By Tokunbo Adebayo

Oluwemimo Adetunji has been named Most Outstanding EdTech Data Analytics Professional of the Year for 2024 at the Nigeria Technology Awards, held on December 8, 2024, at the Admiralty Conference Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Following a competitive nomination and screening process, the judging panel and advisory board selected Adetunji for his recognition of data leadership in education, as institutions face increasing pressure to demonstrate learning outcomes, improve accountability, and make evidence-based decisions. In a sector often associated with devices and apps, data analytics is becoming the engine that determines what works, what fails, and what deserves to scale.

The Nigeria Technology Awards, organized by Betamedia, marked its 10th anniversary this year, bringing together professionals and organizations across telecommunications, software engineering, academia, commerce, marketing, retail, and the automotive sector to recognize key contributions to Nigeria’s technology development.

Beyond technical execution, Adetunji’s work reflects a broader focus on how structured data can strengthen institutions and improve learner outcomes. He has published on predictive modelling and adaptive learning and written on ethical and governance considerations around data use in AI-driven systems.

Adetunji is associated with SimplifiedIQ, where he served as Head of Data and Analytics and contributed to the data architecture behind the company’s AI-enabled assessment platform. The platform is designed to support institutions in creating, administering, monitoring, and grading assessments at scale while maintaining quality, fairness, and security.

Speaking on the recognition, Adetunji said the award reinforces a practical idea: innovation must translate into measurable progress. “Data and analytics are not just technical disciplines but instruments of progress,” he said. “When used with purpose, they enhance transparency, empower institutions, and create opportunities for the next generation.”

Event Director and Advisory Board Member, Felix C. Nnuji, reflected on the awards’ journey over the past decade. “As we celebrate this 10th anniversary, we look back at the innovators, startups, companies, and industry leaders who have left their mark on Nigeria’s tech landscape. NiTA has grown in both scope and prestige, providing a platform for recognizing outstanding achievements.” 

As part of the anniversary programme, organizers also introduced the Nigeria Academic Excellence Awards (NAEA) to highlight achievements in education, research, and academic innovation. Nnuji added: “Through this initiative, we aim to spotlight individuals, institutions, and projects driving academic excellence in Nigeria.”

NiTA continues to serve as a platform for promoting leadership and innovation within Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, while spotlighting professionals whose work is shaping the future of digital transformation in Nigeria.