Following our feature on Idris Ayodeji Bello, the “Afropolitan” techpreneur, this edition of Tech Parley’s People’s Spotlight celebrates Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
A trailblazer in Africa’s tech space, Dr. Tijani has dedicated his career to driving innovation and building impactful ecosystems that transform lives.
The nomination of tech leaders like Tijani signals a promising shift in Nigeria’s political landscape. It not only acknowledges the critical role of the tech industry but also paves the way for innovative and forward-thinking governance.
By bridging the gap between public service and technological expertise, Tijani represents a new wave of leadership committed to positioning Nigeria as a global innovation hub.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 20, 1977, in Agege, Lagos State, Dr. Tijani hails from Ogun State. He began his education in Abeokuta before attending the University of Jos, where he earned a diploma in Computer Science and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics in 2002.
In 2007, he graduated with an MSc in Information Systems and Management from Warwick Business School, UK.
His academic journey also includes an executive program in Innovation for Economic Development at Harvard Kennedy School in 2013 and a Draper Hills Fellowship at Stanford University in 2014.
Dr. Tijani achieved his PhD in Innovation and Economic Development from the University of Leicester in 2023, with groundbreaking research on innovation ecosystems in developing countries.
A Career Rooted in Innovation
Dr. Tijani’s professional journey reflects a commitment to empowering businesses and communities:
International Trade Centre (Geneva): Spearheaded web-marketing programs across Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa.
Hewlett Packard (HP): Deployed learning centers across Africa, including Kenya, Nigeria, and Morocco.
Pera Innovation Network (UK): Managed EU-funded projects, fostering cross-cluster innovation in Europe.
In 2010, he co-founded Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), which became a cornerstone of Africa’s tech ecosystem. Under his leadership, CcHUB expanded to Kenya, Rwanda, and Namibia, acquired Kenya’s iHub, and developed projects like the Yaba tech cluster in Lagos, catalyzing Nigeria’s tech boom.
Ministerial Achievements
Since assuming office on August 21, 2023, Dr. Tijani has launched transformative initiatives to position Nigeria as a global tech leader.
- Build-A-Thon
Introduced 1,500 secondary school students in Maiduguri, Owerri, and Abeokuta to maker culture.
Prototypes included smart homes for displaced persons, robotic hands for the disabled, and automated parking systems.
Winning teams showcased innovative solutions like functional speedboats and smart security systems.
The first edition was won by Team Vianney from St. John Vianney Science College, Igbariam, Anambra State emerging as winners.
Their winning project – Moonlight Tales and Games (M-Tag) – is a platform that empowers young minds to explore, play, and connect with their cultural roots through a blend of folk stories and games.
- 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT)
World’s largest talent accelerator, training over 300,000 Nigerians in fields like AI, cybersecurity, and product design.
Cohort breakdown: 30,000 (Cohort 1), 270,000 (Cohort 2), with 90,000 set for Cohort 3.
Supported by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
- Broadband Alliance
This initiative, costing approximately $2bn, is expected to increase Nigeria’s fibre capacity from 35,000 km to 125,000 km, positioning it as Africa’s third-largest terrestrial fibre-optic infrastructure
Efforts are also underway to expand Nigeria’s fibre-optic network by 90,000 kilometres as part of the Fibre Forward Strategic Development project, aiming to enhance internet access across the country.
Project 774 LG Connectivity: Provides internet access to all 774 local government areas.
- National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS)
A framework for responsible AI adoption to drive economic growth and tackle societal challenges.
- National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill
Aims to transform Nigeria’s economy through digital trade and enhanced public services.
Engages stakeholders nationwide for inclusive policy development.
- National Girls in ICT Competition
Empowers girls with tech skills through workshopsm entorship, and competitions.
Aims to bridge the gender gap in ICT.
- Google ₦2.8 billion grant
The Google grant’s aim is to promote AI talent development in Nigeria. The grant was said to the ministry’s AI initiatives to upskill youth and unemployed Nigerians, aligning with Google.org’s $5.8 million commitment to digital skills programs across Sub-Saharan Africa
The Fund will see each selected startup receive ₦100 million in funding, along with up to $3.5million in Google Cloud Credits to help scale their solutions.
The 10 startups selected for the AI Fund include:
- BetaLife Health: A startup that leverages AI to predict demand and match blood types for Africa’s blood supply needs.
- Bunce: An AI-driven platform that centralises and personalizes customer engagement for businesses
- CDIAL AI: A company that enables seamless text-to-speech and speech-to-text AI functionality in 13 languages across underserved regions.
- Farmspeak: Leverages AI to support livestock farmers with disease detection and climate control.
- Lendsqr: Streamlines lending operations using AI, empowering global lenders and borrowers.
- ProDevs: Connects global companies with vetted African tech talent through AI-driven pre-classification and job matching.
- Rana Energy: AI-powered energy management optimising sustainable power for underserved users.
- SaaSPro Health: AI-driven healthcare documentation with tailored tools for Nigerian doctors.
- Towntalk: Leverages AI to provide contextual security insights for African communities, empowering informed decision-making.
- Trade Lenda: Streamlines credit analysis for MSMEs using AI, facilitating access to financing
Accolades and Personal Life
A recipient of the Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellowship, Dr. Tijani resides in Abuja and Leicester with his wife, Moji, and their three children.
Commentary
Dr. Tijani’s journey from a startup founder to a government visionary epitomizes the fusion of private sector expertise with public sector impact. His initiatives like 3MTT and Project 774 LG Connectivity are laying the groundwork for a digitally inclusive Nigeria. Beyond the accolades, his enduring commitment to innovation, as echoed in his words, reminds us of the transformative potential of visionary leadership.
In a candid moment during his interview with Rest of World, Dr. Tijani reflected on his future:
“For me, it’s always been about staying on the side that’s not driven by financial returns, strengthening the ecosystem, giving opportunities to more people. I see a huge opportunity in the public sector, where we have gaps. You’ll continue to see me in government in some shape or form.”
Dr. Bosun Tijani isn’t just leading innovation in Nigeria; he’s rewriting what leadership means in the 21st century—a relentless pursuit of impact, growth, and opportunity for all.
