Nigerian QA Engineer, Praise Akinsipe on Role of Technology in Public Health and Environmental Sustainability

Fadekemi Ajakaiye 

In an industry where software reliability can be the difference between life-changing innovation and frustrating inefficiencies, Nigerian born Praise Akinsipe has carved out a space at the intersection of technology, public health, and environmental sustainability. As a Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer with a background in microbiology and public health management, Akinsipe is not only ensuring software reliability but also advocating for the role of digital technology in solving critical global challenges.

Speaking with ThisDay, she reflected on her transition from health sciences to technology. “I’ve always believed that technology should work for people and the environment, not against them. It’s one thing to build an application, but it’s another to ensure it actually functions as intended, especially in sectors where accuracy and efficiency directly impact health and sustainability.”

At Ground Control Limited, Akinsipe plays a crucial role in refining QA processes for product releases. The company specializes in environmental maintenance and biodiversity, and her work ensures that the digital tools supporting these efforts are reliable and effective. She has designed and implemented test automation frameworks that significantly reduce system defects across web, mobile, and desktop platforms. A notable contribution includes enhancing internal scheduling and reporting applications—critical tools in managing large-scale environmental projects.

“Imagine a system that tracks biodiversity but fails to accurately log data due to software bugs,” she explained. “That could lead to misinformation, affecting conservation efforts or policy decisions. My job is to prevent that from happening.”

Akinsipe’s expertise lies in building trust through technology. “Efficiency in software isn’t just about speed, it’s about reliability,” she noted. “If a system designed to monitor environmental health or support public health initiatives fails, it undermines the very solutions we’re trying to create.”

Beyond her technical work, Akinsipe is committed to knowledge-sharing within the tech community. Through her involvement with Code Your Future, she has mentored aspiring developers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, guiding them through the complexities of software testing and quality assurance.

“I know what it’s like to enter a field where you don’t see many people with your background,” she shared. “Tech can be intimidating, especially for newcomers. That’s why I make an effort to demystify software testing—not just as a technical skill, but as a way of thinking. The more people understand quality assurance, the better the entire industry becomes.”

Her impact extends beyond mentorship. Akinsipe has authored research papers on the intersection of public health, environmental sustainability, and technology, contributing to discussions on how digital solutions can enhance both human and ecological well-being. She believes that a multidisciplinary approach is crucial for developing software that truly serves its users.

“Technology doesn’t exist in a vacuum,” she said. “A lot of digital tools fail because they aren’t built with real-world challenges in mind. My background allows me to ask the right questions—Are we considering accessibility? Are we addressing environmental impact? Are we making assumptions that could lead to system failures?”

In addition to her work in QA and research, Akinsipe has played a key role in organizing tech events and workshops aimed at fostering collaboration in the industry. She sees these platforms as vital in shaping a future where technology is developed with both human and environmental considerations in mind.

“Tech isn’t just about innovation, it’s about responsibility,” she noted. “Every line of code, every system we test, has an impact. If we approach technology with that mindset, we create products that don’t just function but actually improve lives and protect the world we live in.”

As Nigeria’s tech ecosystem continues to expand, professionals like Praise Akinsipe are proving that innovation isn’t just about launching new products—it’s about ensuring they work in ways that benefit both people and the planet. With her combination of technical expertise, research contributions, and commitment to mentorship, she is setting a standard for how digital technology can be a force for both public health and environmental sustainability.

“At the end of the day, technology should empower people and protect the environment,” she said. “If my work helps make digital solutions more reliable and impactful, then I know I’m making a difference.”