In the spotlight this month, we turn our focus to a beacon of talent and innovation: Adedeji Rotibi, a final year student of the Department of Computer Sciences at the University of Lagos. Adedeji is a Software Engineer with a specialty in Mobile App Development and Backend Engineering.

How He Got Started

Adedeji, like most male teenagers, interacted with mobile games like PES and Real Football on Java Phones / Devices. This sparked his interest in knowing how these applications worked behind the scenes. Learning that most of the things he was fascinated by could be achieved by programming drove him to get into tech in 2016. Unfortunately, his interest in mobile app development met with his then situational constraints as he couldn’t afford to purchase the best tools for learning and practising. This resulted in Adedeji starting with web development (Frontend & Backend), writing languages and frameworks like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and jQuery. However, this wasn’t his endgame nor original interest as he was always keen on the functionality and experience of an app rather than the web interface. With time, he improved his skills in Backend Development and was finally able to afford the tools to aid his career in mobile app development. He also joined communities like GDSC (Google Developers Students’ Club) and the NitHub Community eager to connect with like-minded individuals and get guidance from experienced developers.

His time at NitHub

Adedeji stands as a foundational member of NitHub, Unilag. His journey began under the mentorship of Dr Odumuyiwa, following him from his role as Director at CITS to his current position as the Director of NitHub, Unilag. It’s safe to say Adedeji played a significant role in shaping the vibrant NitHub community we see today.

What Makes NitHub Special for Adedeji?

Adedeji thrives on the community’s growing recognition, the influx of potential investors, and the overall increased activity at NitHub.  He deeply values NitHub’s commitment to inclusivity. From offering opportunities for newcomers to fostering collaboration and innovation among a diverse range of people to hosting community events and providing access to experts, NitHub fosters a truly enriching environment.

NitHub has also been instrumental in Adedeji’s growth by providing access to crucial resources, mentorship, and a supportive network of peers. This easy access to help when facing challenges undoubtedly spurred his development.

Adedeji wholeheartedly admires NitHub’s overall mission and vision. He sees NitHub as a powerful force making the worlds of technology and innovation accessible and inclusive for all.

Internship at JP Morgan

As a result of his work ethic, Adedeji was able to bag an internship opportunity at one of the leading global financial services firms, JP Morgan Chase & Co, London, where he interned not once but twice; first in 2022 and then in Summer 2023. His experience was a seamless one, and he pointed out the fact that interns are taught what they are expected to do regardless of their prior levels of competence, also that the company culture at JP Morgan Chase encourages a perfect work-life balance.

Life as a Startup Co-founder

Currently, Adedeji is working on a banking infrastructure here in Nigeria and also finding the time to improve his technical skills. The motivation behind the banking infrastructure he is running stemmed from Adedeji recognizing that Nigeria’s bustling fintech scene, while vibrant, isn’t without its loopholes. He observed the challenges faced by an acquaintance in Ghana who runs a company facilitating cross-border money transfers through a renowned Nigerian fintech company. These difficulties hindered his ability to smoothly move money across borders. This pain point became a push for Adedeji. He began by crafting a simple personal banking platform. But then, a mission arose: he saw an opportunity to not just build a product but bridge the gap that his acquaintance, and countless others, were facing. He realised that there was a problem no one was willing to solve and took it upon himself to tackle it, thereby redefining the way people and businesses connect, one transaction at a time.

Challenges He Faced

But just like how success is not a destination but a journey full of twists and turns, Adedeji has encountered some challenges since starting a startup. First is having to understand the complexities of the financial services industry. The industry is heavily regulated, and the company must comply with many regulations. This requires a deep understanding of and navigating the regulatory environment effectively while partnering with the best third-party providers who offer better uptime. Adedeji mentioned that they do not want to enter the market without a strong conviction of success. Therefore, they are currently withholding marketing and observing the market to identify their strengths and weaknesses.

Startup Essential Skill Set

Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey demands more than just a groundbreaking idea; it requires a set of skills that lay the foundation for a thriving startup. Adedeji shares his insights on the critical skills needed for a startup venture. These skills are:

1. Technical Know-How: Adedeji emphasizes the paramount importance of technical know-how. Before going into any field, a foundational understanding of the technical aspects is indispensable. Whether it’s coding, product development, or understanding the intricacies of your industry, this knowledge sets the stage for informed decision-making.

2. Leadership Skills: Adedeji emphasizes the need for effective leadership in steering the team towards common goals. Controlling and motivating your team, especially in the dynamic startup environment, is crucial to ensure tasks are not just completed but executed with excellence.

3. Communication Skills: In the startup realm, teamwork reigns supreme, and communication is its cornerstone. Adedeji stresses that great leadership and teamwork must be backed by effective communication skills. Clear, transparent communication fosters collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision among team members.

4. Market Knowledge: Being oblivious to how the startup market works is a recipe for setbacks. Adedeji advocates for a deep understanding of the startup market. Recognizing when it’s time for your product to pivot, gauging potential challenges, and foreseeing market trends are indispensable skills for sustained success.

5. Financial Acumen: No startup can thrive without a sound understanding of its financial landscape. Adedeji concludes by emphasizing the need for financial knowledge or having a team member well-versed in finances. From evaluations to fundraising, understanding market gaps, and fiscal management, this skill ensures the business stays financially robust.

The Need for Balance 

Adedeji’s impressive juggling act of being a student, a tech enthusiast, and building a startup might seem impossible, but his secret lies in an unexpected technique: urgency. Deadlines prompt him into action, and even when he is not actively engaging in a task, his mind remains active, processing and strategising in the background, so when he finally commits to completing a task, he finds that it takes him less time to accomplish it. By day, He is a diligent student; by night, He transforms into a dedicated software engineer.

Adedeji reminds us that balance is key. So, what fuels his fire away from the hustle? When the laptops shut down, books are closed, and meetings are adjourned, you might find him catching up on precious sleep, watching series, and exploring new places, even though the transit process might not be his favourite.