At the recently concluded UNESCO International Youth Day 2025 in Lagos, themed “Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation Through Technology and Partnership,” one of the most compelling voices was that of Godwin Iheuwa, a Nigerian-born technology leader whose expertise bridges Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, and DevOps.
Speaking as a featured panelist, Godwin challenged young innovators to embrace emerging technologies as catalysts for collaboration and sustainable growth. His message was clear:
“Think of recent AI models not just as chatbots, but as creative partners. They can generate high-quality images and videos from simple text or voice descriptions, empowering you to create educational content and drive sustainable change in your communities.”
This powerful intervention struck a chord with participants and highlighted why Crest Africa is celebrating Godwin as a technologist whose career blends technical mastery with ethical leadership. His journey reflects a commitment not only to innovation but also to empowering communities and mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Godwin’s professional path began with roles as a Data Center Infrastructure Engineer and Database Engineer at MTN Nigeria and MTN Benin Republic. These early experiences formed the foundation for his advanced career in systems, security, and cloud-native innovation. His academic credentials further reinforce his global standing: a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, a Master’s degree in Computer Science with Distinction from the University of Bedfordshire, United Kingdom, and a suite of prestigious certifications from Amazon and Microsoft in DevOps, cloud architecture, and data engineering.
Beyond professional practice, Godwin has established himself as a researcher and thought leader. His peer-reviewed publications include “Zero Trust Security Model in DevOps for Cloud Native Environments” (TIJER, 2024) and “Comparative Analysis of GitOps Tools and Frameworks” (Path of Science, 2025). These works are shaping how organizations around the world approach security in cloud-native systems, balancing agility with robust protection.
Equally significant is his role as a mentor. In 2021, Godwin was selected as a Training Mentor in the ALC × Microsoft 4Afrika Skillslab Program, a nationwide initiative on Microsoft Cloud Computing (Azure) that engaged and upskilled over 3,000 Nigerian undergraduates and fresh graduates. Through this platform, he guided aspiring engineers through practical applications of cloud technologies, reinforcing his belief that the future of Africa’s technology sector lies in building empowered youth communities.
His leadership has also extended internationally, from serving as Head of IT and Digital Development at YOD UNESCO, to supporting talent as a volunteer with the Scottish Tech Army in the UK and DevLaunchers in the USA. These roles demonstrate his ability to bridge Africa’s expertise with the wider global technology ecosystem.
Today, Godwin works with Amazon, where he continues to broaden his global exposure while championing the importance of secure and ethical technology adoption. His career demonstrates that innovation must not only solve technical problems but also serve people, protect data, and respect communities.
From his foundation at MTN to his recognition at UNESCO International Youth Day 2025, and from mentoring thousands of young Nigerians on Microsoft Cloud Computing to shaping global conversations on cybersecurity, AI, and DevOps, Godwin Iheuwa represents the very best of African innovation and global leadership. Crest Africa’s recognition of his achievements reaffirms a powerful truth: Nigeria continues to produce world-class innovators whose impact extends far beyond the continent.
Please visit https://yodunesco.org to learn more.
