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Olufemi Ayilara, a Principal Technical Architect at the Standard Testing Agency in the UK, member of the British Computer Society and the International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology, in this interview, says the success stories like Flutterwave and Paystack demonstrates that Nigeria tech start-ups are not only problem-solvers, they are visionaries shaping the country’s digital future. Ayilara also spoke on several issues associated with Artificial Intelligence; such as ethical concerns; danger to creativity/originality; concerns about security, privacy and others. Excerpts:

Project into Nigeria’s vibrant technological landscape for this year 2025 and beyond…

Nigeria’s technological landscape is set for significant advancement in 2025 and beyond, fueled by the accelerated adoption of digital technologies, government initiatives, and the ingenuity of tech entrepreneurs. With a robust ecosystem of tech hubs, increased investment in digital infrastructure, and growing youth participation in technology-driven fields, the country is poised to lead in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and cybersecurity. For instance, initiatives like Lagos’ Eko Innovation Centre and Abuja’s tech clusters have already laid the groundwork for fostering innovation and attracting global tech partnerships. However, challenges such as inconsistent power supply, regulatory bottlenecks, and a digital skills gap must be addressed to unlock the full potential of this transformation.

Q: Would you say Nigerians in both the private, public, formal, and informal sectors – have sufficiently and effectively taken advantage of the use of Internet of Things (IoT)?

Nigeria has made strides in adopting IoT technologies, particularly in sectors like telecommunications, education, and smart city projects. In the private sector, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and telecom companies have started integrating IoT solutions for network optimization, predictive maintenance, and customer experience enhancement. For example, ISPs use IoT-enabled monitoring systems to predict equipment failures and reduce down-times, ensuring seamless internet services. In the education sector, some institutions have implemented IoT-based smart classrooms to improve resource management and enhance interactive learning. However, adoption in the public sector and informal economy remains limited due to infrastructural deficits, high implementation costs, and a lack of technical expertise. Bridging these gaps will require collaborative efforts between government bodies, private investors, and international tech partners.

Q: Despite the difficulties usually encountered in building startups in Nigeria, entrepreneurs have not shied away from taking on the challenge…Why do you think this is so?

Entrepreneurs in Nigeria are driven by resilience, creativity, and a determination to solve real-world problems. Despite challenges such as limited access to funding, bureaucratic hurdles, and inadequate infrastructure, the entrepreneurial spirit thrives. Success stories like Flutterwave and Paystack, which have achieved global acclaim, inspire many to persist. Having co-founded and led tech-driven initiatives myself, I can confidently say that the experience, though challenging, is incredibly rewarding. I have overseen the development of innovative applications that addressed market gaps and improved service delivery. Each obstacle, whether regulatory or infrastructural, provided an opportunity to innovate and rethink solutions. Nigerian entrepreneurs are not just problem-solvers; they are visionaries shaping the country’s digital future.

Q: Share your insights into how to overcome these challenges?

Addressing Nigeria’s entrepreneurial challenges demands a strategic, multi-layered approach. First, investment in critical infrastructure such as stable electricity and widespread broadband access remains non-negotiable. Policymakers must prioritize reducing regulatory bottlenecks, simplifying bureaucratic processes, and fostering an enabling environment for startups to thrive. Access to funding is another crucial factor, and increased collaboration with global venture capitalists and financial institutions can bridge this gap. Equally important is human capital development. Capacity-building initiatives, focused training, and mentorship programs are vital to equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resilience to scale their businesses successfully. Platforms like Thrive-In-Tech (TiT), which I founded, are playing a significant role in equipping aspiring tech professionals with skills and mentorship to succeed in the global tech space. With more initiatives like this, Nigeria can produce a generation of IT professionals capable of competing on the world stage. By fostering a culture of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation, we can address these challenges effectively and create a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Q: There are several issues regarding the coming of Artificial Intelligence; such as ethical concerns; danger to creativity/originality; concerns about security and privacy et al…How much danger do these and others pose to developing countries like Nigeria and others?

While AI offers immense potential for economic growth and innovation, it also raises ethical, security, and privacy concerns. In Nigeria, weak data protection frameworks and limited awareness of AI governance exacerbate these risks. Furthermore, reliance on AI-generated content without oversight can undermine originality. Developing countries must adopt global AI ethics standards, establish strong regulatory frameworks, and invest in public awareness campaigns to mitigate these challenges. For example, Nigeria’s Data Protection Act is a step in the right direction but requires further refinement to address AI-specific issues.

Q: Are fears that AI, automation, and robotics can lead to job displacement, especially in industries like manufacturing, transportation, and retail real?

These fears are valid, as automation and AI are poised to disrupt labor-intensive industries. However, history suggests that technological advancements often create new job opportunities. Nigeria must prioritize workforce reskilling and upskilling to prepare its citizens for the jobs of the future. Educational institutions should adapt their curricula to align with emerging industry needs, while government policies should focus on promoting job creation in technology-driven sectors. For instance, vocational training programs focusing on AI, software engineering, data science, and automation can prepare the workforce for this shift.

Q: How do you see the issue that AI can make users lazy and produce low-quality or inaccurate results?

AI is a tool that, when used responsibly, can enhance productivity and creativity. However, over-reliance on AI without proper oversight can lead to poor-quality outcomes and user complacency. Organizations must establish governance frameworks to ensure AI tools are used ethically and effectively. Additionally, continuous education and awareness about the capabilities and limitations of AI are essential for maximizing its benefits.

Q: Go into the range of unexplored or virgin range of IT products or services, especially as it concerns Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa

There are significant opportunities in sectors such as AgriTech, HealthTech, EduTech, and GreenTech. Precision agriculture solutions powered by IoT and AI can revolutionize food production, while digital health platforms can bridge healthcare gaps in underserved communities. For instance, mobile health platforms offering telemedicine services have already seen rapid adoption in remote parts of Nigeria. In education, technology-driven platforms like uLesson are democratizing access to quality education. Cybersecurity also presents untapped potential, as businesses and governments increasingly recognize the need to protect digital assets.

Q: Speak on your business forays, activities, and interventions in the Nigerian economy?

Throughout my career, I have been deeply involved in driving digital transformation, implementing scalable technological solutions, and contributing to human capital development in Nigeria. I have successfully led projects that optimized operational efficiency, enhanced user engagement, and strengthened cybersecurity across multiple sectors, including healthcare, education, telecoms, and more. Through mentorship, peer teaching, and structured training programs, I have equipped over a hundred aspiring tech professionals with the skills and knowledge to excel in the industry. These initiatives not only address current technological gaps but also pave the way for sustainable development, innovation, and economic growth. I remain committed to collaborating with stakeholders, partners, and volunteers to amplify these efforts and ensure Nigeria becomes a global powerhouse in technology and innovation.

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Autor(en)/Author(s): Tunde Oso

Quelle/Source: Vanguard, 12.01.2025

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