Trailblazer: The Nigerian born innovator

By: Oluchi Iyeneme

Fidelis Chibueze has always been a trailblazer. While growing up in Nigeria, when his friend run away from the dreaded subject, mathematics, he found so much joy in it. He devoted his time, energy and mental strength to solving quadratic equations and other mathematical topics. He took it step further by even studying the subject an ivory tower.

Born in May 29, 1992 at Lagos State, South Western Nigeria, although his home town was in Enugu State, he had a dual upbringing. While he was brought up in a Yoruba environment, he had an Igbo parents who catered for that indigenous Igbo part. His formative education started and got completed at Iranwa Edumare Primary School, he took it a step further by going to P & P Secondary School for his post primary school education.

Between 2009 and 2013, Fedelis was at “better by far,” University of Ilorin where he was studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Statistics, studying this course was an avenue for him to sharpen his skill, solve a lot of problems and provide solutions to lingering challenges. Two years later, he added a new cap to his education status by bagging a Master’s degree in Cyber Security. Cyber security which is a practice of protecting devices, networks, and data from cyber threats.

A dominant trait between his first and second degree remains its problem solving mechanisms. Both courses are meant to solve problems however the difference lies in the approach. Fidelis Chibueze’s alertness, clarity and technical ability was tested across this field.

With an educational background deeply rooted in mathematics and cyber security, it becomes imperative to impact such education on the citizens. In the wave of the COVID 19, Fidelis established Fixtops, a platform that connects potential phone repairers to customers. All they needed to do was to look up the nearest phone fixer around them. The company which fully comes into practice in 2021 has been able to serve thousands of Nigerians.

Via their website, a potential customer gets to meet the nearest repairman around them, he can also negotiate the price. Price remains one of the key factors people stop repairing. Most times the cost of a phone screen repair is just a bit short of the actual amount you bought it. Phones like the iPhone, Samsung are always difficult to repair or see their spare parts. With a channel like Fixtops, the client can do many things. Beyond repair, you can even get information on how much it would cost while you prepare to source for money to get it done.

Fidelis Chibueze has made a terrific innovation which tends to help humanity. While Bolt, Uber are for ride hailing, and Chowdeck and Glovo are for food, Fidelis seems to have taken a new route as he provides the much needed help for the people.

A novelty like Fixtops should be emulated and encouraged by relevant people. While it is not yet eldorado for Fixtops, I think right now, they deserve all the support they can get.