My Journey to Tech

Like many average Nigerians, I grew up saying I wanted to become a doctor. Medicine was—and still is—one of the most popular professions associated with success and good income. However, I was a multitalented child. I loved mathematics and calculations, enjoyed reading storybooks, and had a habit of writing things down. I even kept a book filled with short jokes, games, motivational quotes, and more. I also had a deep love for computer. Back then, we had a desktop computer at home, and I would explore its various functions—from learning to type with Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing to creating short animation stories while still in junior secondary school. Despite all these interests, I assumed I would pursue medicine, so I decided to become a science student.

Senior secondary school was a unique experience for me. As planned, I became a science student, but somewhere along the line, I stopped saying I wanted to be a doctor. Instead, I started saying I wanted to become a pharmacist—not because I loved the profession but for the same practical reasons I had chosen medicine: it was prestigious and lucrative. I selected Pharmacy as my first choice for UNIBEN and Physiology as my first choice for AAU (Second-choice university).

When the JAMB results came out, I passed but didn’t get a competitive score. I was advised to switch to my second-choice university, but it didn’t offer Pharmacy. Adding to my challenges, I didn’t meet the minimum C grade in Chemistry. This was a huge blow because I had always been a bright student who never entertained failure. It was deeply disheartening. Determined to move forward, I registered for GCE. Despite putting in my best effort and studying hard, I still couldn’t pass Chemistry, while my peers, with whom I had prepared, all succeeded.

Eventually, I gained admission to study Physiology at AAU, even though I had little understanding of the career prospects it offered. At that point, I just wanted to get into the university. In hindsight, I realized how desperation can lead people to make decisions they’re not passionate about—much like those who pursue wealth at any cost, often making regrettable choices.

By divine intervention, I came across information about Computer Science. I discovered that its admission requirements didn’t make Chemistry compulsory, and I immediately felt drawn to it. It was like a light bulb moment—I couldn’t believe I had never considered Computer Science as a university course! Growing up, I had always loved computer and wanted to improve my skills, but I had been so fixated on medical courses that I never explored this path.

Looking back, I thank God that I didn’t pass Chemistry because I now realize Medicine, Pharmacy, or Physiology wasn’t for me. Perhaps if I had started with Computer Science, I might have even passed Chemistry out of sheer motivation. This experience taught me that sometimes God uses setbacks to redirect us. It’s not that He causes failure, but when we’re heading in the wrong direction, He lovingly guides us back on track. Over the years, I’ve had several experiences that affirm God’s involvement in every aspect of our lives. What seems like a setback can often be a stepping stone to greatness.

The story of Joseph in the Bible is a perfect example of God’s divine intelligence. His brothers initially wanted to kill him, but God intervened, placing it in the heart of one brother to spare him. At the right moment, slave traders appeared, ensuring Joseph’s survival. Later, Joseph was imprisoned but met a fellow inmate whose dream he interpreted. That connection led to Joseph being recommended to Pharaoh, which ultimately fulfilled God’s purpose (Genesis 37–50).

Another profound example is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. If you were alive during that time, you might have doubted Jesus’ divinity when He was mocked, captured, and crucified. Satan thought he was sabotaging God’s plan by orchestrating Jesus’ death, but little did he know that his actions were necessary for God’s purpose to be fulfilled. Jesus couldn’t have killed Himself; His crucifixion had to happen as part of God’s master plan (1 Corinthians 2:6–8).

Do you still doubt God? He is wisdom personified. Romans 8:28 tells us that “all things work together for good to those who love God.” This includes both good and bad situations. It’s up to us to either interpret challenges as setbacks and dwell on them or see them as stepping stones to victory. Challenges are not meant to defeat us; they are meant to be walked through on the way to success.

Learn to trust God, rejoice, and always think victory!