Judul : The Tech Gap in Nigeria Lies Not in Talent, but in Infrastructure — Samuel Oladipupo, Software Engineer
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The Tech Gap in Nigeria Lies Not in Talent, but in Infrastructure — Samuel Oladipupo, Software Engineer
Samuel Oladipupois a senior software engineer at the Craneware Group, having spent approximately ten years designing solutions within the healthcare technology, fintech, and blockchain sectors. Focused on advancing healthcare innovation, he is dedicated to writing clean code, employing agile practices, and guiding the upcoming wave of developers. In this interview byKINGSLEY ALUMONAHe discusses his work, technological challenges in Nigeria, and various other topics.
You earned your bachelor's degree in 2017 and your master's degree in 2022, but you state that you have ten years of experience designing innovative solutions in healthcare technology, fintech, and blockchain environments. How do you explain or clarify these statements?
That's an excellent question. I can clearly understand why it might appear that way on paper. For me, my journey didn't begin the day I received my degree; it started the day I wrote my first line of code to address a real issue.
My experience in the tech field started around 2013 when I began my undergraduate studies. I wasn't just attending classes; I was hands-on, creating things. I had an internship, worked on various projects, and took on my first software engineering position at Olabisi Onabanjo University in 2018. Therefore, when I mention "about a decade," I'm referring to the whole journey of applying practical solutions, not just the time since I officially graduated.
Your LinkedIn profile mentions that you are a senior software engineer, a healthcare technology innovator, an AI solutions architect, and a blockchain expert. Did you acquire these abilities and experiences solely through studying computer science?
It's accurate. My professional journey has led me through various remarkable areas. However, if I had to choose one element that connects them all, it's my fundamental identity as a senior software engineer. Being an engineer forms the base. It's the "how." Healthcare, AI, and blockchain are the "what." They represent the challenges I get to address. My true enthusiasm lies in designing intricate, scalable systems. Currently, this passion is directed towards healthcare technology, leveraging AI to create more intelligent systems for hospitals. This is my area of expertise now because it's where I believe I'm making the most significant impact on people's lives.
Your profile mentions you are "advancing medical progress via technological expertise." In what ways and at which locations do you accomplish this?
I perform this task daily in my present position at The Craneware Group. The effect is significant, even if it isn't always noticeable to the general public. We develop essential software that hospitals utilize to handle their pharmaceutical operations.
I am involved with products such as Sentinel and Central Pharmacy Distribution (CPD). Consider this: We assist hospitals in meeting intricate (340B) regulations and enhance their multi-million-dollar medication expenditures. This results in significant savings, which can then be redirected into patient care. Therefore, even though I am not directly at the patient's side, my code contributes to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the hospital.
Blockchain technology is increasingly gaining attention and proving to be a valuable tool daily. You mentioned that you have utilized it to develop a payment system that has handled over $100 million in transactions throughout Africa. Could you provide further details about this work?
Indeed, this is a remarkable strategic partnership between PAPSS and Interstellar: the PAPSS African Currency Marketplace. The challenge we addressed was "trapped cash." Companies across Africa face significant difficulties in making payments to one another using local currencies. They frequently have to rely on US dollars, which increases expenses and introduces additional risks.
I designed and directed the front-end development of this platform, enabling businesses to trade African currencies directly. It provides them with almost real-time liquidity.
My role was as the lead front-end engineer and architect, developing the system that facilitated these transactions securely and transparently as the project grew across the continent, ultimately covering the entire region.
Everyone in Nigeria is discussing AI, blockchain, social media, and cloud computing, but we remain mere users of these innovations rather than their creators or builders, especially when it comes to the major ones. How does this make you feel as a computer scientist and software developer?
It's a sense of restlessness combined with tremendous hope. I view it as a huge chance. We possess the skill. I've collaborated with outstanding Nigerian programmers. The issue isn't with talent; it's about infrastructure and the environment.
To be competitive, we require two key elements. Firstly, we should shift from merely utilizing technology to managing the underlying infrastructure. This involves making substantial investments in local data centers and cloud systems. Secondly, we must establish a more robust and structured connection between academic institutions and the business sector. Our universities should educate students who are capable of developing innovative solutions, rather than just engaging with the latest social media platforms.
What issue would you like the solution to address if you were to create a technology, application, or software that is as widely recognized as ChatGPT and Facebook?
That's a significant question. If I possessed such resources, I wouldn't create another social platform. Instead, I would develop an AI-driven healthcare diagnostic system that is available to all. In numerous areas of Nigeria and Africa, seeing a specialist is considered a privilege. Picture an application that utilizes AI, similar to what I'm currently developing, to offer a dependable preliminary diagnosis based on symptoms or basic images. It could inform someone whether they truly need to travel 100 kilometers to the nearest medical facility. This is about making life-saving knowledge accessible, much like we achieved with financial services.
Examining the different areas of the Nigerian economy, which sector do you believe requires technology the most and what are the reasons? What part should the government take in achieving this within a feasible period?
Many industries are in need of it, but for me, the two most important ones are healthcare and agriculture. I will concentrate on healthcare, as it is my current area of expertise. The opportunity for influence is truly enormous. We require technology to address logistical challenges. My role at Craneware involves overseeing pharmaceutical supply chains. Picture using this approach in Nigeria to ensure vital medicines reach rural clinics before they expire.
The government's responsibility is not to develop the applications. Instead, it should offer the foundational infrastructure: reliable energy, broad internet access, and transparent, up-to-date regulations that promote creativity, rather than hinder it.
Nigerian higher education institutions graduate thousands of computer science and software engineering professionals annually, but we still struggle to address our specific challenges that demand technological approaches without relying on foreign experts and their initiatives. What are we failing to do correctly in this aspect?
This is a subject I feel strongly about. We are not addressing the "practical" aspect correctly. There is a significant difference between theoretical computer science and the skills required to become a professional software developer. From my own experience, I had to find much of this practical knowledge on my own.
It's essential to update the curriculum. Making the development and deployment of a real application a requirement would be beneficial. I have arranged boot camps and hackathons at Olabisi Onabanjo University for this purpose: to impart skills such as data science and machine learning that are not covered in traditional textbooks. We require more internal projects, like the AI-driven exam monitoring system we created for 18,000 participants, to provide students with practical, real-world experience.
Africa is a major market for various technologies. If you were to guide a group of African technology pioneers aiming to create solutions tailored to Africa's specific conditions, what kind of leadership and creative thinking would you provide to ensure the team's objectives are met?
My approach to leadership would center on empowerment and concentration. It isn't about addressing Africa as a whole. Instead, it's about tackling a particular, concrete issue in Africa.
I would advise my team, "Avoid creating a blockchain solution. Instead, develop a tool that prevents a farmer's produce from spoiling before it reaches the market." My approach is straightforward: identify the pain points. We achieved this with PAPSS. The issue was "trapped cash."
I would promote a flexible, fast-learning environment, where we develop a prototype within two weeks and present it to actual users, rather than spending a year on documentation.
In a decade, considering the present pace of growth in Nigeria's technology industry and its entrepreneurs, do you think there's a chance we can effectively compete with countries like the US and China? What part would you like to take in shaping this future?
Competition? Definitely. However, I believe we will compete on our own terms. We won't become the next Silicon Valley. Instead, we will create something distinctly Nigerian. Our advantage lies in addressing complex challenges. We have already achieved excellence in fintech, as it was necessary. The next decade will witness us achieving similar success in healthcare, logistics, and agritech.
What is my role? I aim to become one of the key creators. I am acquiring top-tier experience in healthcare technology, artificial intelligence, and expandable systems. I wish to apply this knowledge, guide the upcoming generation, and contribute to developing the fundamental infrastructure that will drive this future.
What difficulties do you encounter in your profession, and how do you handle them? Where do you envision your position and career path to be in five years?
The main difficulty, to be honest, is consistently dealing with complexity. In the healthcare technology field, you're not merely coding. You're handling intricate regulations, confidential patient information, and occasionally outdated legacy systems that have been in place for many years. This is managed through collaboration and well-defined procedures, such as the agile approach we implement at Craneware.
In five years, I envision myself working as a principal engineer or solutions architect, overseeing more significant and intricate projects. My goal is to become the expert responsible for designing advanced AI solutions in the healthcare sector, whether that's in the UK or by applying this expertise back home.
What recommendations do you have for young Nigerians aiming to establish a career in computer and software engineering?
My suggestion is straightforward: Create things. A degree can get you a meeting, but a collection of projects can land you the position. Don't hold out for the ideal internship. Identify an issue within your neighborhood, such as a local store requiring an inventory management system or a nonprofit needing a website to manage activities, and develop the remedy. Upload it to GitHub. Participate in open source initiatives. Begin with small tasks, correct documentation, identify bugs, or implement minor enhancements. Contributing to open source helps you understand how real-world software is developed, how to work with international teams, and how to interpret others' code. It also enhances your visibility. Several companies review your GitHub activity during the hiring process. This practical experience holds greater worth than any academic score. It demonstrates that you are not only a student, but also a capable problem-solver.
Never cease to learn. Technology evolves rapidly. What is relevant now could become obsolete in just two years. Maintain curiosity, keep track of industry developments, and grasp the basics: data structures, algorithms, and system design, as these remain timeless. Intentionally build your network. Connect with fellow developers, join technology communities, go to meetups, and take part in hackathons. Many of the best opportunities arise from people who are familiar with your work. Do not let limited resources hinder your aspirations. The internet has made high-quality education available through free platforms such as freeCodeCamp, Coursera, and YouTube. It's not about where you learned, but what you can create and how effectively you solve problems. Be patient yet determined. Establishing a career requires time. You will encounter rejection and challenges, but continue to build, continue to learn, and keep showing up. Your consistency will eventually lead to opportunities.
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