🚀Entering Tech #48: How Olukunle Aboderin went from DJ-ing to data

Some trivia before we begin. Answers are at the bottom of this newsletter. 

What do you do with a physics degree and a love for math? 

If your answer is, like ours originally was, teaching, then you’re not as imaginative as you need to be. Olukunle Aboderin is though. 

The physicist and number cruncher describes himself as a data scientist who has spent the past 13 years working with the largest banks and fintechs across Africa.

The physicist and number cruncher describes himself as a data scientist who has spent the past 13 years working with the largest banks and fintechs across Africa.

Olukunle might have started with a Bachelor’s Degree in physics from the Osun State University, but the tech bro now has two Master’s degrees—which he mentions he got voluntarily 😯—in risk management and data analytics, and 16 different licences. 🤯

Now, he’s the assistant vice president (AVP), Financial Operations and Treasury at Flutterwave, one of Africa’s unicorns. 

Wondering how Olukunle built his love for math and physics into an illustrious tech career? Let’s find out. 👇🏾

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Akin to many tech enthusiasts, Olukunle’s foray into the tech realm didn’t just happen. Armed with a background in physics, his knack for problem-solving found its niche in the intricate world of tech. “Physics prepared me for the complexities of algebra in the business world,” he explained, underlining the importance of a solid analytical foundation.

But before he was even a tech bro, he was a disc jockey—a DJ—who hosted radio shows and was infamous during his undergraduate days at Osun State University. At the time, Olukunle worked with artists like M.I. and Blaqbonez but with great rhythmic power came great responsibilities that could only be settled by a stable means of income. And so, during his service corps year, he entered tech and finance with a role at eTranzact.

Olukunle’s technical acumen was honed over the years, blending mathematical prowess with hands-on experience. For him, like any one who entered tech in the early 2010s, learning data wasn’t as streamlined as it today. There were no boot camps or courses, all they had was YouTube and stronghead. “It’s about having that groundwork to understand complex tech solutions,” he said. And because he already loved math, data science was easier to understand. 

“I have a big flair for problem solving, and because I had a background in math and physics, I would say it made it ten times easier to understand financial systems I was learning about.”

Olukunle painted a vivid picture of how the tech scene in Africa has drastically changed over the past decade. He pointed out how nowadays there are way more ways to learn tech stuff, like online platforms and mentorship programmes, making it much easier for new folks to dive into the tech world.

When it comes to getting into tech, Olukunle talked about the balance between getting certified and getting hands-on experience. He said certifications are cool and can boost your resume, but real skills come from actually doing the stuff, not just acing exams. “You have to know your stuff,

And because Olukunle knows his stuff, the data scientist is helping other people know their own stuff too. He’s the co-founder of the Business Artificial Intelligence (BAI) Incubator. 

The BAI Incubator is a technology business accelerator and a global talent community that provides a platform for AI-related professionals to converge, get access to mentorship, network and grow.  It’s like a supportive hub where budding entrepreneurs get guidance, support, and connections to transform their early-stage projects into viable businesses.

Olukunle says there are no application forms for BAI just yet, but if you’re interested in learning from him and other experts, reach out to him on LinkedIn and tell him #EnteringTech sent you 😉. 

We learnt a lot from Olukunle in our conversation—especially the fact that math can mean the difference between understanding data science and being stuck on SQL or Python. Here are the top five things he highlighted that we’d like to take away: 

1. The importance of soft skills: Olukunle emphasises the significance of soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These are crucial alongside technical abilities to succeed in the tech industry. It’s like they say: hard skills might get you in the door, but soft skills get you promoted.

2. Mentorship value: Mentorship plays a pivotal role in guiding and supporting aspiring individuals, providing them with exposure and opportunities they might not otherwise encounter.

3. Focus on quality over quantity: Olukunle stresses the importance of prioritising accuracy and quality over speed or quantity in project delivery. Over-delivering quality work stands out in the long run. 

4. Individualised Success Metrics: Defining personal success metrics is crucial. Comparing yourself to others on social media platforms can create unnecessary pressure—especially when you realise many fine photos are thanks to ring lights. But having a personal blueprint of success can help you maintain focus. What’s critical to you? What does success look like?

5. Promising tech fields: According to Olukunle, promising areas in tech include data analytics and payment systems, especially in regions like Africa where these domains are still in their infancy, presenting numerous untapped opportunities. It’s not just enough to enter tech, make sure you’re entering a domain that’s promising. 

Olukunle’s journey is a testament to the fusion of technical prowess, continuous learning, and adept communication—a blend essential for thriving in the fast-paced world of tech. His insights offer a guiding beacon for young aspirants seeking to carve their paths in the ever-evolving landscape of technology.

Abdulhakeem Olasupo’s journey is a testament to the complexities of the tech industry. It’s a story of passion, resilience, and a willingness to confront the challenges head-on. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, we hope his experiences provide valuable insights for every young tech enthusiast.

Apply for the Utiva Scholarship

Exciting news for tech enthusiasts.

It’s been a month since we gathered the most audacious players in Africa’s tech ecosystem to celebrate innovation on the continent for Moonshot by TechCabal. Moonshot is a gift that keeps giving so if you attended the conference, there is still a chance for you to be a lucky winner of the Utiva tech scholarship worth ₦200,000 each.

All you have to do is share a picture of you at the conference, tell us why you need the scholarship, tag us, and use #UtivaScholarship and #MoonshotbyTechcabal. Do not miss this opportunity to enter tech.