Olatunbosun Tijani, born on July 20, 1977, is a prominent Nigerian-British entrepreneur and a trailblazer in the field of technology and innovation. He currently holds the esteemed position of Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a role to which he was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on August 16, 2023. Tijani’s visionary leadership and significant contributions have played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s technological landscape.
Entrepreneurial Journey and Impactful Ventures
Tijani’s entrepreneurial journey took flight with the co-founding of Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), a Pan-African innovation and technology center that stands as a beacon of innovation and social progress. As a thought leader at the forefront of technology advancement, Tijani has harnessed the power of innovation and social capital to pave the way for a brighter society.
Acknowledged as a pioneer and industry luminary within the African technology ecosystem, Tijani’s accomplishments have earned him a place among the 100 Most Influential People on the continent, an accolade bestowed upon him by New Africa Magazine. His efforts to elevate Africa’s technological prominence are exemplified by landmark initiatives such as Mark Zuckerberg’s historic visit to Nigeria in 2016, which was orchestrated by Tijani to position Africa on the global technology map.
Tijani’s influence also extends to hosting prominent global technology leaders in Nigeria, including former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Bill Gates, the co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Under his leadership, CcHUB expanded its footprint across Africa, acquiring Kenya’s iHub and establishing the CcHUB Design Lab in Kigali, Rwanda, and CcHUB Namibia, the leading tech hub in Windhoek.
A Scholarly Pursuit of Knowledge
Tijani’s dedication to knowledge and academic excellence is evident through his academic journey. He embarked on his educational odyssey at the University of Jos, Nigeria, where he pursued Economics and earned a Bachelor’s degree in 2002. Subsequently, he earned an MSc in Information Systems and Management from the prestigious Warwick Business School, United Kingdom, in 2007.
In 2023, Tijani’s insatiable thirst for knowledge culminated in the award of a PhD in innovation and economic development from the University of Leicester’s School of Business. His doctoral research delved into the intricate web of innovation capacity and its implications for developing countries, offering fresh perspectives on the organization of innovation ecosystems in Africa.
Catalyst for Innovation and Collaboration
Before the establishment of CcHUB, Tijani’s professional journey encompassed influential roles at esteemed organizations. Notably, he contributed to trade development as a Fellow at the International Trade Centre in Geneva, Switzerland. His strategic leadership facilitated the deployment of groundbreaking web-marketing and information services programs across multiple African nations, driving positive outcomes in trade and enterprise management.
Tijani’s tenure at Hewlett Packard witnessed his adept management of transformative projects, including the deployment of learning centers in Kenya and Nigeria, as well as initiation of the Micro-enterprise Acceleration Programme learning center in Nigeria.
He further distinguished himself as the European Innovation Manager at Pera Innovation Network, where he orchestrated collaborative efforts among European innovation agencies, fostering cross-cluster best practices and entrepreneurial innovation.
Empowering the Future Through Initiatives
Tijani’s commitment to societal betterment is palpable through his extensive engagement in various initiatives. Beyond his pioneering work at CcHUB, he launched Truppr, a platform promoting fitness events for enthusiasts, and founded STEM Cafe, a maker lab nurturing young minds in Lagos, Kigali, and Nairobi.
His involvement in board memberships, including Taeillo and LifeBank, underscores his dedication to advancing healthcare and commerce. Tijani’s contributions extended to the European Union Advisory Group on Research and Innovation, where he advised on Africa-Europe Cooperation.
A Life of Inspiration and Balance
Beyond his formidable professional pursuits, Tijani finds fulfillment in his personal life. Residing in Abuja, Nigeria, and Leicester, United Kingdom, with his wife Moji Tijani and three children, he embraces an active lifestyle as a fitness enthusiast and an avid lover of football.
Olatunbosun Tijani’s indomitable spirit, visionary leadership, and relentless pursuit of innovation have left an indelible mark on the global technology landscape. As a beacon of progress and collaboration, he continues to illuminate pathways toward a brighter future for Nigeria and the entire African continent.
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