On October 30, 2024, Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) hosted a significant virtual gathering to commemorate the first anniversary of the Digital Education for Innovation and Economic Development (DEFINED) Project, a transformative digital literacy initiative under the Odu’a Investment Foundation. At the heart of the event was the inauguration of the “College of Mentors,” a distinguished panel of 12 professionals from Nigeria and the diaspora, who bring diverse expertise in technology, data science, cybersecurity, and digital innovation to guide young learners in South-West Nigeria on their digital journeys.
The College of Mentors represents a vital aspect of DEFINED’s mission to bridge the digital divide in Nigeria by providing mentorship and industry insights that inspire and empower students. Each mentor has been carefully selected for their accomplishments and commitment to youth development and community service, offering students a chance to learn from real-world experts who embody excellence in their respective fields. A detailed profile of each mentor is provided below, underscoring their remarkable achievements and dedication to the project’s vision.
Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, Chairperson of the Odu’a Investment Foundation’s Advisory Council, expressed her appreciation for the mentors, noting, “The community spirit of the Yoruba people lives on through this project. The College of Mentors will serve as the backbone of this initiative, helping to cultivate a generation of digitally savvy, future-ready youth.” She applauded the dedication of Professor Seun Kolade, the Project Director, for his leadership and tireless efforts to build a strong foundation for DEFINED Project, rallying expertise and support to realize the project's vision.
Each mentor brings a wealth of experience, with outstanding profiles:
1. Mr. Toye Soladoye – Chief Technology Officer, Union Bank of Nigeria
Toye Soladoye is a seasoned multidisciplinary business and technology leader with over 2 decades of cross industry experience spanning Telecommunications, Financial Services, InfoTech and Advisory. He holds a 1st class degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the University of Ibadan, an MBA from Warwick Business School and widely certified in various information technology practice areas. His areas of interest include Digital Innovation & transformation, Enterprise Architecture, Program Management, Information Security & Assurance and Tech Outsourcing. He is a multiple scholar, has led globally diverse teams and delivered large & complex projects in the Telecoms and Financial Services sectors. He currently serves as the Chief Digital & Technology Officer at Union Bank of Nigeria.
2. Dr. Ayodeji Ibitoye – University of Greenwich, United Kingdom
With over a decade of experience in tech innovation, Ayodeji Ibitoye has dedicated his career to transforming educational institutions and empowering future leaders. From pioneering sustainable digital infrastructures at Bowen University while serving as Director of ICT to guiding academic programs as Acting Head, Mathematical and Computing Sciences, Koladaisi University, Ayodeji brings both expertise and vision. Now at the University of Greenwich, Ayodeji mentors emerging leaders while consulting for corporate organizations, advancing digital change for growth. With a PhD, FHEA, MCPN, and an MBA in Strategic Leadership, Ayodeji is committed to making positive impacts in every role he undertakes.
3. Dr. Abiodun Egbetokun – Senior Lecturer, De Montfort University, UK
Dr Abiodun Egbetokun is an expert in innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development, dedicated to bridging knowledge and practice to drive inclusive growth across Africa. He is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a Certified Management and Business Educator, and a social entrepreneur. He is co-founder of Pure Youth Outreach and board member of the Centre Project, two social enterprises focused on empowering young people. With extensive experience in policy research and consulting for international organisations, Dr Egbetokun advances sustainable development through actionable insights and strategic guidance. He regularly collaborates with NGOs and research organisations to design programs that empower communities, support equitable global partnerships, and engage youth in economic opportunities. His approach emphasises data-driven solutions, stakeholder inclusion, and capacity building to create lasting impact and uplift underserved populations.
Website: www.egbetokun.com
4. Dr. Babatunde Olorisade – Head of Operations, Edgestride Ltd
Dr. Olorisade is an accomplished NLP data scientist with about 15 years of academic and industry experience across Nigeria and the UK. His expertise spans the application of NLP techniques to support evidence-based research with focus on medicine and software engineering, Responsible AI, Ethics, Privacy, and Bias in AI. Dr. Olorisade has led multiple projects applying NLP to systematic reviews and collaborated on pharma-intelligence solutions with global companies. A dedicated mentor, he has guided numerous young professionals from Nigeria, many of whom excel worldwide. As founder and head of operations at EdgeStride, he is committed to equipping individuals with high-demand skills for career distinction.
5. Mr. Femi Adeleke – Director, 3DMA Technologies Limited
Oluwafemi Adeleke is a seasoned Digital Technology and Cyber Security leader with over 15 years of experience in senior leadership roles within financial institutions in Nigeria and the United Republic of Tanzania. Currently serving as a consultant, he specializes in Information Security, Enterprise Digital Technology Governance, Operational & Cyber Resilience, and Financial Technology Product Design.
With a proven track record in managing complex programs, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving digital and security resilience, Oluwafemi is a trusted advisor to C-level executives. He holds multiple industry certifications and is committed to safeguarding enterprises while enabling digital value creation.
In addition to his consulting work, Oluwafemi actively contributes to the field of digital technology and cyber security through published journal articles, writing exam questions for leading certifications, and mentoring the next generation of leaders in the industry.
6. Mr. Joshua Olufemi – CEO, Dataphyte UK
Joshua Olufemi, Founder and CEO of Dataphyte, is a media innovation and development entrepreneur. Joshua has over fifteen years of combined experience in nonprofit management, media innovation, investigative and data journalism, open data advocacy, and capacity building, a National Endowment for Democracy Fellow.
With a focus on using media for governance and development, he has developed platforms like NUBIA, GOLOKA, ANFANI, DATAPLEX, and IGBA.
Joshua holds degrees in Economics and Measurement and Evaluation and is an Oxford Saïd Business School alumnus and Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellow.
7. Dr. Adebunmi Odefunso – Data Science Manager, Athenahealth
Odefunso Adebunmi is an accomplished Engineering Manager of Data Science at Athena Health, with a robust background in data science and software development. She has extensive experience as a Research Fellow at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where she applied deep learning algorithms to medical imaging. Previously she worked as a database programmer at Purdue University graduate school. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Graphics Technology from Purdue University and has published numerous articles in academic journals. Her diverse skill set includes proficiency in programming languages like Python and PHP, expertise in cloud platforms such as AWS and Oracle, and a passion for education, evidenced by her innovative teaching methods and development of educational games. With a commitment to using technology for social good, Adebunmi has also contributed to various research projects aimed at improving health and education outcomes.
8. Dr. Fola Bolaji – Cybersecurity & IT Manager, DeepHow
I am a seasoned IT Security Evangelist with several years of experience in bridging technical complexities with business goals. More importantly, I’m an enthusiastic learner. I have over 18 years of leadership experience, driving strategic initiatives and delivering security services. My dedication to aligning IT with business goals and fostering a culture of continuous
improvement positions me as a visionary leader. My academic background, including a Ph.D. in Cyber Security and Artificial Intelligence, has nurtured a
strong foundation in cutting-edge technology. Over the years, I have driven security, compliance, and IT projects with a proactive approach, commitment to
innovation, and ability to lead teams.
Website: https://adefolarinbolaji.com
9. Dr. Adebowale Owoseni – Senior Lecturer, De Montfort University, UK
Before transitioning to academia in 2019, Adebowale had a successful 13-year career in financial services, leading digital transformation automations. He now contributes to teaching, research, and industry collaborations in digital transformation and the implications of AI for teaching and learning.
10. Mr. Michael Toyinbo – Director, Chowdeck
Michael Toyinbo is a seasoned data and operations growth strategist with over seven years of experience across the e-commerce, financial services, consumer goods, and energy sectors. He has led high-impact initiatives that have driven multi-million-dollar growth and attracted millions of users. With expertise in data-driven decision-making, market strategy, and cross-functional leadership, Michael has excelled in roles focused on strategic planning, P&L management, and expansion. Passionate about leveraging data as a tool for innovation, he has also trained over 10,000 professionals in data analytics across Africa, fostering skill development and empowering the next generation of data-driven leaders.
11. Mr. Ayoluwa Oyewo – Senior Software Engineer, Spearbit Labs
Ayooluwa is a seasoned Senior Software Engineer with over 8 years of experience and a proven track record in healthcare, finance, and web3. Currently at Spearbit Labs, Ayooluwa develops Cantina, a one-stop shop for security needs, enabling users to connect with top teams, freelancers, and services for smart contract security. Passionate about mentorship, Ayooluwa has facilitated training initiatives and guided aspiring developers through platforms like the Andela Learning Community, Facebook Developer Circles, iCode Academy, OpenClassrooms, and ADPList, demonstrating a commitment to fostering growth in the tech community.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oyewoas/
12. Mr. Ibukun Atoro – Digital Transformation Manager, Oyo Tech Hub
In addition to this new mentorship initiative, the DEFINED Project has achieved notable milestones, such as the launch of the Byte Busters after-school Coding Club. With over 1,000 members and 662 fully onboarded participants across four states, the coding club aims to demystify technology and equip public secondary school students with hands-on coding and computer skills.
OICL’s Group Managing Director, Abdurahman Yinusa, highlighted the visionary roots of DEFINED Project, likening it to the historic free mass education movement led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo. “Together, we’re shaping a digitally literate South-West that mirrors the progressive, forward-thinking spirit that built this region,” Yinusa said. “The College of Mentors stands as a testament to this vision, providing guidance and inspiration to propel the next generation forward.”
Professor Kolade shared his gratitude to the OICL board and advisory council for their support and announced upcoming plans, including a Project Showcase for students to present capstone projects developed through Byte Busters. The event concluded with inspiring testimonials from Byte Busters participants, illustrating the transformative impact of digital literacy on their lives.
The College of Mentors and the project’s ongoing initiatives underscore OICL’s dedication to empowering Nigeria’s youth through education and innovation, ensuring that the future remains bright and digitally literate for South-West Nigeria.
