Meet Gabriel Tosin Ayodele, Nigerian expert driving innovations to advance global tech ecosystem

1. A little introduction about yourself

I am Gabriel Tosin Ayodele, a Technical Lead with over six years of global experience in Software, AI, and Data. My work has driven financial inclusion by empowering over 500 SMEs globally through secure, innovative fintech solutions.

I am passionate about mentoring future tech professionals and have guided over 100 individuals, many of whom have gone on to secure roles in leading global tech companies. I’ve published research through IEEE and other international journals, and my contributions have been recognized globally, including an invitation to the ACM-IEEE International Symposium on Edge Computing 2022. As a member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and a member of the British Computer Society (BCS), I remain committed to advancing the global tech ecosystem.

2. Can you take us through your role as Technical Lead – Software, Data, and AI Products in the fintech space?

As a Technical Lead, my role involves designing and implementing secure, scalable, and innovative fintech solutions. I’ve led projects focused on streamlining payment processing and fraud detection using AI, significantly improving security and efficiency. For instance, a recent project reduced payment vulnerabilities by 40% and supported over 1 million secure transactions annually. I also lead cross-functional teams to integrate advanced data-driven solutions into fintech products, ensuring they meet the needs of SMEs and enterprises while adhering to global standards.

3. In today’s interconnected world, where billions communicate across vast networks, safeguarding personal data is paramount. Do you agree that reliance on AI introduces new privacy challenges?

Absolutely. While AI offers transformative opportunities, it also introduces unique privacy challenges. For example, AI models often rely on vast amounts of data, which, if not properly managed, can expose sensitive information. In my work, I’ve implemented privacy-preserving techniques such as differential privacy and data anonymization to address these risks. Organizations need to adopt strong governance frameworks and ethical AI practices to balance innovation with data protection.

4. Many people often dwell on conversations about the tendency of Artificial Intelligence to replace humans in the workforce. Do you consider AI a formidable substitute for humans in the global workforce in the near future?

AI is not a substitute but a complement to human ingenuity. While it automates repetitive tasks, humans bring creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking that AI cannot replicate. In my experience, AI enhances productivity rather than replacing jobs. For example, AI tools in fintech streamline processes, but human oversight remains critical for decision-making and innovation. I believe AI will continue to create new roles and opportunities, fostering collaboration between humans and machines.

5. Can you share with us innovations you’ve led or pioneered, whether as an IT enthusiast or Technical Lead with your company? Why and what have been the impacts so far?

One of the most impactful innovations I’ve led was the development of a secure digital payment solution that improved transaction security by 40% and processed over 1 million transactions annually. Additionally, I pioneered ‘Technlocate,’ a logistics optimization tool that reduced delivery times for SMEs by 25%, empowering businesses and improving operational efficiency.

Beyond these technical innovations, I have also driven innovation through mentorship. For instance, one of my mentees developed an AI-powered analytics tool for SMEs that was adopted by a fintech startup, boosting their client retention by 20%. This demonstrates how my leadership not only results in impactful products but also inspires others to innovate and contribute meaningfully to the tech ecosystem.

6. Nigeria has one of the highest youth populations globally. Do you think the nation is doing enough to tap into the opportunities provided by technology advancements, especially the digital economy?

Nigeria has made progress, particularly with the growth of fintech and tech hubs, but there’s more to be done. Investments in affordable internet access, digital literacy programs, and fostering public-private partnerships are crucial to empowering young Nigerians. The youth population is a tremendous asset, and with the right policies and infrastructure, Nigeria can become a leading player in the global digital economy.

7. Data breaches or privacy mishandling have been topical issues in developing countries like Nigeria. How do you think government agencies and private companies like Telcos, responsible for Nigeria’s data infrastructure and management, can do better to strengthen the weakening trust system?

Nigeria has its own data protection framework, the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation(NDPR), enforced by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). To strengthen trust, government agencies and private companies need to strictly enforce NDPR compliance, adopt robust cybersecurity systems, and conduct regular audits to secure sensitive data. Public awareness campaigns about data privacy rights can also empower citizens to hold organizations accountable, rebuilding confidence in data management systems.

8. Do you think Nigeria has relevant frameworks to tackle issues of cybercrimes, and others perpetrated through the country’s cyberspace, including cyber terrorism which the country has been grappling with for years?

While Nigeria has foundational frameworks like the Cybercrime Act, enforcement remains a challenge. Strengthening these frameworks requires collaboration with international cybersecurity organizations, updating laws to reflect emerging threats, and investing in cybersecurity education. As someone who has worked on secure systems aligned with global standards, I believe private-public sector partnerships can build a more resilient cyberspace infrastructure.

9. Can you share with us what success story has been for you?

Success for me is measured by the impact of my work and the growth of those I’ve mentored. One of my key success stories is leading the development of a secure digital payment system that reduced vulnerabilities by 40% and handled over 1 million transactions annually, empowering over 500 SMEs globally. Another is mentoring over 100 aspiring tech professionals, many of whom have secured roles in leading global companies, launched startups, or developed impactful solutions addressing community challenges. My work has also earned recognition from industry leaders, highlighting the impact of my contributions on a global scale. Seeing my work drive innovation and inspire others is my definition of success.