The Lead Product Designer at Mainstack, Mr. Marvellous Akande, has advised young Nigerians to embrace technology with a clear sense of purpose and a global outlook.
Akande, a former Flutterwave employee and alumnus of the University of Ibadan, gave the advice during an interview with reporters in Ibadan on Thursday.
He argued that this mindset would make Nigerian youths highly competitive in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
Addressing concerns that Nigerian youths might be at a disadvantage in the global tech ecosystem, Akande insisted that access to Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools has significantly lowered entry barriers.
“We are not at a disadvantage. We have access to the same tools that people across the world are using,” he said.
“The difference lies in how we think and how far we are willing to look beyond our immediate environment.”
Akande noted that Nigeria’s technology ecosystem has experienced rapid growth in recent years, attracting foreign investments and producing startups with continental and global reach.
Lagos, widely regarded as Africa’s leading tech hub, has been home to several internationally recognized startups, while innovation clusters continue to expand to other cities, including Ibadan and Abuja.
He urged young Nigerians to avoid limiting their ambitions to the local ecosystem and instead design products capable of competing on the global stage.
According to him, aspiring tech professionals must be purpose-driven rather than motivated solely by financial gains.
“The first question you must answer is why you want to get into tech. That clarity will guide your journey and help you build solutions that truly make impact,” Akande said.
He also highlighted the diverse career paths within the technology ecosystem—such as engineering, product design, and quality assurance—and encouraged graduates to identify areas aligned with their strengths.
Akande cautioned against the misuse of AI, stressing that while the tools make development easier and faster, developers must ensure their innovations address real societal challenges.
“AI allows one person to do what used to require several engineers. But we must ensure that what we build solves problems and does not create confusion,” he added.
The tech leader further called for improved technology education in schools to equip young Nigerians with globally competitive skills.
He expressed optimism that with the right mindset, skills, and support systems, young Nigerians could compete favourably with their counterparts anywhere in the world.
Akande’s message reflects a growing push within Nigeria’s tech community to shift from local survival to global excellence, leveraging accessible AI tools and purpose-driven innovation to build lasting impact in the digital economy.
