President Bola Tinubu has included Bosun Tijani, the co-founder and CEO of Nigeria’s biggest tech hub, Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), in the second batch of the ministerial list. This nomination marks a significant departure from a list laden with career politicians, past governors, and senators.
Born on July 20, 1977, Tijani’s tech journey began with a diploma in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Jos. His academic pursuits continued with a Master’s degree in Information Systems and Management from Warwick Business School and a PhD in Innovation and Economic Development at the University of Leicester.
Tijani’s professional experience is equally impressive. From working as a Business Development Manager with DeliveryKing to serving as Deployment Lead (Africa) with Hewlett Packard (HP) Global Micro-enterprises Acceleration Programme (GMEAP), his contribution to the tech space is quite deep. He has managed learning centres across Africa and initiated significant projects, including Mark Zuckerberg’s first visit to Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa as well as a meet up with Bill Gates, Founder of Microsoft.
Under Tijani’s leadership, CcHUB has grown from its humble beginnings in Yaba to acquiring major hubs across Africa, making it a pan-African tech incubator, empowering young people with the tools, communities, and capital they need to launch impactful ventures.
With a billion naira growth fund, CcHub invests in early-stage founders building innovative products in Africa’s education and healthcare systems.
Tijani’s nomination suggests that he is being considered for the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy role. This move aligns with President Tinubu’s focus on Nigeria’s tech ecosystem during his campaign, but that’s not the only option.
Tijani’s extensive experience and innovative mindset could also make him a key competitor for other ministries. His background in economics, coupled with his tech expertise, positions him as a potential candidate for overseeing ministries related to economic development or education.
In the context of the proposed ministry, Bosun Tijani’s profile is not the only option among the list of ministerial nominees.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s profile also stands out as a strong contender for the position of ICT minister. With an extensive background in electronics and communication engineering, a successful career as the CEO of Matrix IT Solutions Limited, and political experience as a member of the House of Representatives, Tunji-Ojo’s qualifications align perfectly with the role.
The nomination of tech leaders like Tijani could be a promising shift in Nigeria’s political landscape. It not only acknowledges the importance of the tech industry but also paves the way for innovative and forward-thinking governance. As the Senate continues the screening process, the tech community and the nation at large eagerly await the final decision, hopeful for a future where technology and innovation take centre stage in Nigeria’s development.
