the former Chief Scientist at Baidu, building the company’s Artificial Intelligence Group into a team of several thousand people. He founded the world’s largest online learning platform, Coursera, where countless courses can be taken on the topics of AI, deep learning, and machine learning. On April 11, 2024, Amazon announced the appointment of Ng to its board of directors.

    Lastly is Peter Norvig, a celebrity in the world of AI. He is the Director of Research at Google. Norvig is currently a Council member and AAAI Fellow at the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence and worked for many years as a professor and researcher at various universities. He has written more than 50 papers on AI, computer science, information retrieval, and natural language processing.

  • Peace Ogobor Honored with Tech Innovation of the Year Award at AOT Lagos 2020

    Peace Ogobor Honored with Tech Innovation of the Year Award at AOT Lagos 2020

    • By Kolawole Emmanuel Abe

    The Art of Technology Lagos (AOT Lagos) conference witnessed a defining moment this week as Peace Ogobor was announced the recipient of the 2020 Tech Innovation of the Year Award, recognizing her groundbreaking work in applying artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to enhance financial inclusion in Nigeria.

    Peace, a data scientist with years of experience across digital transformation and financial services, was selected from a pool of 42 nominees spanning sectors including health tech, edtech, and fintech. Her win was based on a multi-year innovation initiative that introduced machine learning-based credit scoring to informal market segments—replacing outdated methods with models tailored to Nigeria’s unique behavioral data patterns.

    Her models, designed and piloted between 2018 and 2020, enabled over 120,000 previously unbanked Nigerians to access microcredit, with reported default rates falling below 13%, a major leap from traditional onboarding benchmarks. These scores incorporated mobile money usage, seasonal income cycles, and community-based digital identities—factors long excluded from mainstream risk assessments.

    “Peace’s work represents the kind of homegrown innovation that truly transforms lives,” said AOT Lagos Chairperson Ifedayo Durotoye during the ceremony. “She’s not just solving problems—she’s redefining the way we think about access, trust, and data in financial services.”

    The award jury highlighted Peace’s contributions as a blueprint for scalable inclusion, citing her technical leadership in creating replicable frameworks used by regional banks and fintech lenders alike.
    Several institutions, including emerging digital-first lenders in the Southwest and North-Central zones, have since adopted modified versions of her scoring logic into their underwriting engines.

    Peace’s impact also extended to the policy realm, with segments of her work referenced in private sector briefings during the update of Nigeria’s National
    Financial Inclusion Strategy in 2020.

    In a brief acceptance speech, she credited her team, data collaborators, and the resilience of Nigeria’s informal sector workers: “This award is not just about innovation—it’s about listening to people’s realities and building systems that finally reflect them.”

    As Nigeria continues to position itself as a continental leader in inclusive fintech, Peace’s recognition signals a broader shift: a future where local data, thoughtfully applied, drives national progress.

  • Empowering Africa’s Future: Emmanuel Amissah Sampson Partners With RCMRD Kenya to Drive Geospatial Innovation

    A groundbreaking partnership has been established between Emmanuel Amissah Sampson, a leading expert in geospatial technology and business development, and the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD), headquartered in Nairobi. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing geospatial innovation across Africa, targeting key sectors including survey and mapping, land administration, construction, agriculture, and government.

    Reflecting on the partnership, Emmanuel Amissah Sampson commented, “This collaboration with RCMRD is a testament to our shared vision of harnessing technology to solve real-world problems in Africa. By combining our expertise, we are creating tailored solutions that address critical needs in survey and mapping, land administration, construction, agriculture, and government. Together, we are driving the digital transformation necessary for sustainable development across the continent.”

    Transforming Geospatial Technology Across Africa

    Emmanuel Amissah Sampson brings to the partnership a wealth of experience in geospatial business development and market expansion. Over the past five years, his strategic leadership at Trimble generated approximately $57 million in revenue, driven by successful product launches, strategic partnerships, and market penetration initiatives across Africa. Emmanuel’s expertise in scaling geospatial solutions and his proven track record in securing high-value projects make him an ideal collaborator for RCMRD’s vision of harnessing geographic data to drive sustainable development.

    As the Business Development Manager, Africa for Trimble’s Emerging Markets and Funded Projects Division, Emmanuel has been instrumental in expanding the geospatial solutions in Africa, contributing to revenue growth through targeted market strategies. His ability to develop winning proposals and secure major projects—leading to a 60% increase in project wins—positions this partnership to deliver impactful solutions tailored to the unique needs of the continent.

    Enhancing Survey and Mapping Capabilities

    The collaboration aims to strengthen survey and mapping capabilities across Africa, a foundational aspect of many developmental projects. By integrating RCMRD’s advanced mapping data with Emmanuel’s strategic insights, the partnership will provide enhanced tools for accurate land surveying and resource mapping. This initiative is expected to support infrastructure projects, improve land tenure security, and streamline resource allocation, benefiting public and private sector stakeholders alike.

    Emmanuel’s prior experience in introducing new surveying technologies at Trimble, including GPS/GNSS systems and advanced data collectors, will play a crucial role. His targeted go-to-market strategies previously increased product adoption rates by 20%, showcasing his ability to deliver solutions that meet the demands of diverse user groups, from government agencies to private land surveyors.

    Driving Efficiency in Land Administration

    Land administration is a key area of focus for the partnership, addressing the critical need for secure land tenure and effective land management systems across Africa. Emmanuel’s business acumen and deep understanding of land administration projects have led to significant project wins across Africa including Liberia, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Ghana. His expertise in navigating donor-funded landscapes and aligning technology solutions with policy objectives will be instrumental in driving the success of similar initiatives through this collaboration.

    The partnership will leverage RCMRD’s extensive experience in geospatial data and Emmanuel’s strategic leadership to develop scalable land administration solutions. These efforts aim to enhance transparency, reduce disputes, and support sustainable land use planning, ultimately contributing to economic growth and stability.

    Revolutionizing Construction and Agriculture

    The construction and agriculture sectors are poised to benefit immensely from this collaboration. In construction, the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will enable better project planning, site analysis, and risk management, streamlining the entire project lifecycle. Emmanuel’s previous success in launching construction technology products at Trimble, coupled with his strategic vision, will help introduce advanced tools that improve efficiency and reduce costs for construction firms across the continent.

    In agriculture, Emmanuel and RCMRD plan to implement precision farming technologies that utilize geospatial data to optimize crop yields and manage resources more effectively. By equipping farmers with actionable insights, the partnership aims to address food security challenges and enhance agricultural productivity.

    Emmanuel’s track record in developing market-entry strategies for agricultural technologies has already demonstrated significant impact, introducing precision agriculture technologies in Nigeria. One of the most noteworthy projects was the Dangote Savannah Sugar Project in Nigeria. This large-scale precision agriculture project sought to enhance commercial sugar production using Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) to optimize land use and streamline operations. It also increased the availability of locally produced sugar, reducing dependency on imports and fostering economic growth in the region.

    Empowering Government with Data-Driven Decision Making

    Government agencies across Africa face growing challenges in managing urbanization, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability. This partnership seeks to empower public sector decision-makers with the tools and data they need to make informed policy decisions. By integrating geospatial data into public planning processes, the collaboration will support governments in tackling complex issues, from urban planning and resource management to disaster response and environmental monitoring.

    Building a Geospatial Ecosystem for Africa’s Future

    This partnership between Emmanuel Amissah Sampson and RCMRD represents a significant step forward in building a robust geospatial ecosystem in Africa. It demonstrates the power of strategic collaboration and the potential of geospatial technology to transform industries, enhance efficiency, and support sustainable growth. By bringing together RCMRD’s data capabilities and Emmanuel’s business leadership, the alliance is set to deliver innovative solutions that align with Africa’s social, economic, and environmental goals.

    As Africa continues to navigate its digital transformation journey, this collaboration serves as a model for how business acumen and technical expertise can come together to create meaningful, long-lasting impact. Through their joint efforts, Emmanuel Amissah Sampson and RCMRD are not only advancing geospatial innovation but are also paving the way for a future where data-driven insights empower communities, businesses, and governments across Africa.

  • Seven most respected awards celebrating tech excellence in Nigeria

    Seven most respected awards celebrating tech excellence in Nigeria

    In Nigeria’s rapidly evolving technology space, where product launches are frequent and startup ecosystems are booming, true excellence still stands apart. For professionals, founders, and innovators in the field, recognition doesn’t just come from press features or viral moments, it comes from receiving awards that the industry itself respects.

    Over the years, a handful of awards have emerged as clear signals of credibility, national impact, and technical brilliance. These are not popularity trophies or marketing gimmicks. They are field-recognized benchmarks, often peer-nominated, rigorously judged, and incredibly difficult to win.

    “If you want to know who’s really at the top of their game, just check who’s received these,” said Dr. Mojisola Oduwole, a tech policy strategist and former NITDA adviser. “These awards mean someone didn’t just build something, they moved the industry forward.”

    Here are the 7 awards widely acknowledged by experts and industry veterans as true markers of achievement in Nigeria’s tech landscape:

    1. Tech Trailblazers Awards – Product, Data, and Software Innovation Categories

    Known for its technical depth, this international award has gained strong traction in Nigeria’s tech space. Whether you’re building scalable software, driving data strategy, or launching transformative digital products, winning any of the Tech Trailblazers categories is a mark of global-level distinction. Winners are often leading figures in Nigeria’s product and engineering communities.

    1. Digital Nigeria Excellence Award (DNEA)

    Presented in conjunction with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, the DNEA recognizes those making long-term contributions to Nigeria’s digital transformation. It’s awarded to those advancing infrastructure, digital literacy, cybersecurity, or public tech policy and is often used as a benchmark for national recognition.

    1. National Information Technology Development Excellence Award (NITDEA)

    Focused on supporting Nigeria’s national IT goals, this award honors innovations that promote transparency, digital inclusion, and national development. It’s especially significant for technologists whose work intersects with governance, education, or infrastructure reform.

    1. Tech Innovation of the Year – Art of Technology Lagos

    Awarded during Lagos State’s flagship tech conference, this honor goes to products and solutions that have solved systemic challenges and achieved measurable public or commercial results. Its competitive nomination process and highly visible platform have made it a sought-after badge for Nigerian innovators.

    1. Women in Tech Africa Leadership Award – Nigeria Chapter

    This award honors female professionals driving both innovation and advocacy in tech. Recipients are known not only for technical success but for building ecosystems and mentoring others, combining leadership with impact. In recent years, it has spotlighted some of Nigeria’s most respected engineers, entrepreneurs, and policy shapers.

    1. Nigeria Technology Leaders’ Recognition (NTLR) Award

    This award recognizes digital leadership at the enterprise and national level. Whether you’re a CTO transforming how a bank processes payments, or a public sector strategist building e-governance platforms, NTLR is awarded to those leading large-scale, high-impact change. It’s well-regarded across C-suites and product teams alike.

    1. AI for Social Good Recognition – Data Science Nigeria

    This highly technical award is given to AI practitioners or teams developing machine learning solutions for real-world problems, from maternal health and food distribution to traffic optimization and public safety. It’s one of the most academically rigorous awards in the country and is well-respected across Africa’s data science communities.

    Together, these awards represent a standard of achievement that cuts through hype. They are what the industry looks at when evaluating leadership, depth, and legacy. And while many professional recognitions exist, these seven are consistently referenced by hiring managers, fellowship boards, and executive networks as proof that someone is truly an expert in their field.

    “You don’t buy these. You earn them,” said Yewande Adetunji, a senior recruiter in Lagos’s tech ecosystem. “And when you do, it’s because you’ve done something that made a difference to the field, the economy, or society as a whole.”

    In a country where tech continues to shape the future, these accolades don’t just celebrate individuals, they chart the direction of the entire industry.

  • Nigerian researchers develop inclusive bus booking system using USSD web integration

    Nigerian researchers develop inclusive bus booking system using USSD web integration

    In a groundbreaking step toward bridging the digital divide in public transportation, a team of Nigerian researchers has developed a hybrid bus booking system that combines Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) with web-based technology—making it accessible to both smartphone and feature phone users.

    The study, titled “Implementation of Secure User-Centred Architecture for Bus Booking System Integrated with Unstructured Supplementary Service Data and Web Platforms,” was published in the Journal of Science, Technology, Mathematics and Education (JOSTMED), June 2020. It was co-authored by Abdulkareem Sulaiman Aliyu, Shefiu Olusegun Ganiyu, Isah Olawale Mustapha, and Sule Ajiboye Salawu—from leading Nigerian institutions including the Federal University of Technology Minna, Al-Hikmah University, and Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare.

    The research addresses a critical issue in African urban centers: how to create scalable, secure, and inclusive transport solutions in a tech-diverse society.

    “In many parts of Nigeria and across Africa, people still rely heavily on feature phones. We wanted to build a system that doesn’t exclude those users, especially when it comes to something as essential as mobility,” Aliyu explained.

    The research introduces a user-centred architecture for a transport system that operates seamlessly across mobile web and USSD platforms. It allows users to book and confirm bus seats, receive schedules, and make payments—all without needing internet access.

    Security and accessibility were top priorities. The system employs encrypted user authentication and secure data transmission to protect sensitive user information. It’s also designed with a straightforward interface that even first-time users can navigate easily.

    Experts in urban mobility have hailed the project as a potential game-changer for low-income and rural populations, where internet penetration is limited but the need for efficient public transport remains high.

    With Nigeria and other African nations pushing for smart city initiatives and e-government services, the researchers believe their system could be adopted not just for buses, but for other sectors including healthcare, utilities, and disaster response.

    The study also calls on governments and transport agencies to collaborate with local developers in integrating the architecture into existing transport infrastructure.

    “We see this not just as a tech solution, but a policy-relevant tool that can transform how African cities manage public services,” Aliyu added.