Abayomi Olatunji is a software engineer and technology leader who walked 9 kilometers through Lagos nights to code under church generator light—and turned that determination into a platform that has trained over 200,000 people across 19 countries.
As Chief Technology Officer at Utiva, Abayomi built the company’s learning infrastructure from the ground up, leading the development of an AI-infused LMS that has placed more than 90,000 people into tech jobs. His work spans from architecting scalable systems in React and Node.js to spearheading initiatives like The Nucleus—an MIT Solve-recognized offline learning device—and fliT, a program that has brought over 3,000 women into technology careers.
For Abayomi, technology has never been just about the code. It’s about creating bridges—between ambition and opportunity, between communities and resources, between what is and what’s possible. He measures success not in deployments or funding rounds, but in the learners who gain skills, secure jobs, and imagine futures they once thought impossible.
In this exclusive conversation with us, he shared how his journey in tech started and what has kept him going despite all of the setbacks and challenges.
Let’s start from the beginning. Growing up in Ikotun with unreliable electricity, what drove you to keep walking to your church just to practice coding under a generator light?
I grew up as the first child in a family of five, and from a very humble background. My parents didn’t have much formal education, but they invested heavily in me, and I felt a deep responsibility to make them proud and to lift my family out of poverty. That sense of responsibility drove me to always give my best in school and dream big about what my future could look like.
Long before I ever wrote my first line of code, I was fascinated by computers. My mom once paid for me to attend a local computer school, where I learned to type using Mavis Beacon on an old Pentium 4 desktop. That simple exposure lit a spark. I started asking questions like: How was Facebook built? How did apps like Eskimi and 2go work? That curiosity led me to discover PHP, HTML, and CSS.
My mom even saved up and bought me a small Acer laptop at Alaba Market for about ₦12,000. I treasured that laptop. With it, I downloaded O’Reilly books and started teaching myself, reading chapters over and over again because it was hard at first. But I was determined.
The challenge was that at home, electricity was almost non-existent. So, I made a routine: I would walk about 9 kilometers to my church, almost five nights a week, just to sit under generator-powered light. Most times, I will stay there overnight, fighting mosquitoes under a net, using midnight data bundles to download videos and practice coding.
Through all of that, three thoughts kept me going: I must make my mother proud. I must succeed. And I must not give up, no matter how hard this feels. That persistence eventually paid off, and it was during those long nights that I built the foundation for everything I’ve become today.
Looking back, what role did that first church website you built play in shaping your journey into tech?
That first church website was more than just a project—it was my validation. For the first time, I felt the joy of building something real, something that people could see and use. I still remember the excitement of telling my mom that I would be building the church’s website. She was so supportive—sometimes even giving me money for transport at night so I could get to the church and continue working under the generator light. Her pride in me was my greatest motivation.
It wasn’t easy. I was learning and building at the same time, with no mentor to guide me. My only teacher was Google and the internet, and honestly, that became my best buddy. After a few weeks, I managed to put together a landing page that displayed our church programs and events. When I showed it to my youth president, he was amazed that I had figured it out on my own. Suddenly, I had become “the tech guy” in the church.
The most memorable moment came when we deployed the site using Whogohost. I had to learn deployment from scratch, but eventually, we got it live. When the entire church saw it and applauded me, I knew I was on the right path. My mom’s pride that day was unmatched, and for me, it sealed the decision—I was going to pursue Computer Science in higher education. That project was my foundation, and it shaped everything that came after.
How did your experiences at Osun State College of Technology and later at FUNAAB prepare you for a career in software and leadership?
My journey through higher education was one of resilience, discovery, and growth. Back in 2012, I wrote JAMB with high hopes of entering Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. When I narrowly missed the cut-off after the post-UTME, I felt disappointed at first, but life redirected me to Osun State College of Technology—and looking back, it was truly a blessing in disguise.
At Osun State College of Technology, I met brilliant minds—friends who challenged and inspired me, some of whom are now working with global tech giants like Google. It was there that I began to truly understand the depth of computing: algorithms, data structures, and programming languages beyond the basics I had been self-teaching. My internships became a turning point. At Lagos State Secretariat, in the Ministry of Science and Technology and ABAT Centre, I had my first exposure to enterprise networking—seeing Cisco servers powering government databases and learning how large-scale systems keep an entire state running. Later, at Bristow Helicopters, I interned as an IT Specialist, learning directly from experienced professionals and gaining a sense of how technology drives critical operations.
Armed with that foundation, I pursued my B.Sc. in Computer Science at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. This was another breakthrough moment for me. FUNAAB gave me access to vibrant communities like the Google Developer Group, where I not only learned but also shared knowledge with peers. I dug deeper into advanced data structures, algorithms, data security, and mathematics, while also honing my skills in languages like Java and Python. During this time, I joined programs such as the Andela Learning Community and the Hotels.ng Internship, participated in bootcamps, and tested my skills in competitions.
All of these experiences shaped me not just as a software engineer, but as a leader. They taught me the value of community, collaboration, and continuous learning. They showed me how knowledge multiplies when shared—and that mindset of growth and impact has guided me ever since.
Okay, let’s get personal—after all those late nights coding and fixing production incidents, what’s your go-to way to decompress?
For me, unwinding is all about balance. Most times, I just pick up the phone to talk with friends or family—whether it’s a quick call or a long video chat, catching up with the people I care about always resets my energy. Other times, it’s as simple as putting on a movie or, honestly, just getting some much-needed sleep.
I’m also really big on fitness. I enjoy going to the gym, working out, and swimming—it helps me stay sharp and healthy, both mentally and physically. Lately, I’ve also been leaning into new experiences—trying out different foods, traveling more, and taking vacations when I can. Like the saying goes, “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” so I make sure to create those moments of fun and relaxation alongside the grind.
You joined communities like the Google Developer Group, Andela Learning Community, and interned at Hotels.ng while still an undergraduate. What did these experiences teach you about technology, collaboration, and career growth?
Those communities were absolutely defining for me. With Google Developer Group, I was exposed to fresh ideas and updates in tech by senior colleagues in the space. Attending the events was always refreshing, and even supporting in organizing one gave me a sense of belonging to something bigger.
The Andela Learning Community was another game changer. Through its partnership with Pluralsight, I gained access to world-class learning resources. That was where I first learned how to build Progressive Web Apps and work with advanced JavaScript frameworks. It gave me the confidence to start thinking not just as a coder, but as someone who could build scalable, real-world solutions.
Hotels.ng was the fast-paced test of everything I had learned. The internship was tough—they really drilled us—but that rigor taught me resilience and problem-solving under pressure. Most importantly, it expanded my network. I made friends like Andy and many others who are thriving today in their careers.
The biggest lesson I carry from all these experiences is simple: always show up and never despise the days of little beginnings. Growth takes consistency, courage to embrace new challenges, and a willingness to learn and collaborate. Those early communities planted that mindset in me, and it continues to guide me today.
You joined Utiva in 2020 as a Principal Software Engineer when the company was pivoting. What was that transition like, and how did you approach building a learning platform from scratch?
Joining Utiva in July 2020 was both exciting and challenging. The company was transitioning from training undergraduates alone to reaching graduates, early career professionals, and people looking to pivot into tech. With the rising demand for digital skills that year, the pressure to build something scalable and impactful was huge—but it was exactly the kind of challenge I was eager to take on.
From day one, I was driven by the thought that thousands of people would rely on this platform to learn, grow, and ultimately change their lives. That sense of purpose kept me going, even when the work was tough. Building from scratch meant thinking about everything: how to structure courses and modules for easy access, how to make the system efficient for cohort-based learning, and most importantly, how to ensure the user experience was smooth and engaging.
We adopted an agile approach, which came naturally to me since I had already taken courses in project management. That structure helped us move quickly and deliver consistently. I was hands-on with every part of the process—designing the architecture, coding, testing, and iterating.
One moment I’ll never forget was when Utiva hit 5,000 students in a single month during those early days. Seeing so many learners actively engaging on a platform I built from the ground up was surreal. It was fulfilling in a way that reminded me why I chose this path: to create technology that transforms lives.
Tell us about The Nucleus project — how did the idea come about, and why was offline-first access such a critical innovation?
The idea for The Nucleus came from a very practical place: I kept seeing talented people who wanted to learn but couldn’t because of unreliable internet and the cost of constant connectivity. I’d hear stories of students who would lose weeks of learning because a network was down or data bundles ran out. I wanted to remove that barrier.
We designed The Nucleus as an offline-first learning device — essentially a rugged, encrypted tablet with a large storage footprint (about 300GB), long battery life, and simple connectivity options like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so learners could sync when they had access and keep learning when they didn’t. The device came with preloaded structured programs (over 70 courses), an earpiece for private audio lessons, and robust encryption to protect learning content and user data. The technical goal was clear: make high-quality, cohort-based learning possible even where the internet was patchy or unaffordable.
Offline-first was critical because it turned an intermittent connection into a non-issue. Instead of expecting learners to be online 24/7, we brought the learning to them. That design meant people in remote communities could keep pace with cohorts, complete assignments, and access video lessons without worrying about connectivity. For many learners, this was the difference between dropping out and finishing a course.
The Nucleus also unlocked important partnerships and recognition — for example, our MIT Solve designation and collaboration with the HP Foundation — which helped validate the approach and brought funding and resources that let us scale the idea. More than the awards, the real win was seeing learners use the device to keep studying through power and network outages — that’s why we built it.
The Nucleus earned MIT Solve recognition. What was it like getting that validation for solving connectivity barriers through hardware?
It was such an exciting moment for me and the entire team. When we got the news, it felt like all the effort and long hours we had put into The Nucleus were being validated on a global stage. For me personally, it was proof that we were not just building for the sake of technology, but solving a real problem that mattered — making learning accessible to people in low-income and low-connectivity communities.
The recognition meant so much because it wasn’t just about the award; it was about the lives that could now be impacted. With The Nucleus, learners who had little to no access to the internet could still access structured courses and grow their skills. That’s the heart of what motivated me — knowing that our work was bridging barriers in education and giving people opportunities they wouldn’t have had otherwise.
We celebrated in the office as a team — it was a proud, joyful moment. And beyond the celebration, it also opened doors for us: collaborations, partnerships, and the kind of credibility that makes people take your mission seriously. For me, it underscored the fact that we are on a journey to make tech education accessible to all, no matter your location or status in life.
You spearheaded fliT, an initiative to place more women into tech. What inspired this, and what impact have you seen so far?
When I looked around the tech ecosystem in Nigeria, one thing struck me over and over: women were largely absent. Only about 17% of tech professionals here are women, and only 22% of engineering and technology university graduates each year are female. It wasn’t just numbers—it was seeing friends and acquaintances with enormous potential who didn’t have the pathways, the mentorship, or the encouragement to break through.
That’s what inspired me to launch fliT. I wanted an initiative that didn’t just train women technically but offered a whole ecosystem of support—skills training, mentorship, hands-on projects, and a bridge toward meaningful tech roles. When fliT began, our goal was to make technology more accessible, more inclusive, giving women the tools and networks to succeed.
Today, over 3,000 women have joined fliT. I’ve seen lives changed: women who once believed they couldn’t code begin building web apps; others who used what they learned to secure internships or junior roles; many telling me that fliT gave them confidence they didn’t have before. Some have become mentors themselves, creating a ripple in their communities.
What always hits me hardest is when I see someone’s face lighting up—realizing that yes, this is possible for me. That look of satisfaction when they deploy something, solve a problem, or get their first tech job—those moments are why I do what I do.
Utiva has now reached learners across 19 countries and trained over 200,000 talents. Looking at those numbers, what personal story or success stands out the most to you?
Honestly, seeing the sheer number of people who have gone through our platform and completely transformed their lives is one of the most fulfilling things for me. I’ve met learners who started with little to no background in tech, and today they’re working in top companies across the UK, US, Germany, and beyond. Knowing that a product I helped build played a part in their journey feels surreal.
When I reflect on the fact that we’ve expanded into over 19 countries, it confirms that we’re doing the right things. But at the same time, it reminds me that this is only the beginning. We have an ambitious goal of training over two million people in tech skills by 2030, and I’m deeply motivated to keep pushing towards that.
For me, it’s not just about the numbers—it’s about impact. Each success story is proof that the hard work, the sleepless nights, and the determination are worth it. I’m just proud of how far we’ve come, and even more excited about where we’re going.
As CTO, your role expanded from engineering to product vision, UX, and partnerships. How did you adjust from being a hands-on engineer to leading at scale?
For me, the transition wasn’t about leaving engineering behind—it was about expanding what engineering meant. I still write code today, even with all the leadership responsibilities that come with being CTO. I believe it’s important to stay close to the work, so I actively contribute by writing features when needed, reviewing and merging PRs, dropping feedback, and making sure our user experience is on point. Before any rollout, I’m deeply involved in testing to ensure the product meets the standard we’ve set.
At the same time, I had to grow into thinking more about the bigger picture—how the product evolves, how partnerships can strengthen our mission, and how the team works together. It’s a balance between being technical and being strategic. I enjoy both sides, and I’ve learned that the real value of leadership isn’t just in writing the code yourself but in creating the environment where your team can do their best work.
That’s how I see my role today: still an engineer at heart, but also a builder of vision, process, and opportunity.
You’re from Lagos—what’s one thing about Lagos tech culture that the rest of the world doesn’t understand but should?
Lagos is not just where I’m from—it’s the beating heart of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. Let me tell you what many outside don’t fully appreciate: how deeply rooted and how rapidly growing Lagos has become in tech, not just in Nigeria, but across Africa.
Here’s what the numbers say:
- Roughly 88-90% of Nigeria’s tech startups are based in Lagos.
- Lagos’s startup ecosystem was valued at around US$8.4 billion by end of 2022.
- Since 2017, Lagos has grown its enterprise value in the startup space 11.6 times.
- The city has produced five unicorns — Interswitch, Flutterwave, Jumia, OPay, Moniepoint — leaders who are now recognized globally.
Beyond stats, the culture in Lagos is relentless. Lagos doesn’t sleep. Builders share small spaces, they hustle through the night, they network, learn and fail fast—all so they can build scalable solutions. Because most major tech events, VC interest, and innovation hubs are concentrated here, there’s a momentum you feel in the air.
What outsiders often miss is how much of the visible success in Nigeria’s tech space—fintech, edtech, creative tech—is anchored in Lagos. Yes, other states like Abuja, Oyo, Ogun are improving, and that’s exciting. But Lagos has already shown what’s possible at scale, even under infrastructure constraints.
If there’s something I love reminding folks: if your solution can work in Lagos, it has a chance to work anywhere. Because Lagos demands resilience, creativity, resourcefulness—and those are the ingredients for building something lasting in tech.
Utiva secured partnerships with global giants like Microsoft, Google, Binance, and GSK, and earned awards from MIT Solve and others. Which partnership or recognition felt most validating to you, and why?
While every partnership and recognition has been meaningful, the one that felt most validating for me personally was the MIT Solve recognition for our Nucleus project. This device, which allows learners in low-connectivity regions to access structured tech courses offline, represented the intersection of engineering innovation, user-centered design, and social impact—all the values I care about.
Being recognized by MIT Solve wasn’t just a badge; it confirmed that the technical solutions we were building could solve real-world challenges at scale. It validated the countless hours my team and I spent designing, coding, and testing the platform, and reinforced that technology can break barriers and create opportunities, even for those in the most underserved communities.
That recognition, coupled with partnerships with Microsoft, Google, Binance, and GSK, also opened doors for funding, collaboration, and scaling our solutions globally, allowing Utiva to expand to 19 countries and train over 200,000 learners. But the MIT Solve award was special—it was the first external acknowledgment that the vision we were executing on was both innovative and impactful.
With over $6 million raised to support initiatives, how did you align fundraising efforts with technology goals?
For me, fundraising has always been about showing impact through technology. When investors or partners engage with Utiva, they want to see measurable outcomes, and that’s where our platform plays a critical role. I ensured that every innovation, feature, and metric on our learning platform clearly demonstrated student engagement, scalability, and outcomes.
For example, by the time we were scaling globally, our platform had trained over 100,000 students, with 20,000 monthly active learners, and had achieved a 60% employability rate among graduates. These numbers were not just statistics—they reflected the real-world impact of our tech, which made conversations with investors much more compelling.
I also worked closely with my team to build dashboards and reporting tools, so we could showcase live data on student progress, course completion, and platform performance. This transparency helped align fundraising goals with engineering priorities, ensuring that investments directly supported platform improvements, new course development, and the expansion of AI-driven learning solutions.
By linking technology metrics with business and social impact, we were able to secure over $6 million in funding, foster strategic partnerships with global players like Microsoft and Google, and accelerate the growth of our edtech solutions across Africa and beyond.
You’ve said your work has never just been about technology, but about access and impact. What does that mean to you today?
For me, technology has always been a means, not the end. It’s not just about writing code, building platforms, or deploying products—it’s about making a tangible difference in people’s lives. I’m motivated by the fact that the systems I build at Utiva allow learners—often from underserved communities or low-connectivity areas—to gain skills, secure jobs, and change their circumstances.
When I see someone who never had access to the internet or formal tech training use our platform to upskill, land a job, or start their own tech journey, it validates every long night, every line of code, every architectural decision I made. The impact goes beyond technology—it empowers people, transforms communities, and even shapes economies.
Today, I measure success not just by active users or funding raised, but by how many lives have been touched, how many opportunities have been unlocked, and how many people can now imagine a future they thought was impossible. That’s what drives me every day—knowing that my work bridges gaps and creates access for anyone willing to learn and grow.
If you weren’t in tech, what completely different career do you think you’d be doing right now?
Honestly, if I weren’t in tech, I’d most likely be in the finance space, working with banks or financial institutions. With my analytical mindset and problem-solving skills, I can see myself building financial solutions and exploring fintech innovations.
That said, technology has become my true focus because it allows me to expand access to skills and opportunities on a much larger scale. While finance is interesting, there’s nothing more fulfilling to me than using tech to empower thousands of learners, break barriers, and create real-world impact.
React or Node.js, which do you secretly enjoy more?
Honestly, I enjoy both, but if I had to pick, I’d say React has a special place for me. There’s something satisfying about building interfaces that users interact with directly, making sure every click, transition, and layout feels smooth and intuitive.
That said, I still love Node.js because it powers the backend of everything I build—handling data, scaling services, and ensuring the platform performs reliably. The truth is, I enjoy the full stack journey: from crafting beautiful, responsive interfaces in React to designing robust backend systems in Node.js. Being able to move seamlessly between both is what makes building products like Utiva’s learning platform so exciting for me.
If you could go back and give young Abayomi — walking those 9 km nights — one piece of advice, what would it be?
If I could go back, I would tell young Abayomi: “Keep pushing, stay consistent, and never doubt your potential. Every small step matters.”
Those nights walking 9 km to practice coding in my church were tough, but they shaped my resilience, discipline, and hunger to learn. I’d remind him that every hour spent learning, every challenge faced, and every sacrifice made is building a foundation for something bigger.
I’d also tell him to trust the journey, even when it feels impossible, and to celebrate small wins along the way—because those small victories eventually add up to life-changing impact, not just for himself but for everyone he will touch through his work.
Thank you for talking to us.
It’s been a pleasure sharing my story. Today, my journey is taking a new leap—bridging the gap between top tech talents in Africa and global opportunities, while continuing to ensure that tech skills are accessible across the country and the continent.
Thank you for having me, and I wish everyone great success in their own journey.
