In an industry often perceived as male-dominated, Kemi Ariyo stands as a testament to the boundless possibilities for Nigerian girls aspiring to reach the pinnacle of an IT career. Her journey from an application support engineer to the IT Director of Airtel Nigeria, coupled with her entrepreneurial ventures, serves as a powerful narrative of determination, innovation, and success.
Kemi’s path to success began with a solid foundation of continuous learning and relentless hard work. From the outset of her career, she recognized the importance of staying ahead in the fast-paced world of technology. “I overcome challenges through a combination of strategic planning, continuous learning, and strong team collaboration,” Kemi notes. This mindset has been a driving force behind her remarkable achievements.
Starting her career at IBM, Kemi quickly distinguished herself through her technical expertise and leadership abilities. Her roles evolved from billing administration and sales support to leading application support, where she honed her skills in managing complex systems and projects. This early experience laid the groundwork for her future success, demonstrating the importance of a strong technical foundation and the willingness to take on challenging roles.
In 2013, she joined Airtel Nigeria as an application support engineer, initially working under a managed service agreement with IBM. Her role involved various functions, from billing administration to sales and distribution support, where she contributed to the rollout of the USDM platform, still in use today.
Her dedication and performance led to a series of promotions within Airtel. In 2019, she was appointed Head of Project Delivery, a role in which she supervised a team of subject matter experts to deliver groundbreaking projects like the CSDP platform. This platform, a multi-vendor system distribution, set new standards in the telecom industry and highlighted Kemi’s ability to lead large-scale, high-stakes projects.
As the only female IT Director in Airtel Africa, Kemi’s experiences have been both challenging and rewarding. “Navigating a male-dominated industry requires resilience and assertiveness, but it also offers a unique perspective that can drive innovation and inclusivity,” she reflects. Her ascent within a leading multinational company like Airtel underscores the value of perseverance and the opportunities available for women in technology.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Kemi has demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial acumen through an IT support she started years ago, Brightstar Integral Technology. Founded to provide innovative tech and consulting services, Brightstar has been instrumental in developing essential infrastructure for various sectors, including government and finance.
Brightstar’s notable projects include the design and implementation of a Human Resource & Payroll System across all local governments in Lagos State and a Know Your Employee system for one of Nigeria’s largest banks, UBA. These initiatives showcase the company’s capability in large-scale process automation and integration, further establishing Kemi’s reputation as a visionary leader in technology.
“We help clients streamline and automate their processes, allowing them to focus on their core business,” Kemi explains. This focus on efficiency and innovation has positioned Brightstar as a key player in the Nigerian tech landscape, reflecting Kemi’s ability to bridge the gap between technical solutions and business needs.
Kemi’s journey is not just about her individual success but also about paving the way for future generations of Nigerian girls in technology. Her commitment to mentoring and supporting other women in the industry is a crucial aspect of her legacy. “I am particularly motivated to inspire and mentor my team, showing them that diversity and inclusion are integral to our collective success,” she says.
Kemi’s story demonstrates that with determination, continuous learning, and a willingness to embrace challenges, Nigerian girls can achieve remarkable success in IT. Her experiences underscore the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive environment that encourages women to pursue their ambitions and break through barriers.
Born and raised in Nigeria, Kemi’s passion for technology was evident from an early age. She pursued her education with a focus on engineering and technology, equipping herself with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the field. Her background reflects a blend of technical proficiency and a deep understanding of business dynamics, which has been instrumental in her career progression.
Balancing a high-profile career with personal life, Kemi emphasizes the importance of work-life balance. “Work-life balance is quite relative,” she says. “I believe there’s a time for work and a time for play. It’s a matter of how organized and disciplined you are with your time.” This approach has enabled her to maintain productivity and job satisfaction while dedicating time to her family and personal pursuits.
Kemi Ariyo’s trajectory is a powerful reminder that with a willingness to invest the work, innovative thinking, and resilience, it is possible for Nigerian girls to reach the top of the tech profession. As she continues to drive innovation at Airtel and through Brightstar Integral Technology, Kemi remains a beacon whose bright lights is set to light the way for many others.
