It's well known that the easiest and best way to learn about any area or field is ask those who make things happen there.
Our very first guest on Tech Titans Nigeria is a true technology titan. One who has overcome several barriers to turn his vision into reality.
He's currently the CEO and Managing Director of TTC Mobile, a leader in area of telecommunications training in Nigerian. TTC Mobile has sponsored thousands of Nigerian youths to various trainings in IT and telecoms in the last 5 years via its numerous grassroots oriented programs such as the National Technology Scholarship, National ICT Summit, National Youth Development program and Free IT Training programs.
Please, join us in welcoming Engr. Akin Aregbesola on board TTN. Enjoy!
Q: What challenges do you believe currently face Technological Advancement in Nigeria?
A: Power: For this reason,there is immigration of multinationals to Ghana. This is killing us even technologically.
Financing: Many young people have great ideas but no finance to bring it to life.
Lack of Training/ Manpower: To buy equipment is one thing. To man it or fully explore it is another.
Lack of Training/ Manpower: To buy equipment is one thing. To man it or fully explore it is another.
Usually, the people with the right training are not available and are hardly available long enough.
Choosing the right staff: Staffs of 3 right persons is better than a staff of 20 wrong persons.
Q: What can entrepreneurs do about them?
A: Work with experts to circumvent these challenges as they grow in business. Still go ahead and start small.
Tackle the challenges as they unfold.
Tackle the challenges as they unfold.
Q: What can the Government do to help?
A: Provide Electricity: This is over-flogged already but it still remains the number 1 challenge. I spend over 100,000 Naira on 3 generators. Can you then imagine how enormous this challenge is for small and medium and even for the big companies?
Provide an enabling environment: SON and other regulation bodies should be up and doing. Mandate banks to finance worthy (Telecom) projects.
Provide an enabling environment: SON and other regulation bodies should be up and doing. Mandate banks to finance worthy (Telecom) projects.
Q: What are your greatest lessons so far in the industry?
A: - It pays to be unique in the services you render.
- It is easier to pick 10 Naira from many persons than to pick 1 million Naira from a single company.
- I can't do it all by myself, i need the right people in the right places in my Organization.
- Content is very important , Packaging is equally important
Q: What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs/Colleagues?
A: Don't copy. Be Unique. Also, don't wait to have everything before you start.
Q: What are your favorite mobile and desktop applications/tools/products and Why?
A: Mobile: I hardly use.
Desktop: Corel, because i need to do a lot of graphics.
Q: Please tell us when and how your company was started and also how you made it to this level
today?
A: I founded the company in 2003. All I had then was a computer, a mobile phone and just enough money to run 3 small adverts in the Guardian newspaper. I had no office space, no staff and no sign post. It got to this level as a result of creativity, perseverance and lately, having the right staff.
Q: What kind of certifications are available in the Telecoms industry and how important are they
A: Vendor Certifications such as Ericcson, Huawei, Alcatel, etc . You do not require certifications to launch yourself into the industry. However, at some level in your career path, Ericcson (for example) would prefer to give/ taken instructions only from Ericcson certified professional in that field. This is usually after 2 years of configuration of the vendor's equipment.
Q: What are the challenges your company has faced and how did you solve them?
A: Too theoretical training: Acquisition of telecom equipments for practicals and setting up Lab trainings to practice after class.
Recognition from respective trainees: persistent advert and promotion; several training abroad: UK, Germany and USA.
Industry Recognition: membership of ATCON and ITAN.
Recognition from respective trainees: persistent advert and promotion; several training abroad: UK, Germany and USA.
Industry Recognition: membership of ATCON and ITAN.
Q: What inspires you to do what you do?
A: Result: The positive influence I rub on my people around me. The knowledge I have that the majority of them are happy doing business with me.
Also, the knowledge and confidence that my little contribution can significantly add to the contributions of others like me, to create a technological environment that will open new possibilities to the Nigerian populace.
Also, the knowledge and confidence that my little contribution can significantly add to the contributions of others like me, to create a technological environment that will open new possibilities to the Nigerian populace.
Q: How do you relax off work?
A: I play and watch TV with my kids.
More about Engr. Akin Aregbesola
After earning a B.Eng in Electrical Engineering from the University of Ado Ekiti in 1994, Engr. Aregbesola obtained a PGD in Information Technology from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen in 1999 and then later an MBA.
He undertook Advanced Networking training with Verhoef, Bath followed by a Wimax training with Lever Technologies Group, Leeds both in England.
He was the formerly Head of Training, e-learning Centre, Lagos before setting up TTC in 2003.
He has won several awards over the years including African Icon of our Generation by Accolade Communications (2009), IT Pacesetter (2007) by the West Africa Student Union and Icon of Information Technology by HTA Organisation (2006).
Please, feel free to share your comments on this post or email: extracens@gmail.com to recommend a Tech Titan in a subsequent episode. Thanks for reading!
