Olamide Afolabi, Chief Executive Officer at Touch and Pay Technologies, has embarked on an inspirational journey to be at the forefront of cybersecurity leadership. From his early days in Lagos, Nigeria, to taking Touch and Pay Technologies to new heights, Olamide’s journey is a source of inspiration for those navigating the complexities of the cybersecurity landscape. This interview highlights his experiences and how EC-Council University helped shape his cybersecurity endeavors.
Olamide’s story begins with his ambitious vision for Touch and Pay Technologies Ltd., a company dedicated to digitizing African microtransactions. The focal point of their efforts lies in revolutionizing transportation, with a current reach that spans over 400,000 bus riders in Lagos alone. However, with this expansion came a significant challenge – safeguarding sensitive data generated from these transactions. Recognizing the potential risks, Olamide embarked on a mission to fortify Touch and Pay Technologies Ltd.’s cybersecurity infrastructure.
The Call to Cybersecurity
At the outset of his journey, Olamide recognized cybersecurity’s critical role in the success and sustainability of his venture. He explains the imperative of securing data generated by his company’s massive number of transactions. To address this challenge head-on, Olamide took a strategic step – enrolling in the Master of Science in Cyber Security (MSCS) program with EC-Council University.
My experience with EC-Council University has been incredible. While the initial challenges were daunting, the presence of supportive mentors and skilled faculty made the journey a smooth and successful one.
— Olamide Afolabi
Olamide delves into the aspects of the https://www.eccu.edu/academics/master-of-science-in-cyber-security/ that caught his attention. The richness of the curriculum, with its real-world applicability, resonated deeply with his company’s mission. The program’s emphasis on data protection, policy formulation, and stakeholder management aligned seamlessly with the challenges faced by Touch and Pay Technologies Ltd. This relevance drove Olamide to choose EC-Council University for his cybersecurity education.
How Master of Science in Cyber Security Reshaped Touch and Pay Technologies Ltd.
As Olamide progressed through the MSCS program, the tangible benefits to Touch and Pay Technologies Ltd. became apparent. The hands-on nature of the courses empowered Olamide and his team to proactively identify and counter potential threats. The skills acquired through the program were not confined to theoretical knowledge but permeated throughout the organization, fortifying systems and positioning Touch and Pay Technologies Ltd. as a leader in the industry.
Having undergone training with the EC-Council University, MSCS has intensified our awareness, enabling us to proactively identify and intercept potential threats. This newfound capability empowers us not only to suspect and anticipate but also to prevent and strengthen our system, making it more robust and resilient.
— Olamide Afolabi
Recognition in the Industry: The Hands-On Advantage
The MSCS program’s practical approach became a defining feature for Olamide and his team. The hands-on labs are a significant factor in the program’s success. These labs were exercises and simulations where participants had to hack into systems, install rootkits, and crack passwords. This hands-on experience provided a unique perspective, fostering a deep understanding of potential vulnerabilities and the power that cyber threats could have on a system.
Olamide’s journey resonates with many in Nigeria, a country witnessing a digital revolution.
As a beacon of cybersecurity leadership in Africa, Olamide Afolabi’s success story with EC-Council University inspires aspiring cybersecurity professionals in Nigeria and beyond. His tale underscores the critical role of continuous learning in navigating the dynamic landscape of cybersecurity, contributing to individual success and the broader goal of securing digital landscapes in Africa and beyond.
Personal Impact and System Tightening
Olamide emphasizes the personal impact of the MSCS program on his awareness and approach to cybersecurity. He reflects on the program’s role in making him aware of potential threats and, more importantly, equipping him with the knowledge to prevent these threats from materializing. Cybersecurity, he notes, is not merely a study but a critical factor that can impact a business overnight, taking it from 100 to zero. Beyond adding value to stakeholders, the program prompted Touch and Pay Technologies Ltd. to tighten its systems, addressing issues previously overlooked.
Favorite Aspects of the Master of Science in Cyber Security Program
Olamide’s journey through the MSCS program was challenging. He reveals that the most exciting part for him was the labs. These labs provided access to operating systems that participants were supposed to hack, offering a real-world simulation of cybersecurity threats. The thrill of understanding how cyber bullies or hackers could compromise a system made Olamide and his team conscious of the need for robust security measures.
Balancing Act of Working and Learning with EC-Council University
Olamide sheds light on how he balanced the demands of running a company with the rigors of the MSCS program. The self-paced structure of the courses allowed him to watch videos and complete coursework at his convenience, often dedicating his nights to learning. This flexibility, coupled with the program’s practical approach, made it feasible for Olamide to absorb the knowledge while fulfilling his responsibilities as a CEO.
The self-paced nature of EC-Council University’s courses allowed me to find the right balance between work and learning. I could watch videos and complete coursework at my convenience, often dedicating my nights to absorbing the knowledge. The course structure made it easy to allocate time effectively, ensuring I could excel in both work and education simultaneously.
— Olamide Afolabi
Great Scope for Cybersecurity and Digitization in Nigeria
Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, highlights Nigeria’s immense potential for digitization, foreseeing a 26% revenue boost and a 22% reduction in operating costs for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (NITDA, 2023). This aligns with the transformative impact of our cybersecurity courses, emphasizing the crucial role of secure digital practices in driving economic growth. As Nigeria embraces digitization, the estimated $53 billion impact underscores the need for robust cybersecurity education to safeguard this digital evolution.
Olamide’s Appreciation for EC-Council University
“Olamide attributes much of his success to EC-Council University. He acknowledges the university’s role in enlightening him about potential threats and equipping him with the skills to defend against them. The program’s emphasis on self-awareness, consciousness in business, and the need for sustainable cybersecurity practices has left an indelible mark on Olamide’s approach to his company’s security.
The course is excellent, with a rich syllabus. The self-paced structure, coupled with the challenges presented for effective learning, makes it a comprehensive and highly recommended experience. I would endorse it to anyone without hesitation.
— Olamide Afolabi
Cybersecurity Leadership
Olamide Afolabi’s journey from cybersecurity advocate to CEO is a testament to the transformative power of education. His leadership journey in the African cybersecurity landscape demonstrates how a commitment to learning and strategic investment in cybersecurity education can fortify a business and contribute to the broader goal of securing digital landscapes. Olamide’s success story with EC-Council University inspires aspiring cybersecurity professionals, underscoring the importance of continuous learning in the dynamic and evolving field of cybersecurity.
Explore Olamide Afolabi’s inspiring journey in cybersecurity and the impact of EC-Council University’s program in shaping his success. Watch the video for a firsthand account of his experiences and commitment to cybersecurity excellence.
