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Oludare Olarewaju
Founder and CEO @Raoatech l Learnerkia l STEMKIA - Schoolkia - President of Association of Nigeria Software Testers - IT Entrepreneur - Advocate for AI, Robotics,STEM & Coding - Edtech and Fintech Expert
Professional Background
Oludare Olarewaju is a distinguished IT entrepreneur with over 15 years of rich experience in managing the design, development, testing, and other critical aspects of enterprise software solutions' lifecycles. His remarkable career has been marked by the successful execution of complex ICT (Information and Communications Technology)-based projects across various sectors. These include education, tax and revenue collection for government and corporate organizations, aviation, as well as lottery and gaming industries. As an energetic leader in the tech industry, Oludare has consistently driven innovation and excellence in every project he undertakes.
As the founder and CEO of Raoatech, Oludare has pivoted his focus toward educational technology (edtech). He currently leads an enthusiastic team that is dedicated to transforming education for thousands of African youths. Over the past seven years, Raoatech has trained over 10,000 students from pre-school to higher education levels in STEM-based Robotics and Coding. This initiative reflects Oludare's commitment to bridging the education gap in Africa and preparing the youth for future challenges in technology.
Recognizing the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, Oludare passionately advocates for substantial investment in this critical area for African development. His insights on the significance of STEM/STEAM (including Arts) to humanity are highlighted in a compelling video, which can be found here.
Education and Achievements
Oludare is a proud alumnus of the University of Lagos, Nigeria, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering. He demonstrated his commitment to lifelong learning by pursuing a Post Graduate Programme, obtaining an Advanced Certificate in Oil and Gas Downstream Operations Management. This educational foundation has equipped him with the necessary skills to lead and innovate in the dynamic field of technology.
In addition to his formal education, Oludare has received multiple accolades for his contributions to the tech industry, particularly in software testing and education. He currently serves as the President of the Association of Nigeria Software Testers, which comprises over 500 professionals committed to enhancing software quality and standards in Nigeria. Oludare is also a proud member of the Nigerian Institute of Management, reinforcing his dedication to excellent management practices in his ventures.
His recent endeavor, Learnerkia, is a digital marketplace that facilitates virtual education by allowing educators to sell pre-recorded teaching videos, audio, and documents. This innovative platform ensures that learners can access valuable educational content while respecting the intellectual property rights of content creators. Educators can monetize their content, thereby creating new opportunities for growth in the educational sector. For more insights into this platform, watch Oludare's presentation on Learnerkia.
Moreover, Oludare and his dedicated team have developed a learning management system known as Schoolkia. This platform proved essential during the COVID-19 lockdown, enabling over 6,000 students from various prestigious schools such as Kings College Lagos and Halvan Hill Schools to continue their education remotely. Within the last seven years, Schoolkia has processed over $1 million in parent-teacher association (PTA) fees and school fees, showcasing its critical role in enhancing educational accessibility.
Oludare’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond the realm of edtech. He previously held several key positions, including Chief Executive Officer and Project Coordinator at TechXKIA Communications and Automation, Project Manager at Pundit Computer and Technologies Limited, and Head of the IT Department/Sub-Head of Sales and Marketing at Hadey Global Technologies Limited. These roles allowed him to gain invaluable experience in project management, software development, and sales strategies.
With a collaborative mindset, Oludare has also contributed to global initiatives. He served as a Design Thinking Junior Coach during the Impact Week events held at the University of Lagos, where he engaged with participants from diverse backgrounds and cultures. This experience not only reflects his commitment to mentoring young entrepreneurs but also showcases his belief in the importance of collaborative innovation, especially in a rapidly evolving technological environment.
Achievements
- Founder and CEO of Raoatech IT-Electromech Limited: Under his leadership, Raoatech has emerged as a prominent player in the edtech sector. The company’s focus on providing quality STEM education to African youths represents a significant contribution to addressing educational disparities in the region.
- Training Over 10,000 Youths: Through various programs, including robotics and coding training, Oludare has empowered thousands of students across Africa, enhancing their skills and preparing them for future opportunities in technology and innovation.
- Development of Learnerkia: The successful launch of Learnerkia establishes a vital link between educators and learners, promoting virtual education while advocating for the protection of intellectual property rights in the digital space.
- Leadership in Software Testing: As President of the Association of Nigeria Software Testers, Oludare has actively influenced the software testing community, fostering professional growth and excellence among practitioners in Nigeria.
- Impact During COVID-19: His efforts through the Schoolkia platform facilitated uninterrupted learning for thousands of students and processed significant financial transactions for educational institutions, demonstrating his ability to create impactful solutions during challenging times.
- Global Engagement: Participation as a Design Thinking Junior Coach in the Impact Week events underlines his commitment to fostering innovation through collaboration and mentorship, impacting future leaders in the tech space.
In summary, Oludare Olarewaju stands out as a visionary leader, passionate about shaping the future of technology and education in Africa. His entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with a strong educational foundation and unwavering commitment to social impact, positions him as a significant player in the journey to advance technological education across the continent.
