Sometimes, one small idea can change the course of a lifetime. For software engineer Gbenga Akingbulere, that spark came more than a decade ago in Nigeria.
Back in 2010, he experimented with ways to make the internet more affordable for everyday users. Leveraging mobile phone network tweaks and a no-code platform called Ning, he created EduSocial, a hub that connected to Facebook, MySpace, and blogs. The platform drew hundreds of members eager to browse at a lower cost—an achievement that not only solved a problem but also ignited his interest in technology and community-building.
Though EduSocial ended when the platform switched to a paid model, the experience planted the seeds of a career path that would eventually take him across continents.
Academic Foundation and Early Challenges
Akingbulere’s academic journey was steeped in STEM. He earned a degree in Applied Science (Mathematics and Statistics) from the University of Lagos in 2018. The competitive admission process itself was a major feat—out of tens of thousands of applicants, only a small fraction were admitted each year.
While studying, he wasn’t just crunching numbers. He coded side projects, including a quiz app to help students prepare for Nigeria’s notoriously tough entrance exams. For him, mathematics was more than theory—it sharpened his ability to think critically and design solutions.
Professional Growth in Nigeria
After graduation, Akingbulere began building his professional footprint. He worked in multiple engineering roles, eventually becoming a Software Engineering Lead at Instiq Professional Services and later a Senior Software Engineer at Spinel Consulting. These experiences deepened his ability to design scalable systems and tackle complex problems.
A Leap Abroad
In 2022, his drive for knowledge and innovation led him to the United States. He earned a master’s degree in statistics, machine learning, and probability from Oklahoma State University on scholarship—a pivotal step that opened new doors.
Shortly after completing his studies, Akingbulere attended the AFROTECH Conference in Austin, Texas, where he connected with a recruiter from Palo Alto Networks. That chance meeting led to four rounds of interviews—and eventually, a role as a Staff Software Engineer at one of the world’s leading cybersecurity companies.
“It felt surreal,” he recalled, describing the moment he realized he’d joined one of the top players in global cybersecurity.
Giving Back and Moving Forward
Now thriving at Palo Alto Networks, Akingbulere hasn’t forgotten the power of networking and opportunity. In 2024, he returned to AFROTECH, this time as a company ambassador, eager to inspire and connect with other aspiring tech professionals. He will once again take part when the conference reconvenes in Houston this October.
His story is a reminder that ambition, persistence, and the right connections can turn early experiments into extraordinary achievements.
