We’re told to ‘move fast and break things.’ But the most important thing to break is the idea of a linear career path
In Nigeria’s vibrant tech ecosystem, we often look to Silicon Valley for inspiration, borrowing mantras like ‘move fast and break things.’ For many, it suggests a relentless push for product development. But my own journey has taught me a different, more personal interpretation. The most valuable things to break early in your career are your own assumptions, your comfort zones, and the rigid, one-dimensional career plan you thought you needed.
A few years ago, I began my career as a data scientist and community manager at the Data Science Nigeria (DSN). My dual role quickly revealed a foundational truth: a perfect model is meaningless if it doesn’t speak the language of business or connect with the community it’s meant to serve. I saw a critical gap not just in data, but in translation. This insight sparked my first deliberate career “break.”
That experience fundamentally rewired my entire professional toolkit. So, when I later joined FairMoney as a Credit Data Scientist, I returned to a core technical role armed with a new perspective. My time as a business analyst gave me a distinct advantage. I didn’t just accept project requirements; I could interrogate and co-create them. I understood how to ask why, connecting my models directly to the commercial realities of credit risk. Each “break” in my career path had become a building block. The community skills from DSN made me a better collaborator at AXA; the business acumen from AXA makes me a more effective data scientist at FairMoney today.
I see the pressure on young people in our tech community every day. The path seems daunting, and the first step is often the hardest. This is the primary reason I, along with other leaders in the field, founded AI Community Africa (AICA). We saw the intense hunger for guidance and the need for practical, accessible knowledge. We decided to build the community we wished we had when we were starting out.
As an NGO, all our courses and mentorship programs are entirely free. We are on a mission to build the next generation of African AI talent by democratizing access to world-class education and, just as importantly, mentorship. As a founding member and a leads mentor, I see the incredible potential that a little guidance can unlock. It’s my commitment to ensuring the next generation can move fast, make their mistakes early, and forge their own successful paths with a strong network behind them.
For any young Nigerian professional feeling lost in their career, my advice is this: don’t fear the detour. The winding road is where you build strength. The most valuable asset you can build right now is your own adaptability. The future of tech isn’t just being written in Silicon Valley; it’s being coded in hubs like Lagos every single day by brilliant minds ready to build, break, and rebuild a better future
To learn more about our work at AI Community Africa, find our free courses on YouTube or join our community on Twitter. We are proud to be one of the leading and fastest-growing AI communities in the country.
