Ayeni Bags BAT Award Of Excellence In Technological Innovation

Oluchi Chibuzor

Ayobami Ayeni has been honored with the prestigious Bridge Africa Technologies (BAT) Award of Excellence in Technological Innovation, a recognition that celebrates individuals whose groundbreaking work has led to transformative solutions in technology, financial inclusion, and digital accessibility. This highly competitive and internationally recognized award underscores Ayeni’s extraordinary contributions to software development, enterprise automation, and fintech-driven financial inclusion, which have significantly impacted businesses and underserved communities across Africa and beyond.

As the Founder of Ocelot Limited, Ayeni has been instrumental in pioneering multiple technological solutions that address critical gaps in digital finance, business automation, and educational accessibility. His work stands out for its scalability, innovative problem-solving approach, and potential to drive long-term societal change. Through his leadership, Ocelot has launched impactful digital products that have empowered millions, ensuring financial and technological accessibility for businesses, consumers, and students alike.

One of Ayeni’s most notable contributions is the development of the Fly Air Peace mobile application. Recognizing the need for a seamless, secure, and efficient airline booking system, Ayeni led the development of an advanced mobile platform for Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline. The app significantly improved customer experience by enhancing booking efficiency, real-time reservation management, and secure payment processing. With over 100,000 downloads, a 3.8-star rating, and more than 1,200 positive reviews, the application has revolutionized flight booking in Nigeria, boosting user engagement and streamlining operations.

Ayeni also played a key role in designing and implementing the core infrastructure for PayZeep, a fintech platform that has transformed digital transactions, agent banking, and mobile payment services. Under his technological leadership, PayZeep has processed over 3 million transactions, connected more than 370 agents, and provided digital banking access to thousands of previously unbanked Nigerians. With a 4.0 star rating, the platform stands as a testament to Ayeni’s ability to design secure, scalable, and user-friendly financial systems that drive economic inclusion.

Beyond fintech and business automation, Ayeni’s impact extends to education through his pivotal role in the development of the first-ever mobile application for the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS), Springfield Illinois, in the United States. This groundbreaking solution modernized student services, academic management, and financial transactions, enabling a more integrated and efficient university experience. The UIS mobile app introduced streamlined academic tools, including the Advise U Tool, which helps students identify their academic advisors, schedule appointments, and plan their coursework.

Additionally, the app features i-Card Balance Management, allowing students to monitor and update their campus wallet balance, and direct integration with Canvas, the university’s learning management system, ensuring that students can seamlessly engage with their coursework and assignments. With over 6,000 downloads, this innovative application has enhanced digital accessibility for students and faculty alike, reducing administrative bottlenecks and improving financial security in campus transactions.

The BAT Awards recognize innovators whose work addresses major societal challenges through technology, and Ayeni’s contributions align perfectly with this mission. His work has expanded financial access by connecting millions of users to secure, affordable, and convenient digital banking solutions. His innovations have also improved business operations through AI-driven automation tools that enhance customer engagement and reduce operational inefficiencies. Furthermore, his efforts in the education sector have supported digital learning through adaptive technology, ensuring equitable access to quality education for all, including students with special needs.

Ayeni’s selection for this award was based on the tangible impact of his innovations on society. The rigorous evaluation process considered how his work effectively solves societal problems, bridges technological gaps, and provides solutions that benefit individuals, businesses, and entire communities. His ability to leverage technology to address real-world challenges, from financial exclusion to educational accessibility, was a key factor in his recognition.

As Ayeni receives this prestigious honor, he remains committed to leveraging AI-driven solutions to enhance accessibility in education and financial services. He is currently working on an AI-powered educational platform that will match students with scholarships, optimize school funding, and provide gamified learning tools for children with special needs. His vision aligns with global efforts to expand digital equity, fintech solutions, and educational technology for underserved populations, demonstrating the international relevance and potential scalability of his work.

This well-deserved recognition places Ayeni among an elite group of innovators shaping the future of technology and financial empowerment. The Bridge Africa Technologies (BAT) Award of Excellence is not just a testament to his technical brilliance but also to his unwavering commitment to using technology as a tool for social and economic progress. His journey exemplifies the power of innovation, perseverance, and the drive to create meaningful impact, ensuring that his work continues to influence digital transformation and financial inclusion on a global scale.