Leverage youthful talents to become global IT outsourcing powerhouse – Software engineer urges Nigeria
Aderemi Okeowo, a software engineer, has urged Nigeria to leverage its large, English-speaking, youthful talent pool and rapidly-growing tech ecosystem to become a global IT outsourcing powerhouse, similar to what India achieved decades ago.
Aderemi Okeowo, a software engineer, has urged Nigeria to leverage its large, English-speaking, youthful talent pool and rapidly-growing tech ecosystem to become a global IT outsourcing powerhouse, similar to what India achieved decades ago.
Adeyemi, who made this known recently in an interview with our correspondent, said Nigeria can deliver world-class software development, fintech solutions, and remote engineering services at competitive prices that global clients desire.
He suggested that by enhancing reliable broadband and power infrastructure, enacting supportive legislation like the upcoming Digital Economy Bill to simplify regulations and attract foreign investment, and developing dedicated talent cities and tech hubs in Lagos and beyond, Nigeria can provide the same cost-effective quality, time-zone advantages, and scalable delivery that made India indispensable.
He emphasised that momentum had already been generated by significant investments in modern data centers slated to launch this year, in partnership with companies like MTN, Microsoft, and Equinix. Additionally, Andela’s successful model of training and exporting top-tier developers to Fortune 500 companies worldwide is fostering a virtuous cycle of exposure, remittances, and local innovation that India mastered so well.
Speaking on how software development has evolved in Nigeria, Aderemi opined that the fintech sector has seen the most improvement, while other sectors like Agrotech and Edutech are also witnessing advancement. Aderemi also rated Nigeria’s journey with e-governance as a success, positioning the country as a rising digital leader in Africa.
“Platforms like the National Identity Number system and integrated services portals, which have connected people directly to essential services such as passport renewals, tax filings, and banking, eliminating long queues and unnecessary paperwork, are genuinely making life easier for everyday citizens and fostering a more transparent and efficient government that is prepared for the future,” he added.
Aderemi, managing director, Retani Consults, is a versatile software engineer. He obtained a degree in Business Administration from Babcock University, Nigeria and another degree in Information Technology and Business Information Systems from Middlesex University, UK. He kicked off his career as a Software Engineer at Interswitch and later, as a senior consultant with Andela. As a consultant, he had helped companies set up e-learning solutions (Moodle), including installing Moodle on Linux servers, providing maintenance, and converting courses to the appropriate SCORM formats. Currently, he is a top-rated Upwork consultant specialising in building Chrome extension solutions, among other technologies.
