Ayomide Olamoyegun is a 19-year-old Babcock University graduate from the Department of Software Engineering. She graduated with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.66 on a scale of 5. In this interview by KINGSLEY ALUMONA, she speaks about her academic journey, the tech space, among others.
You started seeking university admission when you were 15 years old. JAMB’s official age for tertiary admission seekers is currently 16 years. Why were you in a hurry to get into the university?
When I was 15, I had already completed my secondary education and was eager to take the next step in my academic journey. I was passionate about learning and did not see the need to wait an extra year when I felt ready to start university. Moreover, I pursued A-levels at 15 and entered Babcock University at 16. My parents recognised my determination and academic capabilities, so they supported my decision. They understood I was motivated and had a clear vision for my future, which helped them feel comfortable with me starting university early.
What or who influenced you to study software engineering, and how would you describe the kind of training you had at Babcock University?
My interest in coding was the primary influence that led me to study software engineering. A friend who was already studying software engineering played a significant role as well. Seeing how well he was doing and the impact he was making inspired me to pursue the same path.
The training I received at Babcock University was instrumental in shaping the knowledge and experience I have gained so far. The university provided a solid foundation, and overall, it met my expectations by equipping me with the skills and insights needed for my career.
You titled your LinkedIn post where you announced your First Class feat ‘From confusion to clarity: A remarkable journey’. What was the confusion you clarified?
The confusion I mentioned in my LinkedIn post came from the uncertainty I faced when choosing my academic path. I originally planned to study computer engineering, but after some changes, I switched to medicine through A-levels. However, my true passion was in technology and coding, so I changed course again to pursue software engineering.
What made the journey remarkable was that despite these initial setbacks and shifts, I was able to excel and graduate with first-class honours. This experience taught me the importance of following my true interests and passions, which ultimately led to clarity and success in both my academic and career journey.
What was the title of your final-year project and what were the major findings from it?
The title of my final-year project was ‘Design and implementation of a user-centric requirement elicitation system using Natural Language Processing (NLP)’.
The project addressed key issues in traditional requirement engineering: ambiguity and adaptability. The conventional process often struggles with unclear requirements and difficulties adapting to changes, which can lead to misinterpretation and inefficiencies. To solve these problems, the project developed a User-Centric Requirement Elicitation System (U-cRES) using Natural Language Processing (NLP).
This system enhances requirement clarity by processing natural language descriptions to reduce ambiguity. It improves adaptability by automating parts of the elicitation process, making it easier to incorporate changes and user feedback. Additionally, the system prioritises requirements effectively, streamlining the overall process and aligning it more closely with user needs.
There are many software engineering graduates in Nigeria. In fact, in your class of over 200 students, you had nine First Class graduates. What unique skills are you bringing into the tech space or society that would distinguish you from the crowd?
I bring a strong background in backend development and a genuine passion for learning new technologies. My work with technologies such as Python equips me to build effective and scalable backend systems. What sets me apart is how I tackle real-world problems with creativity. I have developed projects that enhance user interactions and streamline processes, showcasing my ability to apply technical skills in practical ways.
My leadership roles have sharpened my skills in managing teams and projects. Whether leading a development team or participating in various student organisations, I have focused on collaboration and effective execution. I have also had the opportunity to speak at communities like The Unleash Hub and The Still Waters Mental Health Foundation, which reflects my commitment to using technology for positive change.
In short, my mix of technical expertise, creative problem-solving, leadership experience, and dedication to meaningful projects makes me stand out. I aim to contribute to the tech world with fresh perspectives and a thoughtful approach.
What were the major challenges you faced during your studentship and how did you manage them?
During my studies, I encountered several challenges. Resuming late to school when I started my first semester required me to quickly catch up with my coursework. Additionally, balancing demanding academic work with leadership roles meant long nights of study. The spirit of resilience and perseverance I developed at Deeper Life High School also played a crucial role in overcoming these obstacles.
To manage these challenges, I relied on the grace of God as a Christian (a member of Deeper Life Bible Church), supportive parents, and a network of friends. Effective time management and prioritising tasks helped me balance both academic and leadership responsibilities.
What do you think Babcock University could do to make life and learning easier for students?
Babcock University is an excellent university that equips students with the knowledge to succeed and navigate life challenges. However, improving student life and learning by enhancing digital resources, expanding academic support through tutoring and mentoring, increasing practical experience opportunities, and offering more flexible study options to better balance academics with extracurricular activities would further make life and learning easier for students.
By the time you are 20 years old, you will have finished NYSC. Do you not think you are too young to navigate the demanding labour market?
While I will be young at 20, my academic achievements and practical experience have equipped me with a solid foundation to navigate the labour market. To tackle the demands of the Nigerian economy, I plan to leverage my skills in backend development and AI, seek out internships and industry collaborations, and continuously update my knowledge. I will also focus on building a strong professional network and remain adaptable to industry trends and opportunities to stay competitive in the job market.
On LinkedIn, you said that, as a Python developer at Friendnpal, you led a team to develop an AI chatbot to provide a secure space for mental health support. Tell us about the chatbot.
At FriendnPal, I led a team in developing an AI chatbot designed to offer secure mental health support. The chatbot uses natural language processing to engage users in confidential conversations, providing immediate assistance. I was appointed as the team lead due to my experience in AI.
As a software engineering graduate, what app or software have you developed? In the future, do you see yourself developing software that would impact the world?
Currently, I’m the lead Python developer at FriendnPal, where my team and I developed an AI-powered chatbot to support emotional and mental health. This app, available on the Play Store, provides users with personalised mental health advice and tools, and ensures complete anonymity for users.
Previously, I worked on several projects: I was the backend developer for a multilingual AI chatbot that my team and I developed for the 2023 Wema Hackaholics 4.0, aimed at improving customer communication in the banking sector. I also contributed as the backend developer to BridgeHub, a platform connecting volunteers with event organisers, which won a software exhibition competition at my university. Also, during my internship at LAUTECH Software Egineering Institute, I worked as a backend developer for Quickread, an app that aggregates and summarises news. For my final year project, I created ReqGenius, an NLP-driven system to enhance software requirement elicitation process.
Throughout these experiences, I realised that while these projects served as learning opportunities, they were also designed to solve real-life problems. For me, it’s not just about writing code or building projects; it’s about creating meaningful solutions that positively impact human lives. Moving forward, I’m committed to focusing on projects that address significant real-world challenges and make a meaningful impact.
There are many apps and software out there, most of them making life and jobs easier. Unfortunately, many people believe these technologies are causing unemployment, eroding physical contact, and affecting our humanity. What is your take on this?
Technology has greatly enhanced convenience and efficiency, from streamlining tasks to enabling global communication. However, it also poses challenges, such as job displacement due to automation. While automation has displaced some traditional jobs, it has also created new opportunities. The key is continuous learning, upskilling, and adaptability to stay relevant in the evolving job market. While technology may reduce physical contact, it offers innovative ways to connect globally, like virtual reality and video conferencing. The key is to balance these benefits with meaningful human connections, using virtual meetings to complement, not replace, in-person interactions.
In the end, thoughtful and responsible use of technology allows us to embrace its benefits while staying mindful of its impact on our social interactions and job markets. By being proactive and intentional, we can ensure that technology enhances rather than diminishes our human experience.
Any plan for postgraduate studies? And, where do you see yourself in five years?
Yes, I plan to pursue postgraduate studies to deepen my expertise, particularly in areas like AI and software development. I am actively seeking sponsorships or scholarships to support this goal.
In five years, I see myself as a leading expert in the tech industry, contributing to innovative solutions that address real-world challenges, while also mentoring the next generation of tech professionals.
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