Within the ever-evolving world of expertise, my journey — from a curious child in Jos, Nigeria, to a mentor and options engineer — reveals what dedication, curiosity, and ambition can obtain, particularly when powered by Cisco.
Nevertheless, my journey didn’t begin with a title. It began with an insatiable curiosity.
My Igbo dad and mom needed me to check drugs, however I used to be the child who opened each toy, radio, and pc — you identify it — simply to grasp the way it labored. That uncooked curiosity and fervour for drawback fixing grew from exploring bodily units to the invisible networks connecting folks worldwide, main me down a path removed from stethoscopes and into the huge world of expertise.
I spent hours on Yahoo Chat and Skype, amazed at how messages may leap continents in seconds — and realized networking wasn’t nearly cables and routers, however about folks and connection. That realization drove my function.
After secondary college, I knew I needed to pursue expertise, despite the fact that I had little entry to formal coaching or assets. However I made a decision these limitations wouldn’t block me — somewhat, they’d be my blueprints. If nobody opened the door, I might do it myself. It’s a mindset I’ve carried with me, and one I share with each younger particular person I mentor: You don’t want permission to succeed.
I started attending native tech occasions and seminars in Jos and wherever I may be taught one thing new. It was at one in all these occasions that I met an teacher on the convention, a mentor, who launched me to Cisco.
That introduction modified every little thing.
🎥 Watch the video model of my story beneath to see how curiosity and connection introduced me to Cisco and past.
My first Cisco Certification Course launched a life-altering journey. Then, I began at Cisco Networking Academy on the College of Jos, the place I quickly superior from pupil to coach, mentoring aspiring community engineers. Becoming a member of the worldwide NetRiders competitors group throughout this time sharpened my expertise in a world area. Then, my full-circle journey culminated in incomes the distinguished Teacher Coach Qualification (ITQ).
In 2015, I participated in Hack Jos, a tech occasion targeted on harnessing younger expertise to construct options, deepening my dedication to fostering expertise and group by way of connection.
However my transformation wasn’t simply technical; it was deeply private. I confirmed up early for each class, usually earlier than the lights got here on. To me, success wasn’t unintended; it was constructed by way of self-discipline, consistency, and starvation.
This drive pushed me to use my experience to real-world challenges throughout Nigeria — supporting important communications infrastructure and contributing to nationwide digital tasks just like the rollout of Nigeria’s first Pc-Primarily based Take a look at (CBT) facilities administering standardized exams for universities, faculties, and different increased training. Engaged on large-scale enterprise tasks for main telecommunication suppliers, I honed my expertise in routing and switching, wi-fi, and observability whereas concurrently doubling as a technical coach, accountable for mentoring engineers. Watching them develop and succeed jogged my memory of my very own early days and the way very important mentorship is in constructing Africa’s digital workforce.
Then got here probably the most pivotal moments in my profession: my official launchpad into Cisco as a Technical Consulting Engineer throughout the Nation Digital Acceleration (CDA) program, a possibility I embraced wholeheartedly. I supported companions and small companies throughout Nigeria, serving to them scale and thrive.
In 2024, I transitioned into the function of Options Engineer throughout the launch of Cisco’s EDGE (Expertise, Design, Go-to-Market, Earn) Middle in Kenya — a facility devoted to advancing cybersecurity expertise throughout Africa. I turned down profitable gives from opponents previously, so after I stood alongside Cisco leaders together with our EVP and Chief Folks, Coverage & Function Officer, the Chief of Nation Digital Acceleration, and Cisco’s GM for Nigeria, it solidified that that is precisely the place I’m meant to be — on the forefront of shaping Africa’s digital future with Cisco. My perception in our expertise is robust, and, extra importantly, our people-first tradition is one thing I carry with me.
To maintain up with a fast-evolving business, I’ve earned certifications together with CCNA, and Meraki and Design Specializations, however my CCNP Enterprise journey significantly stands out since I invested my private wage to take it, failed one of many three exams, repaid and retook it, decided to succeed. At all times pushing the boundaries of my experience, I’m at the moment getting ready for my CCIE.
However my journey isn’t nearly private achievement and profession progress; I’ve at all times believed success needs to be shared. That’s why I co-founded Netclan with a Cisco colleague — a nonprofit devoted to bridging the gender hole in community engineering. By way of LiNE (Women in Community Engineering), we’ve skilled and authorized over 80 ladies, some now working with Cisco companions throughout Nigeria — a proud reminder of the facility of mentorship and group.
And as I look forward, I imagine Africa is the following main digital frontier. Our folks, expertise, and drive are simple. However to unlock our full potential, we should bridge the digital divide in alternative, entry, and training.
At Cisco, I’ve discovered a spot that shares that Function — one which values innovation, inclusion, and influence. Whether or not by way of community design, safety, or mentoring, I’m proud to play a component in making certain Africa doesn’t simply catch up, however leads within the world digital revolution.
That is my story — not simply of the place I’ve been, however of the place I’m going, and who I’m bringing alongside.
Impressed by Chuks’s journey of curiosity, dedication, and influence? Discover careers at Cisco to start out a Cisco journey of your individual.
