By Ayo Adetola
Nigerians over the years, have been placing the country’s name out there globally with their undisputed talents, skills, creativities and innovations. Nigerians have used their technological skills and prowess to make a huge impact in the tech world. As the world grow and evolve into a sophisticated era of technological advancement, some Nigerian-bred tech enthusiasts who are based overseas have gained great prominence and recognition for their tech knowledge, expertise, experiences, innovations, and for their contribution to the development of tech worldwide. These skilled and talented tech enthusiasts are mostly regarded as the ‘Tech Guys.’
One of the prominent tech experts who are Nigerian bred and currently making big waves abroad with their technological and IT skill is, Orjinta Nnaemeka. Orjinta was born and bred in Nigeria but is currently based in the U.S. He attained IT engineering, architecture and business management skills. His acquaintance with science and technology can’t be undermined as he is an AI and Cyber Security Expert who employs the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive technology innovation, empowerment and growth around the world. Orjinta Nnaemeka as the Director of Infrastructure & Cloud Architecture, Kyndryl Security & Resiliency Practice have acquired more than 20+ years experience in the IT industry. His knowledge and acquaintance with technology didn’t just sprout out of nowhere.
Orjinta started his IT career with IBM as a technical post sales representative with lead account responsibilities for prominent firms in the world such as Price Water House Coopers, Liberty Insurance, Diageo, Citibank, Fireman’s Fund Insurance, AT&T and several other Fortune 100 companies. Due to his competence in the IT world, Orjinta was awarded and ranked many times Top 10 technical operation and professional services leader.
Bayo Adedeji is also a well-skilled Nigerian tech icon who is currently based in the United Kingdom. Bayo is a seasoned technology entrepreneur and investor with over 15 years of experience. He bagged a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science at the University of Lagos, Akoka and further attained an MBA from the University of Oxford. He is the CEO of AngelHub, a London-based start-up accelerator. He had also worked as a product manager at Google Cloud, also as a technical program manager at Amazon. He is also an advisor at Techstars London. Bayo with his sophisticated skill at cloud computing, AI, machine learning, startup acceleration, and digital transformation have been recognized by Forbes Africa as one of the ’30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs in Africa.’ He has also been featured in CNN, BBC, and Bloomberg for his work in tech and entrepreneurship. He was also awarded the “Technology Entrepreneur of the Year” at the 2019 UK African Business Awards.
The prominent Iyinoluwa Abojeyi is also highly recognized for his contribution to the growth of tech beyond the shores of Africa. He is a prolific Nigerian tech expert, who is based overseas and also famous for his tech innovations. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji is also a Nigerian entrepreneur and investor. He co-founded Andela, a talent accelerator, and Flutterwave, a payment solutions company. Aboyeji served as Andela’s first CEO and helped secure $181 million in funding. He also founded Flutterwave, which has processed over $10 billion in transactions. He has been recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 and TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. Aboyeji bagged a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Waterloo. He has worked with the World Bank and the Nigerian government on education and technology initiatives. Aboyeji most time speaks on entrepreneurship and innovation.
Also, Jason Njoku, the Nigerian entrepreneur and filmmaker. He founded iROKOtv, Africa’s largest digital distributor of Nigerian music and movies, in 2011. Born in 1980, Njoku studied chemistry at the University of Manchester. After several failed business ventures, he discovered and identified an opportunity in the Nigerian film industry through the launching of his popular ‘iROKOtv.’ iROKOtv has become a leading platform for Nollywood content, with over 10 million subscribers. Njoku has received numerous awards, including the African Entrepreneur of the Year award. He has also been featured in Forbes, CNN, and The Guardian. Njoku is married to Mary Remmy Njoku, a Nigerian actress and producer.
Also, Sim Shagaya, who is a Nigerian-American tech enthusiast, entrepreneur and businessman. Born in 1975, he graduated from George Washington University with a degree in Economics. Shagaya began his career at Google, where he worked as a product manager. In 2012, he founded Konga, a Nigerian e-commerce platform, and DealDey, a daily deals website. He served as Konga’s CEO until 2016. Shagaya has also invested in various startups, focusing on Africa’s digital landscape. He has been recognized for his contributions to Nigeria’s tech industry, including being named one of Forbes’ “10 Most Powerful Men in Africa” in 2014.
The famous female tech expert, who is also a medical practitioner, and popular for her integration of technology into the medical field is Ola Orekunrin. Ola Orekunrin is a medical doctor and tech entrepreneur. She graduated from the University of New York with a degree in medicine. She founded Flying Doctors Nigeria, leveraging technology to provide West Africa’s first air ambulance service. Orekunrin integrated GPS tracking, online booking, and telemedicine to enhance emergency response. Recognized for innovative healthcare solutions, she received the Future Awards’ Young Person of the Year. Featured in Forbes, CNN, and BBC, Orekunrin advocates for healthcare tech adoption in Africa. As a TED Fellow, she promotes digital health initiatives. Orekunrin’s work showcases the potential of technology in transforming Africa’s healthcare landscape, improving access and efficiency. She is currently based in the UK.
The founder of the popular Nairaland, Seun Osewa is not left out on the list of Nigerian tech enthusiast and expert who have represented the country’s name abroad. Seun Osewa is a Nigerian-American tech entrepreneur. Born in 1982, he graduated from the Obafemi Awolowo University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Osewa founded Nairaland, Nigeria’s largest online community forum, in 2005. He later moved to the United States, where he currently resides. Based in San Francisco, California, Osewa continues to manage Nairaland, which has grown to over 2 million registered users. Recognized for his innovative approach to online community building, Osewa has been featured in Forbes, CNN, and TechCrunch. He is a prominent figure in Africa’s tech ecosystem, advocating for digital innovation and entrepreneurship.
Undoubtedly, the name Ade Olufeko is also on this prominent list. He is a Nigerian born tech entrepreneur and artist. Born in 1980, he graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Computer Science. Olufeko founded 19th & Park, a digital creative agency. He also founded Whole Rebel, a platform promoting African innovation. Recognized for innovative design, Olufeko has worked with brands like Nike and Apple. Featured in Forbes, CNN, and The Guardian, he advocates for African tech growth. Olufeko’s work blends art, technology, and culture, inspiring a new generation of creatives. He resides in New York City, driving digital innovation and cultural exchange between Africa and the US.
Another great expert in tech realm is Etop Ikpe. He is a prominent Nigerian entrepreneur and tech innovator. Born in 1982, he graduated from the University of Calabar with a degree in Computer Science. Ikpe co-founded Cars45, Nigeria’s leading automotive trading platform, in 2016. He also co-founded Autocommerce, a pioneering auto finance company. Ikpe’s expertise in technology and business strategy has driven innovative solutions in Nigeria’s automotive industry. Recognized for his entrepreneurial achievements, Ikpe has been featured in Forbes, CNN, and TechCrunch. He has received awards from the African Entrepreneurship Award and the Nigeria Technology Awards. Ikpe’s work focuses on leveraging technology to improve Africa’s automotive ecosystem. He resides in Lagos, Nigeria, where he continues to drive digital transformation and entrepreneurship in the region.
Nevertheless, these great tech experts and entrepreneurs have put Nigeria on a mark of greatness both home and abroad.
Their technological skills, innovations, and expertise have been channelled towards great and positive things not just within the African milieu but in the global scene. Their achievements and feats is factually a good image for Africa and the world as a whole. Their technological achievements and feats is a fortune for the world’s human capital and economic basis in general.