- Many Nigerians have stamped their names in the sand of time, making global impact and improving life
- These Nigerians in industries like tech, healthcare, science and engineering are proof that Nigeria’s talent is world-class
- Here are 10 out of many innovators blazing trails globally
Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is not just rich in culture and diversity. Over the years, Nigerian innovators have been gaining international recognition for their groundbreaking contributions in various sectors.
These trailblazers, from tech to healthcare, finance, and education, prove that Nigeria's talent knows no boundaries.
TheRadar compiled a list of 10 Nigerian innovators who are making global impact.
10 Nigerian innovators you should know
1. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (Tech)
Credit:L THE WILL DOWNTOWN
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji is a serial entrepreneur known for his significant contributions to Africa’s tech ecosystem. He co-founded Andela, a company that trains software developers in Africa and connects them with global opportunities. Later, he co-founded Flutterwave, a payment platform that simplifies transactions for businesses across Africa. Flutterwave is now valued at over $3 billion, with operations in multiple countries around the world.
2. Silas Adekunle (Robotics)
Credit: Wee Tracker
At just 26, Silas Adekunle became a globally recognized figure when he developed the world’s first gaming robot, Mekamon, through his company Reach Robotics. His expertise in robotics, combined with his creativity, led to a new kind of gaming experience that merges augmented reality (AR) with physical robotics.
Adekunle’s work caught the attention of major companies like Apple, which began stocking his robots in their stores. He has since continued his pioneering work in robotics, mentoring the next generation of engineers and innovators.
3. Dr. Olurotimi Badero (Healthcare)
Credit: Pulse Nigeria
A Nigerian-born doctor recognized globally for his contributions to healthcare, Dr. Olurotimi Badero is the world's only fully trained interventional cardio-nephrologist. His pioneering work in the medical field has seen him receive numerous international accolades, including being named one of the best doctors in the United States. Badero's research and clinical work focus on improving heart and kidney treatments, and his story is a true testament to Nigerian excellence in global healthcare.
4. Temie Giwa-Tubosun (Health tech)
Credit: allAfrica
Blood transfusions save lives, and Temie Giwa-Tubosun is making sure that access to blood supplies in Africa is easier and more reliable. She founded LifeBank, a company that uses technology and innovation to deliver blood and other essential medical supplies to hospitals in Nigeria. LifeBank has since expanded to other African countries, ensuring that thousands of lives are saved in emergency situations.
Her work has earned her global recognition, including being listed on BBC’s 100 Women and TIME’s Next 100 List. Giwa-Tubosun is a shining example of how technology can be used to tackle real-world problems.
5. Tope Awotona (Software & E-commerce)
Credit: Inc Magazine
If you've ever scheduled a meeting using Calendly, then you've encountered the work of Nigerian-born Tope Awotona. He founded Calendly in 2013 after experiencing the frustration of coordinating meetings across different time zones and schedules. Today, Calendly is one of the most popular scheduling software tools in the world, used by businesses and professionals globally. Under Awotona's leadership, the company has grown into a multi-million-dollar business, making scheduling easier for everyone.
6. Omobola Johnson (Technology & Digital Infrastructure)
Credit: Guinness
As Nigeria's former Minister of Communication Technology, Omobola Johnson has played a critical role in developing Nigeria's IT and telecom sectors. She is currently a partner at TLcom Capital, a venture capital firm supporting tech startups across Africa. Through TLcom, she helps to nurture the next generation of tech innovators by providing them with the funding and guidance needed to scale their businesses. Johnson has been at the forefront of digital transformation in Nigeria, and her work continues to open doors for innovation across the continent.
7. John O. Dabiri (Science & Engineering)
Credit: African Shapers
A professor of Aeronautics and Bioengineering at Caltech, John Dabiri is known for his work in fluid dynamics and energy efficiency. His research on the movement of jellyfish has opened new avenues for engineering applications in renewable energy, particularly in the design of wind turbines. Dabiri's work has earned him global recognition, including a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list. His research is not just groundbreaking in academia but also has real-world implications, particularly in addressing global energy challenges.
8. Dr. Wendy A. Okolo (NASA Aerospace Engineer)
Credit: NASA
Wendy Okolo made history as the first Black woman to earn a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington. Now working with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), her expertise lies in flight dynamics, vehicle controls, and systems health monitoring. Her groundbreaking work has earned her recognition as one of the leading minds in aerospace engineering.
9. Nkem Okocha (Founder of Mamamoni)
Mandela Washington Fellowship
Nkem Okocha is making a big difference in the lives of low-income women in Nigeria through her social enterprise, Mamamoni. She founded the organization to help women become financially independent by offering them financial education and skills training. Through Mamamoni, women can access microloans to start or grow their small businesses, which empowers them to support their families and communities.
Nkem’s work is recognized globally because she’s not just providing loans; she’s helping women gain the tools they need to improve their lives. By giving these women a chance to succeed, Nkem is creating a ripple effect of positive change in society.
10. Jason Njoku (Co-founder of iROKOtv)
Credit: African Entrepreneur
Jason Njoku is one of the pioneers of African digital entertainment. He co-founded iROKOtv, an online platform often referred to as the "Netflix of Nollywood." iROKOtv distributes Nollywood films to audiences across the world and has played a significant role in popularising African films globally. Njoku's innovation has revolutionised the distribution of African content, making it accessible to a wider international audience.
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