Category: Business Day

A good number of pupils across 73 public primary schools will receive educational materials courtesy of Ibadan North Local Government in Oyo State.

This is as the schools are also to benefit from the distribution of school furniture, including desks and chairs as well as board markers and chalks, among others.

Seun Olufade, Chairman of the Local Government, who stated this at the commencement of the distribution of the educational materials worth millions of Naira, held at the Ibadan North Local Government Secretariat, said the move was meant to encourage students in their educational pursuit.

He added that it would also assist parents in lessening the burden of giving education to their wards, commending Governor ‘Seyi Makinde for his support.

The chairman maintained that the items to be distributed include 800 seats and desks, packs of chalk and board markers, 300 school bags and 200 pairs of school sandals. He noted that the effort was aimed at improving the learning environment and easing the challenges faced by pupils and teachers, saying: ‘Well, it is some sort of encouragement to let our students understand and know that education is key and it is very essential.

‘We are preparing them so that they know they are the leaders of tomorrow and also know that they should take their education seriously.

‘As the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government and a youth as well, I want to say that it is another encouragement for them; that when they face their education squarely, there is nothing in life that they can’t become.

‘This is just about giving back the dividends of democracy. Other local government chairmen have also been doing wonderfully well. Some of them did similar things in the past and I am sure moving forward, others will do it as well.’

Nureni Adeniran, the chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) speaking during the symbolic presentation of the materials, commended Olufade for the initiative.’

Describing it as a monumental effort to strengthen the state government’s drive towards quality education and the eradication of the ‘no-seat’ challenge in public schools, Adeniran noted that the intervention would significantly alleviate the difficulties faced by public primary schools within the Local Government.

The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed reports alleging that it is importing finished petrol (Premium Motor Spirit, PMS) with high sulphur content into Nigeria, describing such claims as false, malicious, and misleading.

In a statement issued on Friday, the company clarified that the cargo being referenced is an intermediate feedstock and not finished petrol. It explained that, as a world-scale complex refinery, Dangote processes a range of crude oils and intermediate feedstocks, a globally accepted practice aimed at optimising production efficiency and product quality.

‘The cargo in question is an intermediate feedstock, not finished petrol, and will be fully refined in our units to meet both Nigerian and international quality standards,’ the company said.

Dangote further noted that its operations within a Free Trade Zone are strictly regulated, adding that the refinery refines and sells only high-quality fuels that comply with all regulatory specifications.

The company emphasised that its exports of petroleum products to the US and Europe, some of the most strictly regulated markets in the world, demonstrate its adherence to global benchmarks. ‘All imports are accompanied by quality certificates and shared transparently with regulators,’ the statement continued. ‘Dangote Petroleum Refinery is also willing to make these documents available to the public in the interest of full transparency and accountability.’

Reaffirming its commitment to Nigeria’s energy independence, the refinery pledged to maintain the highest standards of quality, transparency, and environmental responsibility.

‘Dangote Refinery remains fully committed to advancing Nigeria’s energy independence, upholding the highest standards of quality and transparency, and delivering cleaner fuels for Nigeria and beyond,’ the statement concluded.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Africa’s largest industrial complex, commenced operations to transform Nigeria into a net exporter of refined petroleum products, thereby reducing the country’s reliance on imported fuel.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai claimed to have successfully repelled a coordinated terrorist attack in the Ngamdu general area, following a swift response by forces on ground and reinforcement elements from 29 Task Force Brigade.

BusinessDay reports that the Super Camp Ngamudu, the military base in Kaga Local Government area came under heavy attacks by outlawed ISWAP fighters.

A statement by Sani Uba, Lieutenant Colonel and Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri on Friday, indicated that four soldiers were killed and others sustained serious injuries caused by the terrorists group during a daring attack on the base.

He said, ‘The terrorists employed Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), armed drones, and command-initiated Improvised Explosive Devices, targeting troops and own platforms. Despite the intensity of the attack, troops held their ground and responded with superior firepower, inflicting significant losses on the terrorists.

‘Unfortunately, own troops recorded 4 x Killed in Action (KIA) and 5 x Wounded in Action (WIA). Additionally, some Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and Gun Trucks (GTs) sustained varying degrees of damage during the encounter. ‘The terrorists attempted to prevent reinforcements and inflict further casualties by planting multiple IEDs along the Ngamdu-Damaturu Main Supply Route (MSR). This necessitated a temporary closure of the MSR, as engineers swiftly responded to clear 3 IED-laden spots. Following successful clearance, the MSR has now been reopened to both military and civilian movement.

‘In response to the attack, troops were immediately resupplied with critical logistics, including MRAP tyres and ammunition, to sustain operations and restore full mobility. Credible intelligence confirms heavy terrorist casualties, with reports indicating mass burials of about 15 bodies conveyed in pushcarts by the terrorists for burial around Bula Wura, near Wasaram.

‘As part of continued efforts to dominate the area, 29 Task Force Brigade has launched fighting patrols and exploitation operations aimed at denying the terrorists freedom of action and consolidating operational gains.

‘The gallantry and resilience of the troops have been commended and the public assured that normalcy would be sustained with operations ongoing to maintain peace and security in the area.’

Several challenges trail Nigeria’s food sector. Farmers are faced with bad roads that make transportation from food-producing states difficult.

Experts say the agric sector requires urgent, coordinated investments to improve infrastructure, enhance farmers’ livelihoods, and build food system resilience.

A new report released by the World Food Programme (WFP), in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), has listed out key recommendations that can improve efficiency as well as enhance the livelihoods of farmers.

The report titled ‘Investing in Innovative Food Systems Solutions in Challenging Contexts’ outlines a roadmap for transforming food production and distribution in Northern Nigeria, where insecurity, climate shocks, and poor infrastructure have eroded productivity over the years.

It emphasises how targeted policies and investments can help the region reclaim its role as the country’s agricultural powerhouse while supporting inclusive growth nationwide.

Identifying key areas for policy reforms and private-sector partnerships, the report urges the expansion of digital input platforms, rehabilitation of rural infrastructure, and the reduction of post-harvest losses that continue to undermine farmers’ revenue.

For a country that currently loses up to 30 percent of grains and 50 percent of perishable foods each year due to poor handling and inadequate storage facilities, effective policies must be implemented.

To reverse this trend, the report recommends deploying affordable hermetic bags, low-cost moisture meters, and community-based training on post-harvest management.

Also, it notes that expanding access to certified seeds and fertilisers through digital platforms would help address the challenge of counterfeit inputs and unstable pricing, improving farmers’ output and profitability.

‘Access to affordable, high-quality inputs must be expanded through mobile platforms that offer transparency and verified suppliers,’ the report said, adding that better logistics networks and the removal of multiple checkpoints along trade corridors would reduce informal levies that drive up food costs.

It highlights the need for investment in rural storage and cold-chain infrastructure, particularly in food-producing regions.

According to the report, investing in decentralised storage hubs and refrigerated warehouses will connect farmers to processors and urban markets while reducing waste and price volatility.

It noted that shared mechanisation and cooperative models are a pathway to greater efficiency, as by pooling equipment and resources, smallholder farmers can reduce production costs, increase productivity, and access better market opportunities.

However, beyond production, the report calls for policies that promote climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy integration, and land tenure reforms.

It argues that investments in solar-powered storage facilities, irrigation systems, and agroforestry can boost resilience against climate shocks and reduce dependence on diesel-based operations.

Similarly, equitable land access, particularly for women and young people, remains central to the transformation agenda.

‘Equitable access to land and resources will unlock innovation and reduce youth unemployment,’ the report said, noting that secure land ownership would encourage investment and entrepreneurship across value chains.

It further urged the federal government to link humanitarian and development efforts in the North by aligning food aid with longer-term system-building.

The report stressed that humanitarian food assistance should be leveraged to strengthen local food systems, calling for stronger public-private partnerships to expand infrastructure and credit access for agribusinesses.

Nigeria’s agricultural sector accounts for about 24 percent of Gross Domestic Product and employs nearly 36 percent of the labour force, yet productivity remains among the lowest in sub-Saharan Africa.

The report notes that implementing these recommendations could not only improve efficiency and farmer incomes but also stabilise food supply and reduce food prices.

By strengthening food systems through coordinated investments, policy alignment, and inclusivity, experts say Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its agric sector – transforming it from subsistence-driven to a globally competitive and resilient industry.

María Corina Machado, the leading figure of Venezuela’s democratic opposition, has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for what the Norwegian Nobel Committee described as her ‘tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.’

The announcement was made on Friday at the Norwegian Nobel Institute in Oslo, recognising Machado’s decades-long campaign to restore democracy in a country where political repression, economic collapse and mass emigration have defined daily life for years. Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Nobel Committee, called Machado ‘one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times.’ He praised her decision to remain in Venezuela despite ‘serious threats against her life,’ noting that her determination had ‘inspired millions.’

‘When authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to recognise courageous defenders of freedom who rise and resist,’ Frydnes said.

Machado, 58, ran as the main opposition candidate in Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election before being disqualified by Nicolás Maduro’s government. Her disqualification prompted her to back Edmundo González Urrutia, who became the united opposition’s replacement candidate. Official results declared Maduro the winner with 51 percent of the vote – his third term since taking power in 2013 following the death of Hugo Chávez. But the opposition said the election was rigged, claiming González had in fact won with around 70 percent of the vote.

Mass protests erupted across the country, demanding transparency and the publication of results from individual polling stations. The government’s response was swift and brutal, opposition leaders were detained, demonstrators were dispersed with violence, and Machado herself went into hiding.

Observers, including international journalists and election monitors, reported widespread irregularities during the election, from voter intimidation to long, unexplained delays outside polling stations. In a video shared by her press team and posted by González on social media, Machado appeared visibly stunned upon hearing the news of her Nobel win.

‘I’m in shock!’ she said in the video.

‘We’re shocked with joy,’ replied González, speaking from exile. ‘What is this? I can’t believe it,’ Machado repeated, smiling through tears. Despite years of repression, Machado has remained inside Venezuela, occasionally surfacing for brief public appearances. She was briefly detained during a protest ahead of Maduro’s inauguration in January, before being released.

Machado has long been a polarising yet powerful figure in Venezuelan politics. Trained as an industrial engineer, she became known for her uncompromising stance against authoritarianism and corruption. Her political movement has managed to unify disparate factions of the opposition, long seen as fragmented and ineffective.

For many Venezuelans, she represents a rare figure of moral consistency in a political landscape shaped by fear and exhaustion. Her rallies in 2024 drew some of the largest crowds seen in years – a visible sign of public yearning for change.

The Nobel Committee’s decision to honour Machado marks a symbolic moment for Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement. It places her alongside figures such as Aung San Suu Kyi, Malala Yousafzai and Nelson Mandela – individuals recognised for standing up to oppression through peaceful means.

Last year’s Peace Prize went to Nihon Hidankyo, Japan’s confederation of atomic bomb survivors, for its campaign to abolish nuclear weapons.

Although the award is unlikely to ease the political crisis in Venezuela immediately, it serves as an international acknowledgment of the country’s ongoing struggle for freedom, and of the courage of those who continue to fight for it, often at great personal risk.

Nigeria’s startup ecosystem is one of the most vibrant on the continent. Venture funding has flowed into fintech, healthtech, and mobility startups. Hubs in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are buzzing with innovation, and founders are increasingly building with a global outlook.

Yet, beneath this energy lies a stubborn reality: too many Nigerian startups struggle to scale sustainably.

While capital, a fledgling regulatory environment, and the prevalence of poor infrastructure dominate conversations about barriers to growth, one critical factor is often overlooked: digital sales capability. In other words, our startups know how to build, but too few know how to sell effectively at scale.

Building without selling: The common trap

Across Nigeria’s ecosystem, a familiar pattern emerges. A startup secures seed funding, builds a promising product, and gains early adopters, only to stall when it comes time to expand. The reasons vary: long sales cycles, fragmented market infrastructure, and limited access to high-quality buyer data. But at the heart of the issue is a missing engine for predictable revenue: a modern, data-driven sales system.

Unlike in markets where a startup can ‘plug into Stripe’ and unlock instant payment rails, Nigerian startups face fragmented infrastructure. To serve a pan-African market, they often stitch together multiple providers, each with its own requirements, compliance hurdles, and onboarding processes.

This complexity elongates sales cycles and forces teams to reinvent the wheel rather than scale a tested sales playbook.

Why digital sales matters

Digital sales are more than cold calls or closing deals. It is the discipline of engineering revenue growth. It combines structured go-to-market strategies, customer intelligence, automation, and global best practices to convert innovation into commercial traction.

Done well, digital sales deliver three critical benefits to Nigerian startups:

Revenue resilience

In volatile markets, predictable revenue is the best hedge against uncertain funding cycles. Sales-led companies can survive funding winters by monetising customers instead of relying solely on venture capital.

2. Global market access

With structured outbound sales, Nigerian startups can sell across borders from day one. Talent in Lagos can close clients in London or São Paulo, expanding total addressable markets far beyond local constraints.

3. Investor confidence

Venture capitalists are no longer satisfied with ‘growth at all costs’. They demand sustainable unit economics. A strong digital sales system demonstrates scalability, improving both valuation and investor confidence.

Lessons from global and African startups

Companies like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Stripe grew into global giants because they paired product innovation with sophisticated revenue engines. Even within Africa, fintechs such as Flutterwave and Paystack have shown that commercial excellence is as important as technical ingenuity. Their success demonstrates a clear truth: growth is not accidental; it is designed.

For Nigeria’s ecosystem, this means founders must prioritise building sales teams as deliberately as they build engineering teams. Without this, even the most innovative products risk becoming ‘zombie startups’, alive but unable to grow.

What needs to change

To unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s startup economy, three shifts are essential:

Founders must treat sales as a core competency.

From day one, startups should invest in structured go-to-market strategies, not treat sales as an afterthought once funding runs low.

2. Talent development in sales must accelerate.

Nigeria has a growing pool of engineers, but we need just as many skilled sales professionals. This is why I co-founded Tech Sales Starter, a digital-first training platform that has already trained over 300 Nigerians in tech sales, with a 65% job placement rate. By equipping young professionals with practical skills and connecting them to global opportunities, initiatives like this prove that Nigeria can build the commercial talent needed to fuel startup growth.

3. Investors should incentivise revenue discipline.

Rather than celebrating vanity metrics, investors should back startups that demonstrate strong sales conversion, customer retention, and scalable revenue processes.

The path forward

Nigeria has no shortage of entrepreneurial talent or global ambition. What it lacks is an equally strong culture of digital sales excellence. By embedding sales as the missing link in our startup economy, we can shift from a cycle of building and stalling to one of building and scaling.

Through my work at AiPrise and Tech Sales Starter, I’ve seen firsthand how digital sales innovation can transform both companies and careers. If we embed sales excellence as deeply as we embed technical excellence, Nigeria’s startups will not only grow at home but also redefine how the world sees African innovation.

In a world where capital is cautious and competition is fierce, those who sell best will win.

The 10th Nigeria Digital PR Summit has unveiled its lineup of keynote speakers and faculty members for this year’s milestone edition.

Themed ‘Digital PR in Action: Owning Your Narrative, Telling Your Story.’, the event, scheduled for mid October at the Conference Centre, Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos, will spotlight the growing importance of intentional, story-driven communication in an age defined by disruption, misinformation, and digital complexity.

Designed for public relations professionals, brand communicators, content creators, academics, and the media, the Summit, according to a statement will equip participants with practical strategies and tools to shape narratives, influence public perception, and strengthen stakeholder trust.

According to the statement, delegates will also gain insights into emerging PR trends, artificial intelligence in communication, crisis and reputation management, and digital storytelling, while networking with the industry’s finest minds.

The faculty features seasoned experts in digital marketing, corporate communication, brand and digital reputation management, public affairs, cybersecurity, and technology; each renowned for leveraging digital platforms to build trusted brands and authentic connections.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Executive Vice Chairman, Globacom Limited, Bella Disu, are expected to deliver the keynote papers at the Summit, the statement said.

Among the confirmed speakers, the statement said are the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Digital and Media, O’tega Ogra; Vice President, Chain Reactions Africa, Frankline Ozekhome; Head of Marketing, Diageo Africa Partner Markets (SOWECA), Segun Ogunleye; Founder/CEO, Africa Business Radio, Soji Akinlabi; Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, UBA Group, Tolu Alero Ladipo; Group Head, Brand Transformation and Digital Marketing, Bank of Industry, Jide Sipe; and Director, External Affairs and Sustainability, Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe.

Also featured on the faculty are the Associate Director, Sustainability, IHS Towers, Asmau Smaila; Founder/CEO, TruCSR Consulting, Ken Egbas; Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode, Prof. Adewale Obadare; Secretary General, Confederation of African Audiovisual Professionals (Ghana), Madu C. Chikwendu; Founder/CEO, JSK Consulting, Dr. Janet Adetu; Chief Innovation Officer, BusinessPlus, Ekundayo Ayeni; Manager, Platforms, MTN Nigeria, Joshua Esiebo; Founder, Olori Supergal, Tosin Ajibade; Marketing Director, Marketing Edge, Anietie Udoh; Team Lead, Sponsorship and Branding, Zenith Bank, Ayotunde Adeniyi; Head, Communication and Marketing, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Oge Maduagwu; and Public Relations Manager, Showmax, Jennifer Ukoh.

Special highlights include keynote addresses, masterclasses, and a technology showcase, alongside the unveiling of the fourth edition of the Digital PR Digest; the Summit’s flagship publication featuring case studies, trends, and practical insights on digital communication.

The event will climax with the 2nd Nigeria Digital PR Awards Gala, a premium evening celebrating excellence, innovation, and impact in digital communications. This year’s Gala will feature the Fashion Runway Showcase; a creative fusion of fashion, technology, and storytelling symbolizing the power of owning and amplifying one’s narrative in the digital space.orsed by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Digital and New Media, and supported by major media organisations, the Summit remains the premier gathering for public relations and digital communication professionals in Nigeria, the statement said.

FCMB Group Plc has commenced a N160 billion public share sale to strengthen its banking subsidiary and meet the Central Bank of Nigeria’s new N500 billion minimum capital requirement for international banks.

The offering of 16 billion shares at N10 each runs until November 6, 2025. Proceeds will be used to recapitalise First City Monument Bank Limited and help the lender retain its international licence.

The raise follows a N147.5 billion share sale in 2024, the first in 16 years. This 2024 share sale was oversubscribed by 33 percent, with 42,800 investors participating, 92 percent through digital channels. Analysts expect momentum to carry into this second phase of FCMB’s three-stage recapitalisation plan. FCMB Group posted robust growth, with group profit before tax rising at a 72 percent compound annual rate between 2022 and 2025. Non-bank subsidiaries delivered a 61 percent PBT CAGR, led by Credit Direct Finance Company Limited, Nigeria’s largest non-bank lender, and FCMB Capital Markets, which topped the FMDQ fixed income league table for bond listing and commercial papers in the first half of 2025.

Groupwide digital initiatives continue to underpin growth, with digital revenues growing at more than 58 percent annually since 2022, now accounting for 13.9 percent of gross earnings. As of June 2025, digital lending stood at 9 percent of the loan book.

At a 2025 estimated price-to-book ratio below 0.6x, FCMB stock trades at what analysts describe as a rare mix of deep value and high growth.

Following the completion of this share sale, the group plans to conclude the sale of minority stakes in two subsidiaries, with proceeds also injected into the bank. This will lift qualifying core capital beyond N500 billion and close its recapitalisation programme.

Nigeria’s drive toward digital transformation received a fresh boost as telecommunications company, Globacom, pledged its full support for the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) business roundtable on Broadband Investment and Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure, which opened today at the NCC Headquarters in Abuja.

The two-day event, themed ‘Right of Way and Protection of Broadband Infrastructure – The Road to Success in Broadband Investment and Connectivity,’ brings together stakeholders from government, regulatory bodies, and the private sector to develop practical strategies for expanding broadband access and enhancing infrastructure protection.

Globacom’s sponsorship and active participation reaffirm its leadership role in advancing Nigeria’s digital agenda. The company is providing logistical and technical support for the event, underscoring its commitment to a secure, inclusive, and connected digital future.

Industry observers note that the forum provides a crucial platform for harmonising policies between public and private sectors, fostering investment, and bridging the nation’s digital divide-particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Globacom’s engagement also positions it strategically to contribute to policy discussions on Right of Way (RoW), infrastructure investment incentives, and regulatory frameworks that can drive broadband growth nationwide. By participating in these deliberations, the company aims to fast-track the deployment of high-speed internet and reinforce protection for critical communication assets.

The telecoms firm views the roundtable as a step towards strengthening collaboration between government and industry players, while promoting innovative funding models and equitable access to digital resources. This aligns with Globacom’s enduring mission to empower Nigerians through affordable and dependable connectivity.

‘We believe that digital transformation must be inclusive and secure. Our participation in this roundtable is a continuation of our mission to support national development through technology. A resilient broadband infrastructure is critical to Nigeria’s economic growth and global competitiveness,’ Globacom stated.

The company’s ongoing contributions to the Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan (CNIIPP) are expected to further shape Nigeria’s national telecom security framework, enhancing defences against cyber threats and infrastructure vandalism.

As the roundtable progresses, Globacom reaffirms its position not just as a telecommunications provider, but as a trusted national partner committed to building a digitally empowered and secure Nigeria.

When Nigerian student Oluwapelumi Dada spotted Sam Parr, an entrepreneur and My First Million podcast host, jogging through San Francisco last year, he jumped on his bike, chased Parr down, and pitched him his idea.

This idea is an app that allows students to apply for multiple jobs at once. The pitch, which caught Parr’s attention and later went viral on social media, has been accepted into Y Combinator, one of the world’s most prestigious startup accelerators.

On account of the journey from Lagos to Silicon Valley, Dada’s story is one of grit and belief in possibility. After moving to the United States for university two years ago, he spent much of his time building apps and sharing his progress online.

Last year, he turned down internship offers from Tesla and Dell -two of the world’s top tech firms – to focus full-time on developing his idea, then called One Click Apply.

The app aimed to simplify how students navigated job applications, offering a single platform to apply to multiple opportunities with just one click.

While being unable to afford the summer without a job, Dada took a leap of faith and joined The Residency, a hacker house in San Francisco where young founders live and build startups together.

While there, he convinced fellow Nigerians, David Aladee and Damilola Ajayi, to leave their own pursuits and join him in building what would later become Sorce, described as the ‘Tinder for jobs.’

Their early hustle caught the attention of tech investor Hugo Thieblot and startup collective Founders Inc., who provided the first funding to grow the project. Dada later returned to school, continued refining the app, and officially launched it after graduation.

After missing Y Combinator’s application deadline, the team decided to apply anyway – a decision that would change their lives. Weeks later, Dada received a call from YC’s David Lieb confirming that Sorce had been accepted.

‘We got a call that we got in,’ Dada wrote on X (formerly Twitter). ‘Dreams do come true.’

This marks a new chapter for African Innovation as with its acceptance into Y Combinator, Sorce joins the ranks of a growing number of African-founded startups making their mark in Silicon Valley.

The app aims to help students and young professionals streamline job applications, which is a pain point for millions worldwide.

For many in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, Dada’s story represents the bold, self-starting attitude driving the next wave of African founders who are competing globally.

The One Click Apply is a website that allows students/job applicants to apply to jobs in one click, with the hope of making the job application process easier for students. One Click Apply helps job applicants not worry about all the repetitive parts of applying for a job.

The end goal is to build the standard for applying to jobs on the internet, so that anyone, anywhere, won’t have to put in the same information on 10 different websites several times.

He hails from Oyo State, in Nigeria. Dada attended Rehoboth Peace Academy, Abuja, for his primary education; Middle School (JSS 1-3) at Salem Academy, Abuja, and the Government Science Secondary School, Abuja (SS1-3).

A student at Huston-Tillotson University from Austin, Texas, representing the Huston-Tillotson University class of 2025, Dada’s tech journey began at the tender age of 11.

He got a full tuition scholarship studying Computer Science at the Huston-Tillotson University and worked as a resident assistant (which gives him free housing).

He said that he got to know about tech at a young age. Temitayo Dada, his mum, brought in a computer when he was young, hence he naturally got an aptitude for computers because he could do a lot of things on it.

Kehinde Dada, his dad, was a graphic designer, whom he learned some graphic designs from. Dada also did some graphic design with Photoshop and CorelDRAW when he was younger.

He started coding late, according to him. However, he learned Java when he was 11, but only for that summer. ‘I stopped coding when I started secondary (high) school. When I got into SS 2 (11th grade), I started making websites with Wix, and learning HTML until I graduated (from secondary school),’ he said in an interview with Africa Interviews.

General Board of Higher Education and Ministry(GBHEM) said in a release that Oluwapelumi Dada is on a mission to bridge the gap between technology and community service.

‘With the help of General Board of Higher Education and Ministries Scholarships, Dada is pursuing a degree in computer science while actively giving back to the community that shaped him,’ it noted.

GBHEM Scholarships offers financial aid to United Methodist students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Every year, an average of $4 million is awarded to help students in the United States and abroad to pursue their dreams through higher education.

‘I am deeply honored to receive this scholarship. Your generous support has lightened my financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies and professional development,’ Dada said.

‘Attending college is crucial for me to gain the advanced knowledge in computer science that will allow me to innovate and solve complex problems,’ Dada added. ‘Seminary education is also important to deepen my theological understanding and serve my community with informed spiritual leadership.’

He noted that his goal in the next five to 10 years is to completely reinvent what recruiting looks like. ‘Recruiting today is broken and is desperately begging to be fixed. In terms of recruitment, finding applicants is hard for companies and employers.

‘So, there’s a lot of work to be done in making the experience easier on both the employers and applicants. For my life goals, I want to build really cool stuff and create a lot of value for the world.’