Olajide Osundare is a distinguished leader in network design, implementation, and cybersecurity, known for his innovative approaches and strategic vision that have driven significant advancements in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. With eight years of comprehensive experience across multiple sectors—including financial services, telecommunications, and enterprise networking—Osundare has consistently demonstrated exceptional expertise in managing and optimizing large-scale network environments. His career trajectory, from his foundational role in network support to his current position as the Head of Network and Security at Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc, reflects a profound commitment to enhancing the efficiency, security, and scalability of network systems. His work has not only optimized organizational operations but has also advanced the field of network design and cybersecurity at a national level, setting new standards and paving the way for future developments.
Osundare’s career began after completing a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics from Madonna University in Nigeria in 2012. His solid academic background provided a strong foundation for his deep technical understanding of network systems, enabling him to take on challenging roles early in his career. His expertise spans a broad array of network technologies, including TCP/IP protocols, Cisco ACI, BGP, OSPF, MP-BGP, IS-IS, and advanced tools like Wireshark, VMware, Linux, Dockers, Kubernetes, and Jenkins. This comprehensive skill set has positioned him as a versatile and adaptive leader capable of addressing complex networking challenges in various sectors.
In his current role as Head of Network and Security at Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS), Osundare has been instrumental in designing and implementing a centralized network infrastructure that supports the country’s domestic card scheme. This initiative required collaboration with cross-functional teams to assess business requirements and develop scalable, secure network architectures. The successful deployment of this network has significantly improved the efficiency and reliability of financial transactions across Nigeria, benefiting millions of users with faster, more secure digital payment services. The implementation of an active-active data center under his leadership has set new benchmarks for redundancy and reliability in financial network infrastructure, demonstrating his ability to manage critical projects with national implications. By enhancing the robustness and scalability of NIBSS’s network systems, Osundare’s work has advanced the field of network design on a national scale, ensuring that Nigeria’s financial infrastructure is prepared to meet the growing demands of a digital economy.
Osundare’s contributions to the field extend beyond his work at NIBSS. During his tenure as a Senior Network Engineer at MTN in Cotonou, Benin Republic, he was responsible for designing data center architectures and developing both high-level and low-level designs to meet the specific needs of MTN’s enterprise users across its global network. His efforts in migrating server farm architectures to Cisco ACI Fabric greatly optimized network performance and scalability. By implementing IPv6 within the MTN Benin Republic network, Osundare demonstrated his commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies that enhance network efficiency and future-proof the organization’s infrastructure. His strategic foresight in deploying these technologies significantly improved the network’s capacity to handle increased traffic loads, thereby enhancing service delivery and customer satisfaction. These contributions have been pivotal in advancing the field of telecommunications in Nigeria and West Africa, setting a standard for network modernization and efficiency.
Earlier in his career, as a Senior Core IP Engineer at Cobranet Nigeria Limited, Osundare played a crucial role in designing and implementing core IP networks and providing internet and data services to key sectors, including financial institutions and the oil and gas industry. His expertise in public prefix advertisement and route policy management with the Africa Network Information Center (AFRINIC) was critical in optimizing network performance and reliability. Osundare’s role in training Level 1 and Level 2 support engineers and developing comprehensive documentation for focused technologies ensured that his teams were equipped to manage and maintain complex network environments effectively. This emphasis on knowledge transfer and capacity building has had a lasting impact, advancing the field by fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the network engineering community in Nigeria.
At Sterling Bank Plc, where he served as an IT Service Support Staff, Osundare gained valuable experience in maximizing network performance through proactive monitoring, troubleshooting, and collaboration with network architects. His ability to work within established configuration and change management policies was instrumental in maintaining the bank’s network integrity and reliability. His hands-on experience with configuring and installing various network devices—such as routers, switches, firewalls, and VPNs—laid the groundwork for his subsequent leadership roles in network management and security. By ensuring optimal network performance and security, Osundare’s efforts contributed to the bank’s ability to provide reliable and secure services to its customers, advancing the financial sector’s network capabilities.
Osundare’s commitment to professional development is evident through his extensive certifications, which include Cisco Certified Specialist in Data Center ACI Implementation, Cisco Certified DevNet Professional Core (DEVCOR), Cisco Certified Specialist in Enterprise Design, Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise, Mikrotik Certified Network Associate (MTCNA), and Mikrotik Certified Routing Engineer (MTCRE). These certifications reflect his dedication to staying current with the latest technologies and best practices in network design and cybersecurity, positioning him as a leading expert capable of navigating the complexities of modern network environments. His certifications have also enabled him to mentor and train other professionals, thereby contributing to the development of a highly skilled network engineering workforce in Nigeria.
Osundare’s ability to blend technical proficiency with strategic vision has enabled him to design and implement network solutions that are not only effective in meeting current demands but also scalable for future growth. His work in optimizing wide area networks (WANs) and data center networks, as well as his expertise in routing protocols like BGP, OSPF, and MP-BGP, have been instrumental in enhancing the performance and security of critical network infrastructures. His use of advanced security solutions, such as Cisco Firepower, Checkpoint, and IPSEC VPNs, underscores his commitment to safeguarding organizational assets against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. By developing robust network security frameworks and protocols, Osundare has helped advance national cybersecurity capabilities, ensuring that Nigeria’s digital infrastructure is resilient against emerging threats.
Looking forward, Osundare’s work is set to continue shaping the future of network design and cybersecurity on a national level. His deep understanding of cloud concepts, virtualization, and the integration of AI and machine learning into network management positions him as a key figure in the ongoing digital transformation efforts in Nigeria. As organizations increasingly rely on digital infrastructures to support their operations, Osundare’s expertise will be crucial in ensuring that these networks are robust, secure, and capable of supporting future technological advancements. His leadership in adopting and integrating new technologies will drive further innovation in the field, setting a roadmap for other professionals and organizations to follow.
Olajide Osundare’s contributions to network design and cybersecurity are characterized by his innovative approach, technical excellence, and strategic foresight. His work has not only optimized current network operations but also set a precedent for future developments in the field. By advancing national standards for network performance, security, and scalability, Osundare is helping to shape the digital future of Nigeria. As he continues to lead and innovate, his impact on network engineering and security will undoubtedly shape the industry for years to come, ensuring that digital infrastructures remain secure, efficient, and resilient in the face of ever-evolving challenges. Through his ongoing efforts, Osundare is paving the way for a new era of network technology in Nigeria, where robust, scalable, and secure networks are the foundation of a thriving digital economy.
