By Rose Ajayi
In a world where businesses are increasingly defined by data-driven strategies, one name stands out among Africa’s new breed of data leaders: Michael Adewoye. Armed with a keen eye for detail, a mastery of advanced analytics tools, and an infectious enthusiasm for innovation, Adewoye has charted an inspiring journey from a budding engineer to a leading data strategist with global impact.
TechCabal recently had the opportunity to sit down with Adewoye, who has made a name for himself not only in his home country of Nigeria but also in the UK’s data analytics scene. As we unpacked his experiences, it became clear that his story is a testament to how a solid mix of curiosity, hard work, and strategic thinking can transform raw data into powerful business insights.
Early Roots: Engineering Curiosity Meets Data Analytics
Growing up, Adewoye always showed an innate knack for figuring out how things worked. After obtaining his BEng in Electrical Engineering from the University of Ilorin, he pursued a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Lagos. But his real “eureka” moment came when he found himself fascinated by the cutting-edge possibilities of data analytics.
“My background in engineering taught me the importance of accuracy and problem-solving,” he said during our interview. “Data analytics allowed me to combine those skills with creative thinking to deliver real impact.”
He later deepened his expertise with a Master’s in Applied Data Science at the University of Sunderland, solidifying the technical foundation that would propel him into multiple successful roles in data analytics and business intelligence.
Building Blocks: From Data Entry to Data Governance
Adewoye’s journey is the epitome of climbing up the ladder with diligence and consistent learning. His early professional years at McGeorge Consulting Ltd saw him working as a Data Entry/Reporting Analyst, where he built a reputation for immaculate data organization and user-friendly dashboards. Over time, he championed agile practices and data protection initiatives, demonstrating an early flair for leadership.
“I started out cleaning and validating datasets, but I never saw it as menial,” he recalled. “Every dataset is a puzzle where each piece needs to be placed accurately for the bigger picture to make sense.”
By the end of his tenure in that role, he was helping shape data privacy policies and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure data security best practices. Adewoye’s aptitude for bridging technical and non-technical conversations quickly set him apart.
Scaling the Ranks: Mastering Power BI and Cloud Analytics
As he advanced to become a Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst at McGeorge Consulting, Adewoye championed data quality initiatives and introduced automated reporting systems. His mastery of Power BI, SQL, and cloud technologies, especially Microsoft Azure, became evident as he helped organizations streamline data extraction, analysis, and reporting processes. His Power BI dashboards didn’t just provide static reports; they offered real-time, actionable insights for stakeholders.
Recognized for his excellence, Adewoye eventually moved on to Merit Group Services Ltd in Cramlington, UK, in March 2023. Here, he designed and implemented interactive dashboards that tracked HR, operational, and inventory metrics. On top of that, he undertook the mammoth task of unifying data into a single warehouse. The result? A 40% improvement in reporting capabilities and a 20% reduction in stockouts, thanks to advanced predictive analytics he pioneered.
“Analytics is as much about foresight as it is about hindsight,” Adewoye explained. “Real-time dashboards and predictive models help businesses not just to see what happened, but to anticipate what might happen next.”
Leading Change: Data Governance & Strategy at McGeorge and Gentoo
Briefly in 2024, Adewoye was back at McGeorge Consulting Ltd in a senior capacity, heading data analytics and governance projects. He trained over 25 analysts in Power BI, from hands-on workshops to one-on-one sessions, a testament to his belief in knowledge sharing and team empowerment. “It’s not enough to do the work yourself; you have to empower others to create lasting impact,” he said.
His journey then took him to Gentoo Group Ltd as a BI & Analytics Specialist. Here, Adewoye fine-tuned complex data models and led stakeholder engagement sessions, translating organizational goals into concrete analytics solutions. In a role that combined both strategic and operational duties, he advocated for heightened data quality, privacy, and compliance, firmly establishing himself as a proponent of responsible data management.
“Data is an incredibly powerful resource,” he asserted. “But with great power comes great responsibility; organizations must be diligent in upholding data privacy, security, ethical usage and regulatory compliance”
Beyond the Day Job: Awards, Media Mentions, and Ongoing Ambitions
For his outstanding contributions, Adewoye has received accolades like the Global Tech Heroes Award by The Connected Awards, African Icon of Our Generation Award by Accolades Communications and an Award of Excellence for Societal Transformation by the National Association of University Students (NAUS). Media outlets, including THISDAY, have also highlighted his achievements and impact in data analytics.
He remains committed to continuous learning, holding multiple Microsoft certifications (Power BI, AI Fundamentals, Data Fundamentals, Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals, and Azure Cloud Fundamentals) and working towards globally recognized qualifications like CDMP, TOGAF, and Microsoft Certified Trainer. He is also an active member of professional bodies, including the British Computer Society, The Institute of Analytics, Certified Analytics Professionals, Computer Professionals of Nigeria, Nigeria Society of Engineers and DAMA International.
Asked about the future, Adewoye shared, “I see Africa’s tech ecosystem making exponential progress as more businesses see the value in harnessing data-driven insights. I’m excited to be part of that journey, helping companies sharpen their competitive edge through data analytics.”
Conclusion: The African Data Renaissance
Michael Adewoye’s career path encapsulates the rapid rise of data professionals on the continent. From his early days managing spreadsheets to spearheading enterprise-wide data governance strategies, his story is an inspiration for aspiring data analysts and entrepreneurs alike. In a world increasingly defined by the power of insights, Adewoye’s record shows that with curiosity, expertise, and a commitment to ethical data management, one can truly stand at the forefront of innovation.
As TechCabal continues to track Africa’s blossoming tech ecosystem, success stories like Adewoye’s are proof that the continent’s tech scene is rich with opportunity for those prepared to tap into the limitless potential of data. And with leaders like him guiding the way, the future of African tech indeed looks bright.
