My name is Morontowumi Enioluwa Akinbogun, the youngest of four siblings in a close-knit family of six. Mine is a story of transformation — from a struggling schoolgirl to a first-class graduate in software engineering. This is my journey of self-discovery, resilience, and unwavering determination.
Early Days of Struggles
I began my academic journey at St. Raphael’s Kiddies School, Ondo, moved to Olufunmilayo Nursery and Primary School, Akure, and completed primary school at Best Solution Nursery and Primary School, Akure. I had my secondary education at Greater Tomorrow International College, Arigidi Akoko.
As a child, I struggled with basic tasks like writing. I would switch hands while holding a pencil until teachers and family urged me to use my right hand. It wasn’t until later that we discovered I was naturally left-handed — a realization that partly explained my coordination struggles.
In elementary school, I was the last to copy notes from the board. My mother, a banker, despite her long work hours, would stay up at night collecting and rewriting classmates’ notes for me so I could keep up. I dreaded going to school and felt like I didn’t belong.
Due to work transfers, our family moved twice, causing me to switch schools. I faced bullying and name-calling in the new environments. But my parents never gave up on me. They constantly met my teachers, monitored my progress, and prayed passionately for me during family devotions. I knew how deeply they cared.
After completing the terminal class, my parents contemplated letting me repeat the class. But my sister needed to change schools at the same time, and I was enrolled alongside her. We both passed the entrance exam.
Turning Points in Secondary School
My junior secondary years remained difficult. But my sister became my biggest supporter, mentor, and academic coach. Through her structured guidance, I gradually improved. One of the defining inspirations of that period came from our principal, Chief Lawal, who often said, “Hard work beats talent where talent doesn’t work hard.” That phrase became my lifelong mantra.
By senior secondary school, my academic performance improved significantly. I represented my school in Chemistry Olympiad competitions in SS1 and SS2. I was later appointed Library Prefect — a sign that things were beginning to turn around.
Redefining My Career Path
Initially, I planned to study Industrial Design with a focus on graphic design. But COVID-19 and the ASUU Strike disrupted that path. I transferred to Babcock University and was admitted to study Software Engineering.
Before resumption, I spent three months privately learning the basics of software engineering. That foundational knowledge helped me maintain first-class grades consistently. I also formed a small circle of like-minded classmates. We not only studied together, but emotionally supported each other throughout the journey.
At the same time, I tackled my fear of public speaking. I read books on the subject and joined the ushering department of both my university and local church. Eventually, I ran for a position and was elected Senator, then Senate Scribe, in the School of Computing.
Stepping Into Cybersecurity and Research
During my third year, an opportunity to join a cybersecurity training by ThinkCyber Nigeria emerged. In partnership with Babcock University, they trained us using cutting-edge cyber warfare simulators like Cyberium Arena and Specto. I joined the 2024 cohort and performed excellently.
That same impressive performance earned me an invitation — just days after my graduation results were released — to serve as a Research Executive in the Kaizen Program, a live research initiative focused on applied cybersecurity innovation across Africa. This opportunity promises hands-on exposure that will further sharpen my skills.
I’m also training in graphic design and film editing, two long-held passions that I now pursue as creative outlets.
The Power of Sibling Role Models
My siblings played a huge role in shaping my life. I often say: “If I had been an only child or the firstborn, I might have been laid-back or mediocre.”
My immediate older sister — two years ahead of me at every stage — was a relentless academic force. She studied Medicine at Babcock and maintained an intense study ethic. I had to match her energy. Though we later had to walk our journeys independently, we graduated the same year — her with distinctions, me with a first-class.
Our older siblings were also exemplary. Our eldest, who earned a full-tuition scholarship in the US to study medicine, taught me resilience. Our second-born, now a lawyer pursuing a master’s in the UK, taught me courage and multitasking. She was hard on me but for good reason — to push me beyond my comfort zone. Today, I proudly partner with her on SASEMI (Sapphire Sisters Empowerment Initiative), a foundation that helps girls feel seen, heard, and supported.
Building My Future
I’ve always believed in using time wisely. During each university break, I enrolled in practical training — front-end web design in 200 level, cybersecurity in 300 level, and both back-end development and advanced cybersecurity immediately after graduation. These hands-on experiences built my versatility, confidence, and problem-solving skills.
I value teamwork and am often the backbone of group projects, known for my reliability and availability.
Looking ahead, I aspire to become a leading figure in tech, using my expertise in software engineering and cybersecurity to drive innovation across Africa and the world.
Research is another area I’m passionate about, possibly influenced by my father’s career in academics. Years ago, my sister and I visited Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh with our parents. Seeing their research exploits sparked a fire in me. I believe that my own research will someday lead to entrepreneurial breakthroughs and financial success.
My Final Word
I want my story to remind others: A slow start does not define your finish line. With support, belief, hard work, and courage, anyone can rewrite their story. I did — and so can you.
