… Says “Discovering Flutter, a turning point in my career”

By Nnamdi Ojiego

Okocha Ebube is a founding engineer at Kippa, an all-in-one financial management solution for small businesses in Africa. In this interview, Ebube reveals how he invested long hours, self-educated himself to build a successful tech career. He says his aspiration is to build and own startups while solving real-world problems, and improving lives with technology. Excerpts:

Can you tell us about your early interest in technology?

My interest in technology didn’t start at an early age. It actually began during my university years when I was preparing for JAMB. Before then, in SS3, I knew little about computers or coding. I initially considered studying Civil Engineering until a friend introduced me to Computer Science and Coding, This friend told me about his cousin’s involvement in creating 2go. So, this piqued my interest, and I decided to pursue Computer Science at university. In my first year, I got my first laptop and started learning programming languages like Visual Basic and VB.NET. By my second year, I had delved deeper into coding with languages like Java and Python.

Mastering programming

In university, I was intrigued by programming, especially when a fellow student showed us how to create user interfaces with simple commands. However, balancing schoolwork and self-learning was challenging. The curriculum provided the basics, but I had to invest long hours independently to master programming. Grasping abstract concepts in software engineering and switching from Java to Python due to the former’s complexity were significant hurdles. Python’s simplicity helped me understand programming fundamentals better.

What was your educational journey like, and how did it prepare you for a career in technology?

My educational journey didn’t initially prepare me for a tech career. I was introduced to tech at the end of secondary school, and during my university years, I realized that relying solely on formal education wouldn’t suffice. So I decided to self-educate and dedicated long hours to learning coding beyond what was taught in classes. This independent learning, though challenging, was crucial in preparing me for a tech career.

Can you share some key milestones in your tech journey?

My tech journey started with learning to code and then exploring web development before transitioning to mobile development. Initially, I used Java and JavaFX for desktop applications but later moved to web development with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. However, I found my passion in mobile development. Discovering Flutter in 2015-2016 was a turning point. After my NYSC, I worked for companies like Intelligence Innovations and Freedom, eventually joining Kippa as a founding engineer. At Kippa, we quickly released features and addressed bugs, which significantly shaped my growth as an engineer.

What inspired you to switch from web to mobile development?

While exploring web development with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, I quickly realized that my interests lay elsewhere. The complexity and dynamics of mobile development attracted me more. When I discovered Flutter, I saw an opportunity to build cross-platform mobile applications efficiently. This discovery solidified my passion for mobile development, and I’ve been dedicated to it ever since.

How did Kippa’s $8.4 million funding round impact its operations?

The funding allowed Kippa to expand significantly. When I joined, we were a small team working out of a house in Abuja. The funds enabled us to hire more people, move to a proper office, and expand our team, including international hires. We grew from a handful of engineers to a much larger, more diverse team. This growth facilitated the development of new features and improved processes, such as QA testing and API testing, which were previously non-existent.

Furthermore, the additional funds Kippa received allowed us to establish better processes and conduct more thorough research and testing before releasing features. Initially, we would quickly push features to meet deadlines but with more resources, we could afford to be meticulous, incorporating QA analysis and extensive testing. This shift improved the quality and stability of our releases.

How would you describe the working culture at Kippa?

Kippa had a dynamic startup culture that required quick movement and adaptability, which could be intense but was also highly educational and rewarding. We formed strong bonds, as the early team lived and worked together. Despite the occasional tension, the overall experience was positive, with opportunities to make significant contributions and build lasting connections. Kippa’s practice of paying bi-weekly and maintaining a first-name basis culture fostered a supportive environment.

Can you describe a significant project you have worked on at Kippa and your role in it?

One significant project I have worked on at Kippa was developing and launching the Kippa app. As a founding engineer, I was deeply involved in the entire process, from initial development to release. We worked in a fast-paced environment, constantly iterating and improving the app based on user feedback. My role included writing and optimizing code, fixing bugs, and ensuring the app’s stability. This project was crucial in shaping my skills and understanding of mobile development.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I see myself working in the UK on a global talent visa, contributing to their economy and making society better. My goal is to leverage my expertise in technology to drive innovation and growth. Additionally, I aspire to build and own a startup, creating solutions that address real-world problems and improve people’s lives. This vision aligns with my passion for technology and my desire to make a meaningful impact on a global scale.