Morontowumi Enioluwa Akinbogun, is an 18-year-old Software Engineering prodigy who defied the odds to earn a first-class degree from Babcock University, Ilishan, Ogun State. Despite facing numerous challenges, including learning difficulties and bullying, the young Akinbogun’s determination and resilience propelled her to achieve academic excellence. In this interview with IYABO LAWAL, she shares her inspiring story of transformation and offers valuable insights into her journey.

People have different stories about growing up. What was the journey like for you?
Growing up as the youngest of four siblings, I faced unique challenges that shaped my journey. My story is one of transformation; from struggling to keep up in school to earning a first-class degree in Software Engineering.

My early learning struggles were deep-seated. As a toddler, I was learning to write and would use whichever hand picked up the pencil first. However, my parents and teachers encouraged me to favour my right hand. It wasn’t until later that it became apparent that my natural strength lay in using my left hand.

In elementary school, I was always the last to copy notes from the board. My mother, a banker, despite her busy schedule, would squeeze out time to collect notes from my classmates in the neighbourhood late in the evenings so that I could complete mine.

Going to school became a nightmare, and I felt like I didn’t belong. I experienced bullying, especially name-calling by some classmates.

My parents counselled me a lot, assuring me of a brighter future. They also engaged with my class teachers daily to monitor my progress and well-being. The prayer points my parents raised during our family devotions – for me to overcome my situation – showed me how much they worried and cared about my well-being.

My junior secondary school years were years of struggle. I had good tutelage in my sister, who became my coach and mentor. She ensured I came out of my weaknesses through structured monitoring. Our Principal also inspired me with his mantra: “Hard work beats talent where talent doesn’t work hard.” This saying inspired me a lot; I have since held on to it as a mantra.

What informed your choice of Software Engineering as a career path?
Choosing a career path was a major issue for me. I opted for Industrial Design with a leaning towards graphic design. However, due to the COVID-19 impact and incessant strikes by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), I changed to Babcock University, and was admitted to study Software Engineering.

Before I resumed, I spent three months studying the basics of software engineering privately, which helped me earn first-class grades consistently. I also partnered with a few classmates of like minds; I found emotional support through this.

I addressed my weaknesses, particularly my fear of public speaking. I read books on public speaking and joined the ushering department at both my university and local churches. In my final year, I ran for an elective position and was elected as a Senator, and later as Senate scribe in the School of Computing.

In pursuit of self-development, I decided to reskill in cybersecurity. I enrolled for a programme that offers training in world-class cyber warfare simulators when the opportunity came up in my 300-level.

ThinkCyber Nigeria had partnered with the School of Computing at Babcock University to train students in cybersecurity. I completed the programme with impressive performance, which paid off a year later. A few days after my result was released, I was invited by the organisation to participate as a Research Executive in an exclusive Kaizen Programme, a live research initiative aimed at advancing Africa’s capabilities in applied cybersecurity innovation. This is an opportunity for me to gain exposure and hands-on training that will enhance my competency.

What are your future plans and aspirations?
I envision myself as a leading figure in the tech industry, leveraging my skills in software engineering and cybersecurity to drive innovation and solve complex problems both at the local and global levels.

I had always been interested in research. This interest is possibly indirectly influenced by my dad, who is an academic. I’ve had opportunities to be exposed to research outcomes, and I get inspired by the rewards.

I am driven by experience and hope; some years back, my sister and I had the opportunity of visiting Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh with our parents. I was fascinated by the research exploits of these institutions. I have the belief that the products of my research will lead me to entrepreneurial ventures and, consequently, a financial breakthrough.

With determination, hard work, and a willingness to learn, I am confident that I will achieve my goals and make a meaningful impact in the world.

What message would you like to share with our readers?
I believe that those with unpromising beginnings should not lose hope; if I could do it, they should be able to, as well. With determination, hard work, and a willingness to learn, anyone can achieve his or her goals and make a meaningful impact in the world.

Reflecting on my achievements and consistent development from senior secondary level to my present state, it is clear that being pushed to do things better led to my transformation.

Given that my elder siblings set good examples, I had no choice but to step up. From my vulnerable early years to the level where I built resilience, overcame my challenges, and was strengthened to achieve a first-class degree in software engineering.

Having my siblings as role models helped shape my destiny. No doubt, my destiny would have been entirely different if I were the only child or the firstborn. I might have become complacent, laid-back, or mediocre in my approach to life.

My sister, who was consistently two years ahead of me since elementary school, remained my role model at the university. She was also two years ahead of me at Babcock University, where she studied medicine. She was hardworking, studious, and diligent. I realised I needed to match her intensity to achieve my goal of earning a first-class degree.

The support I received from my parents and siblings, combined with the foundation laid in my secondary school, helped build my strength. My greatest strengths include self-discipline, commitment, resilience, and a strong ambition to excel in all I do.