Samuel Iheagwam has become a recognised voice in Africa’s growing data ecosystem, blending technical expertise with a passion for community impact. As a Senior Data Developer & Database Administrator at Qore Technologies, he drives the design and optimisation of large-scale data systems powering financial services across the continent. Beyond his professional achievements, Samuel is deeply committed to mentorship, empowering aspiring data professionals to break barriers and thrive.
In this conversation, Samuel shares how he transformed early struggles into stepping stones, building a career that now spans multiple aspects of data operations. This conversation not only sheds light on his personal journey but also underscores the power of mentorship in shaping the next wave of data & tech leaders.
1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey into data?
My name is Samuel Iheagwam, and I am a senior data developer & database administrator at Qore Technologies, where I am currently scaling data infrastructure for financial institutions across Africa. My journey into data wasn’t linear, but it is quite an intriguing one. It started with an idea to form a “super squad” back in the day. I had two close friends from school; one was into frontend web development, and the other was exploring software backend development. I was in digital marketing at the time, but I wanted to add something powerful to the mix to make our team stand out. That’s when I stumbled on an article that described a Data Scientist as the “sexiest job of the 21st century.” That headline alone was enough to pique my interest.
At the time, I didn’t have access to structured programs or even a good functional device. I started out learning through random blog posts, scattered tutorials, and YouTube videos. The process was anything but organized, plus my frustrations learning with a damaged laptop device. But I was determined. I started picking up tools like Excel and gradually worked my way into SQL and Python. Lol, those two almost drove me crazy at some point, but as we say in the Nigerian context, na mumu dey give up. I kept showing up, practicing, and pushing forward. Eventually, I joined a boot camp, and that was a game-changer. It provided structure, accountability, and exposure to real-world projects. That experience gave me the foundation to go deeper and step into data analytics fully. From there, things evolved.
Over time, I’ve had the opportunity to work in roles spanning business intelligence, data warehousing, and platform integration, working with complex datasets across core banking, agency banking, e-commerce, edtech, and more. But beyond the technical side, I’ve become really passionate about helping others break into and thrive in data. I’m especially driven to help people who don’t come from traditional tech backgrounds.
2. What inspired you to start mentoring others in the data space?
My entry into mentorship wasn’t entirely planned; I’d say it grew out of a genuine desire to give back and create the opportunities I wasn’t really exposed to. Every time I look back, I realize how isolating the early part of my journey was. When I was learning, I didn’t have someone to walk me through the nuances, so I struggled. I made a lot of mistakes that could’ve been avoided with the right guidance. And when I finally did meet people who were a few steps ahead of me, I saw how a single conversation could clear up months of confusion. I remember the first boot camp program I attended. It was intensive and opened my eyes to how empowering data literacy could be. The concepts I once struggled with became easier. The following year after the bootcamp, I wanted to do something meaningful for students of Nigerian universities who were home, idle, and frustrated due to the ASUU strike. I created a tweet, dropped comments under random influencer’s post I came across at the time, and shared a form inviting students to learn Microsoft Excel while schools were on hold. I wasn’t expecting much, to be honest, I just wanted to reach a few people who might be interested. But the response was overwhelming. Over 100 people filled the form (Lol. It was a big number for me at the time.) That initiative marked the beginning of my journey into community-based learning.
What started as a one-time act of service quickly evolved. As people began to see the impact I was making, especially those in my professional and personal network, I started receiving referrals for training sessions and mentoring engagements, all without actively seeking them.
3. What are some of the ways you mentor or support aspiring data professionals?
Over time, I’ve developed multiple ways to support aspiring data professionals, depending on where they are in their journey.
One-on-one mentorship remains a core part of what I do. I’ve helped participants not just with technical learning but with project execution and career guidance. I always try to tailor advice to where someone is; this way, I can deliver the right impact. Beyond individual support, I run group sessions with structured, time-bound learning. Some of these require mentees to commit to intensive formats, like 30-day challenges. For instance, I recently hosted and completed a 3-month intensive structured mentorship program for non-beginner data analysts. The focus was to help them solidify their intermediate skills and begin exploring more advanced concepts, and the transformation I witnessed was inspiring. Before the completion of the program, we had over 5 people who landed new roles already.
I have also partnered with various organizations to design and deliver simplified, relevant, and high-impact learning experiences for both aspiring and practicing data professionals. At AltSchool Africa, for instance, I served as a Data & AI content partner and led a 10-week training for mid-to-senior-level professionals focused on using data and AI for business decision-making. The curriculum was designed to bridge the often-missing link between technical ability and business impact, something I’m particularly passionate about. I also had the opportunity to curate and produce an entire course content (written and recorded video) for SheLeads Africa’s EmployHer program, focused on equipping African women with practical data analytics skills.
Similarly, I have also facilitated 12 consecutive cohorts of the Women Techsters Bootcamp as a trainer and mentor in the Data Analytics track, reaching over 3,000 women across 19 African countries, many of whom have gone on to secure roles and mentor others. My work has also extended to more niche demographics, such as my collaboration with HiltonTop Solicitors, where I consecutively introduced female law students to the world of data, and my involvement with TechUp Africa, where I facilitated the Data Analytics track of their mentorship program.
In addition, I contribute to community-led efforts like the AI Summer of Code, where I serve as an organizing member and lead the Community Engagement Team. That program is focused on bridging the AI skills gap and democratizing access to quality AI education for African talent. Then there’s content-driven mentorship in which I share a lot of tips, insights, and reflections on LinkedIn, where I talk about personal experiences, excerpts from mentoring, interview prep, and generally growth tips.
4. What’s been one of your most memorable mentorship moments so far?
Honestly, I’ve been blessed to have numerous memorable moments as a mentor, and each one has been special in its own way.
Over the years, I’ve seen my students reach out to tell me, “I didn’t think I could do this until you broke it down and made it feel doable.” I’ve witnessed my mentees shine and outperform many others in competitions, often exceeding even their own expectations. Watching that growth up close is one of the most fulfilling parts of what I do.
I have had many proud mentee moments. For instance, one of my mentees is now a Microsoft MVP, recognized for her contributions to the data and tech community. Another secured a data analyst role with a Europe-based company, which offered her a life-changing opportunity that led to her relocating abroad. There’s also another mentee who recently landed a job with a major bank in Ghana, and it’s been incredible to witness her journey from learning the basics to stepping confidently into a competitive role, and many of these.
Beyond the career wins, what excites me even more is seeing so many of my former mentees begin to educate, mentor, and share knowledge with others. That ripple effect, where the impact extends far beyond me, is something I’m truly proud of. These moments remind me why I continue to mentor. It’s not just about helping individuals build careers; it’s about contributing to a growing, empowered community of data professionals who are lifting others as they grow.
5. How has mentoring impacted you personally and professionally?
Wow, it’s been fantastic. Mentoring has refined my thinking and approach in ways I didn’t expect.
When you teach something, you’re forced to simplify complex concepts, and in simplifying, you tend to understand it at a deeper level. I’ve become a better communicator, a more empathetic problem-solver, and someone who listens more intentionally. Many of my mentees and students have specifically pointed out my patience and calmness, even in chaotic or high-pressure scenarios during sessions, such as dealing with a frustrated learner or learners who, at some point, begin to interrupt the sessions. I’ve learned to remain grounded and professionally responsive, not emotionally reactive.
These skills have translated directly into the workplace. Mentoring has helped me become a better team player at work, especially when I have to work cross-functionally or explain complex concepts to stakeholders with little data background. It has made me more adaptable and aware of how to guide people toward clarity, regardless of their background.
It’s also shaped my sense of purpose. In a field that moves fast and can sometimes feel overly technical or competitive, mentorship keeps me grounded. It reminds me that there’s more to this work than just building dashboards or writing code. The main impact lies in empowering people with the tools, mindset, and confidence to make better decisions.
Professionally, it has opened doors I never expected. I’ve been invited to speak at conferences, train organizations, lead community programs, and in many cases, I’ve received job referrals or consulting opportunities, not through formal applications, but because people saw the value of the work I do. I’ve lost count of how many gigs I’ve taken on simply because someone referred me. People remember when you genuinely help them grow, and that trust goes a long way.
6. What challenges have you faced as a mentor, and how do you manage them?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is managing time and energy. With a full-time role in a complex data environment, it can be hard to balance professional and personal growth responsibilities with community commitments. When you’re passionate about something, it’s easy to overextend yourself. There have been moments when I took on too many mentees or said yes to every opportunity to help, and I’ve learned (the hard way) that it wasn’t sustainable. I’ve since learned to pace myself, set boundaries, and schedule intentional rest, so I can continue to give my best without burning out (I mean, I really was burnt out in the past year).
Another ongoing challenge is dealing with mentees who lose motivation or drop off halfway through a learning journey. Life happens, and I understand that, but it can be disheartening when someone you’ve poured effort into stops showing up. Over time, I’ve accepted that mentorship is not always about immediate results. Sometimes, you’re planting seeds that may not blossom for months or even years. This is also why I always appreciate those who make commitments and show visible progress. I follow up on them and build a more structured accountability system to help them maintain momentum.
Navigating mentees with different learning speeds and backgrounds can also be challenging. Some people grasp concepts very quickly, while others need more time and handholding. This requires a high level of patience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. I’ve learned not to take frustration personally, and instead to see confusion as feedback; a signal to pause, explain differently, or give practical analogies that make things stick. Many mentees have commended my calmness, especially during group sessions where things may get a bit chaotic due to technical issues or interruptions.
Another subtle but real challenge is navigating differing expectations. Some mentees and students expect quick answers and results, and for me as a mentor, there’s this internal pressure to always have the right answers. But I’ve learned to embrace vulnerability and honesty. If I don’t know something, I say so, and then I take the opportunity to research it together with the mentee. It models continuous learning, which is an important value I try to instill. I’ve also had to become clearer in setting expectations early on by defining what I can offer, what the structure looks like, and what mentees need to bring to the table in return (like consistency, communication, and willingness to learn).
Lastly, there’s the emotional investment. When you deeply care about your mentees, you want to see them succeed. I celebrate my mentees every time. I understand it can be tough when they face rejection, self-doubt, or prolonged job searches. So I’ve learned to encourage them not just with skills, but with resilience and reminding them that growth in tech and life isn’t always linear.
Despite these challenges, mentoring continues to be one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. Each obstacle has taught me something about people, about learning, and about myself.
7. What advice would you give to data professionals who want to start mentoring but don’t feel “ready”?
Start where you are.
You don’t have to know it all or be a senior analyst with 10 years of experience to help someone who’s just opening Excel for the first time. You only need to be a step or two ahead to provide clarity. Oftentimes, the best mentors are not even the ones with the most experience; they are simply just the ones who understand what it’s like to be a beginner.
Mentorship can be tough when starting out. I’ve seen many aspiring mentors hold back because they feel they don’t know enough. Sometimes, you experience impostor syndrome, especially when mentoring advanced learners or stepping into new platforms. It’s easy to question if you’re experienced enough to teach, but I’ve learned that mentoring is not about having all the answers. It’s about sharing what you know (keyword on what you know) and creating a safe space for learning. I always say it that the people who helped me grow weren’t perfect; they were just generous with their knowledge. I try to do the same for others.
My advice is to start small. Even something as simple as reviewing someone’s portfolio, offering feedback on a project, or explaining how you broke into the field can be transformational for someone else. You can create beginner-friendly content or write a “what I wish I knew” post. The act of teaching others helps you grow. Every question a mentee asks will challenge your understanding. Every explanation you give sharpens your ability to communicate value.
8. Finally, what legacy do you hope to leave through your work in the data community?
I believe to an extent, I have made a credible impact. I have reached and impacted learners from every continent in the world. There’s still more for me to do. My goal is to demystify data concepts and the process of learning them, make it feel more human, and ensure that knowledge is shared widely, not hoarded. I want to be remembered as someone who opened doors for others when it seemed difficult and complex, especially for underrepresented groups in the tech industry and across Africa. If my work has helped one person see themselves building a thriving career in data, then I consider that a win.
