Thriving Through Layers. My Path Across Networks, Business, and Inclusion

[ad_1] Within the ever-evolving world of know-how, my journey — from a curious child in Jos, Nigeria, to a mentor and options engineer — reveals what dedication, curiosity, and ambition can obtain, particularly when powered by Cisco.

Nevertheless, my journey didn’t begin with a title. It began with an insatiable curiosity.

My Igbo dad and mom wished me to check drugs, however I used to be the child who opened each toy, radio, and pc — you identify it — simply to grasp the way it labored. That uncooked curiosity and fervour for drawback fixing grew from exploring bodily gadgets to the invisible networks connecting individuals worldwide, main me down a path removed from stethoscopes and into the huge world of know-how.

I spent hours on Yahoo Chat and Skype, amazed at how messages may soar continents in seconds — and realized networking wasn’t nearly cables and routers, however about individuals and connection. That realization drove my objective.

After secondary faculty, I knew I wished to pursue know-how, though I had little entry to formal coaching or assets. However I made a decision these boundaries wouldn’t block me — quite, they'd be my blueprints. If nobody opened the door, I might do it myself. It’s a mindset I’ve carried with me, and one I share with each younger individual I mentor: You don’t want permission to succeed.

I started attending native tech occasions and seminars in Jos and anyplace I may be taught one thing new. It was at considered one of these occasions that I met an teacher on the convention, a mentor, who launched me to Cisco.

That introduction modified every little thing.

🎥 Watch the video model of my story beneath to see how curiosity and connection introduced me to Cisco and past.

My first Cisco Certification Course launched a life-altering journey. Then, I began at Cisco Networking Academy on the College of Jos, the place I quickly superior from pupil to coach, mentoring aspiring community engineers. Becoming a member of the worldwide NetRiders competitors neighborhood throughout this time sharpened my abilities in a global area. Then, my full-circle journey culminated in incomes the celebrated Teacher Coach Qualification (ITQ).

In 2015, I participated in Hack Jos, a tech occasion centered on harnessing younger expertise to construct options, deepening my dedication to fostering expertise and neighborhood by connection.

However my transformation wasn’t simply technical; it was deeply private. I confirmed up early for each class, usually earlier than the lights got here on. To me, success wasn’t unintentional; it was constructed by self-discipline, consistency, and starvation.

This drive pushed me to use my experience to real-world challenges throughout Nigeria — supporting essential communications infrastructure and contributing to nationwide digital initiatives just like the rollout of Nigeria’s first Laptop-Primarily based Take a look at (CBT) facilities administering standardized exams for universities, schools, and different greater training. Engaged on large-scale enterprise initiatives for main telecommunication suppliers, I honed my abilities in routing and switching, wi-fi, and observability whereas concurrently doubling as a technical coach, accountable for mentoring engineers. Watching them develop and succeed jogged my memory of my very own early days and the way important mentorship is in constructing Africa’s digital workforce.

Then got here one of the pivotal moments in my profession: my official launchpad into Cisco as a Technical Consulting Engineer throughout the Nation Digital Acceleration (CDA) program, a chance I embraced wholeheartedly. I supported companions and small companies throughout Nigeria, serving to them scale and thrive.

In 2024, I transitioned into the position of Options Engineer in the course of the launch of Cisco’s EDGE (Expertise, Design, Go-to-Market, Earn) Heart in Kenya — a facility devoted to advancing cybersecurity abilities throughout Africa. I turned down profitable gives from rivals previously, so once I stood alongside Cisco leaders together with our EVP and Chief Folks, Coverage & Goal Officer, the Chief of Nation Digital Acceleration, and Cisco’s GM for Nigeria, it solidified that that is precisely the place I'm meant to be — on the forefront of shaping Africa’s digital future with Cisco. My perception in our know-how is powerful, and, extra importantly, our people-first tradition is one thing I carry with me.

To maintain up with a fast-evolving trade, I’ve earned certifications together with CCNA, and Meraki and Design Specializations, however my CCNP Enterprise journey significantly stands out since I invested my private wage to take it, failed one of many three exams, repaid and retook it, decided to succeed. At all times pushing the boundaries of my experience, I’m at present making ready for my CCIE.

However my journey isn’t nearly private achievement and profession development; I’ve all the time believed success needs to be shared. That’s why I co-founded Netclan with a Cisco colleague — a nonprofit devoted to bridging the gender hole in community engineering. By means of LiNE (Girls in Community Engineering), we’ve educated and authorized over 80 ladies, some now working with Cisco companions throughout Nigeria — a proud reminder of the ability of mentorship and neighborhood.

And as I look forward, I imagine Africa is the subsequent main digital frontier. Our individuals, expertise, and drive are simple. However to unlock our full potential, we should bridge the digital divide in alternative, entry, and training.

At Cisco, I’ve discovered a spot that shares that Goal — one which values innovation, inclusion, and influence. Whether or not by community design, safety, or mentoring, I’m proud to play an element in making certain Africa doesn’t simply catch up, however leads within the world digital revolution.