Ohanekwu…Championing inclusive tech through Open-source contributions

Favour Ohanekwu, is a self-driven and passionate tech enthusiast revolutionising the tech industry through his tireless Open-source contributions. As a go-getter, he embodies determination and perseverance. His unwavering commitment to success drives him to tackle complex challenges and push boundaries.

By helping global tech companies develop inclusive applications, the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife “Overall Best Student” for the 2018/2019 session with a CGPA of 4.89, is bridging the gap between technology and social responsibility. His dedication to collaborative development has led him to his current role as a Senior Software Engineer at SuperTokens, an open-source authentication and user management platform.

At SuperTokens, Ohanekwu leverages his expertise to create robust, open-source frameworks that millions of developers worldwide rely on to build secure, scalable, and innovative applications. Prior to his current role, he has worked as a software engineer at Appsmith, an open-source low-code application platform that simplifies custom application development for businesses. In this interview, he bares his mind about his journey, experiences, insights on the power of open-source contribution and why he’s helping to create a more inclusive digital landscape.

You are a self-driven and passionate tech enthusiast revolutionising the tech industry through your tireless efforts with Open-source contributions. Tell us about your journey into software engineering?
I believe technology should serve everyone, regardless of background or ability. My journey into software engineering has been quite a remarkable adventure. It all began during my second year at university, where I took my first Computer Science course, CSE 201. That was when I was introduced to software engineering. The sheer potential to identify and solve a problem by building a software solution ignited a spark within me. It was as if I had found my true calling. As a newbie, I often found myself relying on the incredible work of others through open-source products. I was blown away by the number and quality of free tools developed by passionate individuals from all corners of the globe. The ease with which I could integrate these tools into my projects was astounding. More importantly, the sense of community and collaboration that came with open-source was great.

What is open-source all about, and how would you explain this to a 12-year-old?
Imagine you and your friends love to build LEGO sets. Usually, you follow the instructions with the set, but what if you could share your LEGO designs with everyone in the world, and they could share theirs with you? Open source is like that but with software instead of LEGO bricks. When someone creates a piece of software (like a game or an app), they can choose to share the instructions on how they made it with everyone. These instructions are called the source code. When software is open source, anyone can look at the source code, use it, change it, and even share it with others. If you find an open-source game and think it would be more incredible with dragons, you can add dragons! And if it should be faster or have better graphics, you can change those things too. Then, you can share your improved version with your friends, and they can use it and make their changes if they want. The best part is that when everyone shares their ideas and improvements, the software improves, benefiting everyone. It’s like a giant, worldwide LEGO building team where everyone is helping each other create the best sets ever!

You’ve dedicated your career to open-source projects. What drives this passion?
I have benefited from the open-source tools and resources developed by others. Dedicating my career to open-source projects is my way of giving back to the community that has given me so much. It’s a cycle of contribution and gratitude that keeps the ecosystem thriving.

You’ve achieved impressive milestones in your career. Can you share a pivotal moment that you have experienced?
One pivotal moment in my career occurred while working at Appsmith. While there, I noticed that the editor’s performance could significantly improve, affecting the overall user experience. Motivated by the desire to enhance the tool that our users depended on, I decided to take on this challenge. I looked into the source code of Appsmith, analysed the existing implementation, and identified areas where performance bottlenecks were occurring. After extensive testing and experimenting with different optimisation techniques, I developed a solution that greatly enhanced the editor’s performance. This experience was transformative. It wasn’t just about resolving a performance issue; it was about realising my ability to impact a major project. Since then, I’ve continued contributing to various projects, collaborating with talented developers, and even initiating my open-source endeavours. That experience at Appsmith taught me the importance of perseverance, community support, and the profound impact one can have through dedicated contributions.

In your experience, how does participating in open-source projects benefit developers and the broader tech ecosystem?
Participating in open-source projects offers numerous benefits. Developers gain valuable skills by working with advanced technologies, learning different coding practices, and solving complex problems. Their contributions serve as a strong portfolio that showcases real-world experience. For the tech ecosystem, open-source software promotes transparency and security by allowing anyone to review and improve code, leading to faster bug fixes and higher-quality software. It reduces costs for businesses and individuals by providing free alternatives to proprietary software, promoting interoperability, and setting industry standards.

What are the challenges faced by Nigerian engineers in contributing to open-source projects?
Nigerian engineers often encounter several challenges when participating in open-source projects. Access to resources such as high-speed internet and consistent electricity can be limited, hindering their ability to engage fully in online communities and access necessary repositories. Infrastructure for software development, including modern computers and software tools, is also less available compared to more developed regions. Despite these challenges, Nigerian engineers demonstrate resilience and creativity in contributing to open-source initiatives.

What strategies can help address and overcome the challenges?
Investing in education and skills development through partnerships with educational institutions and industry stakeholders can help bridge skill and resource gaps among Nigerian engineers. Promoting diversity and inclusion within the global open-source community is essential. Initiatives such as mentorship programs targeted at underrepresented groups can offer support and guidance, fostering a sense of belonging and recognition for contributions. Advocating for institutional support from government agencies, educational institutions, and corporations is crucial. This support can include policies and initiatives encouraging open-source participation and providing institutional backing for engineers.

What advice would you give to junior developers or those new to contributing open-source projects?
For junior developers or those new to contributing to open-source projects, I would advise starting by exploring projects that genuinely interest you. Look for projects aligned with your skills and passions, as this will make the learning process more enjoyable. Begin by familiarising yourself with the project’s documentation, guidelines, and contribution processes. Understanding how contributions are managed, including version control systems like Git and issue tracking systems, is essential. Don’t hesitate to start small. Look for beginner-friendly issues or tasks labelled “good first issue” within the project’s tracker. These tasks help newcomers get acquainted with the codebase and development workflow. When you’re ready to contribute, whether it’s fixing a bug, adding a feature, or improving documentation, communicate openly with the project maintainers. Ask questions, seek clarification when needed, and be receptive to feedback. Remember, open-source is not just about writing code. It’s also about collaborating with others, reviewing code, testing, documenting, and addressing user feedback.

Looking ahead, what future trends do you foresee in the open-source software landscape?
One of the most prominent shifts is enterprises’ increasing adoption of open-source solutions across various sectors. Organisations increasingly recognise the benefits of flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and community-driven innovation that open-source software offers. Innovation in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will continue to accelerate, with a proliferation of open-source frameworks and tools catering to these domains. development.