By Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Can you tell us about your childhood and how it shaped your relationship with technology?

Throughout my childhood, I was always surrounded by some form of technology. From the simple mobile phones and computers we had at home to the times my dad would enroll me in local ICT centers back in Enugu, those moments sparked a growing curiosity in me. But what really pulled me in wasn’t just the hands-on exposure, but my deep interest in news and current affairs. I found myself drawn to tech stories, watching how innovations were changing the world. I paid attention to the trends, from the rise of social media to major tech breakthroughs in the early 2000s. I followed the evolution of technology like someone following a favorite series. That steady flow of knowledge opened my eyes to what was possible, and from that point, I knew that the only thing that could stand in my way was myself.

Do you remember the first time you interacted with a computer? What impact did that moment have on you?

My first encounter with a computer was a bit unusual. At the time, it was mostly my elder siblings who had access to it. Being the youngest in the family, my use was limited, partly to give me a more balanced upbringing. But my eldest sibling made it a point to involve me. He encouraged me to practice, starting with simple things like typing. From there, something clicked. It became part of me. Within a few years, I was the only one among all my siblings who still had a deep and growing interest in it. While others moved on to different things, I kept coming back. So when I think about those early days, I always credit my eldest sibling, he played a big role in opening that door for me. It’s actually a memory I genuinely cherish.

What motivated you to study Computer Engineering, and why Madonna University?

I chose to study Computer Engineering because I noticed early on that my interest was leaning more toward a bit of software but more hardware solution side of things, understanding how systems work, computer architecture, circuitry, and the core of machines we often take for granted. Computer Engineering offered a wide range of courses that could not only deepen that interest but also prepare me for real-world problems in the tech industry.

As for my choice of university, Madonna felt like the perfect fit. It wasn’t just about academics, the university also placed strong emphasis on discipline and values. That environment shaped a lot of how I see life today. Beyond the lectures and labs, it helped build character and gave me a sense of direction that I still carry with me.

Your first job at Nigeocom came early — what was the experience like entering the professional world straight out of school?

It was the kind of opportunity I had been preparing for throughout my life — the chance to offer real engineering solutions and see things work in the real world because of my own contribution. So in many ways, I felt ready. But of course, it came with its own share of challenges. There’s always that gap between what you learn in school and how things actually operate in the field. I took it one step at a time, stayed curious, and tried to learn as much as I could from every experience. Looking back, I’d say I enjoyed every bit of it. That first role at Nigeocom really laid the groundwork for my career journey.

You later became a Solutions Architect at Nigeocom, managing telecom projects for major clients. What did this responsibility teach you?

That role taught me leadership early on. At a young age, I already had engineers working under me and was making decisions that impacted entire teams and by extension, real people who relied on the solutions we were deploying. I’ve always believed it’s okay to make mistakes because that’s how we learn, but in that position, I quickly learned that even a small error could have serious consequences, especially when you’re dealing with systems that affect businesses and households. So yes, taking on that kind of responsibility helped me mature fast. It gave me a deeper sense of accountability and definitely shaped the kind of professional I’ve become.

What was the most challenging project you handled in those early years, and how did you manage it?

One of the earliest and most challenging projects I handled was when we were tasked with implementing a solution across several key areas in the state, these weren’t just random locations, they were major hubs that needed everything to work flawlessly. Being quite young at the time, it felt overwhelming. The pressure was real, and I knew any mistake could have a big impact. But what really helped me through was having mentors. I wasn’t afraid to ask questions or seek guidance. I had someone I could talk to, and I followed some of his advice, which turned out to be spot on. We got the job done. That experience taught me the importance of having a mentor early in your career, it makes a big difference when you’re navigating unfamiliar territory.

How did your move to Tek Experts, supporting Microsoft, influence your technical and interpersonal skills?

The move to Tek Experts was a big shift for me. Coming from a role where I was leading projects and working more on infrastructure and solution deployment, I found myself stepping into the world of enterprise-level support, dealing directly with global clients and Microsoft technologies. It is a different kind of challenge, now I am not just solving technical issues, I am also managing customer expectations, providing clear communication, and working under strict SLAs. It pushed me to become more patient, more articulate, and a better listener.

Technically, it has exposed me to a wide range of Microsoft 365 and Azure environments, and I had to get really comfortable troubleshooting across different platforms quickly. Interpersonally, it sharpened my communication and made me appreciate the value of customer experience.

I also got the chance to mentor new engineers, which helped me grow as a leader in a different kind of environment. Looking back, I’d say it was one of the most growth-filled phases of my career.

You also trained and mentored other engineers at Tek Experts. What inspired you to share your knowledge?

Mentoring came naturally to me because I knew what it felt like to be new, to have questions, and sometimes feel unsure. When I joined Tek Experts, I saw how fast-paced and demanding the environment was, especially for fresh hires. So I made a conscious decision to support others the way I wished someone had supported me when I was starting out. Helping other engineers grow didn’t just benefit them, it sharpened my own understanding and made me more confident in my leadership abilities.

What were some of the key lessons you learnt in your time managing migrations and cloud transitions at Tek Experts?

One major lesson was that every migration is different no matter how many times you’ve done it. I learned to pay attention to the details, from user policies to mailbox sizes, because small oversights could lead to major issues. Another lesson was the importance of communication especially when transitioning clients from legacy systems to Microsoft 365 or Azure. You need to explain the “why” behind changes, not just the “how.” It also taught me patience and adaptability, because some clients needed a lot of explaining, and others just wanted things done quickly and quietly.

  Did your early roles change how you saw the impact of technology on businesses and people?

Definitely. Before I got into the field, tech to me was mostly about tools, devices, and code. But once I started working, especially supporting clients at Tek Experts and implementing solutions at Nigeocom, I realized how much people rely on these systems for their work, communication, even their livelihood. One small outage could disrupt a company’s entire operations. That made me more intentional in how I approached my work. I started seeing myself not just as an engineer, but as someone solving real problems for real people.

Outside of your job roles, you were already contributing to tech mentoring in Nigeria. Why was that important to you even back then?

Giving back was always important to me. I knew how limited access to proper guidance and opportunities could be, especially for young tech enthusiasts in Nigeria. So whenever I get a chance to share what I’ve learned, whether through casual meetups, online communities, or just one-on-one conversations I take it. It’s not about being an expert, it was about being one step ahead and pulling the next person along. Even with a busy schedule, it gives me fulfillment knowing I am helping others find clarity and confidence in their path.

  Looking back on your path up to this year 2021, what would you say was your biggest turning point?

The biggest turning point for me was stepping into leadership roles earlier than I expected, first as a Solutions Architect at Nigeocom, and now mentoring engineers at Tek Experts. Those moments pulled me out of my comfort zone. It made me realize that technical knowledge alone wasn’t enough, you also need emotional intelligence, vision, and the ability to lead others. That shift in mindset changed how I approached my career.

  Looking ahead in the future, what are your personal or professional goals, and how do they build on everything you’ve done so far?

Lately, I’ve been intentionally upskilling in cybersecurity. It’s a field I’ve come to respect deeply because when you look at today’s landscape, there’s still so much missing in terms of awareness, infrastructure, and proactive defense. With the experience I’ve gathered over the years solving real-world tech problems, I strongly believe I can make meaningful contributions to this space.

Right now, I’m already getting involved by serving as a judge in cybersecurity-related competitions, and that exposure keeps me on my toes while allowing me to support the next generation of tech talent. I’ve also been working on my book Cybersecurity Fundamentals, which will be out next year, it’s something I hope will make these essential concepts more accessible, especially for those just getting started.

Beyond that, I’ve started building a mentorship network, a space where I can share knowledge and offer support to young professionals, particularly in Nigeria and across Africa. It’s something I want to grow steadily in the coming years, and I’m planning to dedicate more time to it.

And yes, I’m also seriously exploring research. I’m at a point now where I want to ask deeper questions and contribute to long-term solutions, not just short-term fixes. So whether it’s through academic research or fieldwork, I see that as the next chapter and I’m excited to see where it leads.

What advice would you give to young professionals trying to follow a similar path in tech?

Start with curiosity, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The tech space can be intimidating at first, but no one starts out knowing everything. Be open to learning from others whether it’s mentors, peers, or even your own mistakes. And most importantly, give yourself permission to grow at your own pace. The journey is long, but every step counts.