Uchenna Nnamadim, a trailblazer in software quality assurance, stands out in an industry that thrives on innovation and excellence. With over five years of experience in Quality Assurance (QA), a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and a passion for mentoring future tech talent, Uchenna’s journey offers a blueprint for aspiring professionals navigating the ever-changing tech landscape. Uchenna is proving that Quality Assurance is just as critical to innovation, especially in an industry that often focuses on developers and designers. His journey from engineering to tech, his resilience in overcoming challenges, and his commitment to mentorship embody the qualities of a true pioneer. Voices like Uchenna will undoubtedly shape the tech landscape’s future. In this exclusive interview with The Guardian’s IFEANYI IBEH, Uchenna shares his story, challenges, and philosophies, offering insights into the often overlooked yet essential field of QA.
What inspired you to pursue Quality Assurance as a career?
Uchenna Nnamadim: My journey into QA was a mix of serendipity and determination. Initially, I was set on pursuing a career in engineering. While working at an engineering services firm in Lagos, I was studying subsea engineering with plans to further my education abroad. However, the prospect of creating impactful, scalable solutions drew me toward tech.
A friend introduced me to the tech industry, and I was captivated by its possibilities. I saved up for a laptop and began teaching myself programming, relying on online articles and newsletters. My internship at Flutterwave was a turning point. Working alongside talented developers, I was introduced to QA—a relatively unknown field at the time. I realized QA’s potential to ensure not just functionality but also a seamless user experience. That discovery shaped my career and brought me to where I am today.
What are some of the challenges you’ve encountered in this field?
Uchenna Nnamadim: When I started, QA was largely misunderstood. Many organizations didn’t prioritize it, seeing it as an afterthought rather than an integral part of the development cycle. Budget constraints, limited awareness, and resistance to change were common hurdles.
There are always challenges but I can say one of the toughest challenges I have ever experienced was advocating for QA’s value. I’ve had to demonstrate, time and again, how robust QA practices reduce costs, prevent customer dissatisfaction, and improve product reliability. Though progress has been made, there’s still work to do in making QA a standard, non-negotiable part of software development.
What is your proudest accomplishment in your career?
Uchenna Nnamadim: I would say one of my career highlights was leading the testing and launch of the Carbon iOS app—the first digital lending app on iOS in Africa. This was not just a technical achievement but also a groundbreaking innovation for the financial technology space on the continent. The project taught me resilience, teamwork, and the importance of taking ownership—lessons I carry with me into every endeavour.
Additionally, I’m incredibly proud of my recognition at the 2019 Lagos Testathon organized by Global App Testing in conjunction with Facebook, where I won two prestigious awards: Best Team and 1st Runner-Up for Best Issue Found. These accomplishments reflect my passion for quality assurance and my commitment to excellence in software testing.
What advice would you give to aspiring professionals in QA?
Uchenna Nnamadim: My biggest advice is to master the fundamentals. QA is about more than just finding bugs; it’s about ensuring quality at every stage of development. Learn the principles, understand the processes, and invest time in foundational skills. Advanced tools and techniques will follow, but the basics are non-negotiable.
Additionally, stay curious. The tech industry evolves rapidly, and staying relevant requires continuous learning. Be open to feedback and keep exploring new methodologies and tools.
What personal philosophy guides your work?
Uchenna Nnamadim: My guiding principle is rooted in growth and excellence. I believe in taking ownership, whether it’s of my personal development or the projects I work on. Every challenge is an opportunity to improve, and every success is a chance to set the bar higher.
What’s next for you?
Uchenna Nnamadim: I’m focusing on sharing knowledge through speaking engagements and mentoring. Over the past months, I’ve had the privilege of speaking at various events. And also I hope to be present at more festivals, and conferences where I can delve into QA strategies and the importance of quality in software development. Beyond that, I’m working on creating content—articles and resources—for aspiring QA professionals. My goal is to contribute to the community and help shape the next generation of QA leaders. Another goal that is still being discussed is to speak at GDG Devfest events.
