Cybersecurity Champion: Michael Nwokolo on safeguarding Nigeria’s digital space

In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, cybersecurity has become more crucial than ever. From protecting financial institutions to ensuring the safety of critical infrastructures, the stakes are high. In this exclusive interview with TopNaija, Michael Mmaduabuchi Nwokolo, a leading cybersecurity expert with over 4 years of experience, shares his inspiring journey, the challenges of safeguarding Nigeria’s digital space, and his vision for the future. Michael’s expertise, rooted in a deep understanding of both local and global security landscapes, makes him a true champion in the fight to protect Nigeria’s digital future.

TopNaija: You’ve made quite a name for yourself in Nigeria’s cybersecurity space. Can you share what first inspired your journey into this field?

Michael: My journey into cybersecurity began way back when I was just a kid growing up in Nigeria. You know how we are—always curious and ready to explore. I was that child who would dismantle old radios and gadgets just to see how they worked. I remember my parents being so frustrated, wondering why I was “destroying” things in the house. But for me, it wasn’t about breaking things; it was about understanding how they were built and how they worked.

This curiosity eventually led me to computers, and from there, it just snowballed. As Nigeria became more connected to the digital world, I saw how important it was to protect these systems, especially as more people trusted technology with their livelihoods. That’s what drew me into cybersecurity—the desire to not just build systems but to protect the people behind them.

TopNaija: It’s amazing how childhood experiences can shape our future. As someone who has worked extensively in the Nigerian digital space, what’s the most significant lesson you’ve learned in your cybersecurity career?

Michael: Honestly, the biggest lesson is that cybersecurity is about trust. Whether you’re in Nigeria or anywhere in the world, the one thing that remains the same is people’s need to trust the systems they use. In Nigeria, we’ve seen people gradually transition from doing business face-to-face to relying on online platforms for everything from banking to buying data. It’s that trust that allows people to embrace these digital tools.

In cybersecurity, we are the unseen protectors of that trust. Whether I’m working on a project in Lagos or anywhere else, it’s not just about blocking threats or securing data—it’s about making sure that people can go about their lives without worrying about their information being stolen or their systems crashing. It’s about giving people the peace of mind that allows them to embrace the digital world confidently.

TopNaija: Michael, it’s clear that you’ve made a significant impact in the cybersecurity field. We’ve heard about your work in various sectors, but can you tell us about your time at Afrilearn? What role did you play there, and what kind of impact did you make?

Michael: Absolutely. My time at Afrilearn has been really special because it gave me the opportunity to merge my technical skills with a mission I deeply believe in, improving access to quality education. Afrilearn is an edtech platform that provides curriculum-based learning resources to students across Africa, and as you can imagine, the security of such a platform is paramount.

When I joined Afrilearn, I focused on enhancing the platform’s cybersecurity measures to ensure that both students and educators could access the resources safely. One of the major projects I spearheaded was implementing robust data protection protocols to safeguard the personal information of the thousands of students using the platform.

We knew that as Afrilearn was growing, it was crucial to secure user data against potential breaches or cyberattacks. I worked closely with the development team to integrate advanced security layers, ensuring that sensitive information was encrypted and that the platform met international standards for data protection. By doing so, we didn’t just protect the platform; we built trust with parents, teachers, and students who rely on Afrilearn for their educational journey.

TopNaija: With all your experience, what advice would you give to young Nigerians or Africans aspiring to enter the cybersecurity field?

Michael: First of all, I’d say don’t be intimidated by the field. I know cybersecurity can seem like this highly technical, complex world, but it’s really just about solving problems. Start with the basics, be curious, and always remember the people behind the technology. It’s not just about knowing the technical stuff—it’s about understanding how your work impacts real lives.

Also, keep learning. Cybersecurity is one of those fields where you can never know it all. Technology evolves, and so do the threats. But as a Nigerian or African, you have an edge. You understand the specific challenges our societies face—whether it’s underdeveloped infrastructure or rising digital adoption. Use that knowledge to your advantage and always stay curious.

Most importantly, think global, but don’t forget your roots. The skills you build in Nigeria or anywhere in Africa are just as valuable anywhere in the world. It’s about how you apply them and how you position yourself as someone who brings a unique perspective.

TopNaija: That’s excellent advice. Given how fast the digital world is evolving, what do you think is the future of cybersecurity, especially with global trends in mind?

Michael: The future of cybersecurity is going to be intense, but exciting. Globally, we’re seeing more sophisticated attacks—cybercriminals are getting smarter. Technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are changing the game. AI can help us detect threats faster, but it can also be used by attackers to find vulnerabilities. In Africa, especially, as we push for more digital inclusion, we have to think about securing those systems from day one.

But I think the real future of cybersecurity will be about collaboration. The threats we face today don’t recognize borders. A cyberattack launched in one country can affect systems in another. So, for us to stay ahead, cybersecurity professionals globally need to share intelligence, collaborate on solutions, and think beyond just their local environments. In Nigeria, we’re already part of that global conversation, and I’m excited to see us contribute even more.

TopNaija: Collaboration sounds like the key. Speaking of contributing, what’s next for you? Do you have any exciting goals or projects on the horizon?

Michael: Right now, I’m focused on deepening my impact in Nigeria. I’m eager to continue applying everything I’ve learned over the years to help firms here navigate the cybersecurity landscape, especially as digital adoption grows. But beyond that, I’m passionate about mentoring young professionals. In Nigeria, mentorship is so important. We have a lot of brilliant minds that just need the right guidance. I want to help bridge that gap—both in Nigeria and for the global tech community.

Further down the line, I’m looking to establish my own cybersecurity firm. The idea is to focus on protecting critical infrastructures, like hospitals and energy systems, both in Nigeria and globally. It’s an ambitious goal, but I believe it’s possible. We have so much potential, and I want to be part of the solution.

TopNaija: You’ve got some big plans ahead! Before we close, what’s one final thought you’d like to leave with our readers, especially aspiring tech talents across Nigeria and Africa?

Michael: I’d say don’t ever underestimate yourself. Nigeria is full of talented people, and sometimes the biggest challenge is believing in your ability to compete on a global scale. But trust me, the skills you build in Lagos, Enugu, or Abuja are just as valuable anywhere in the world. Stay curious, keep pushing boundaries, and never forget that cybersecurity is about protecting people. When you focus on that, everything else falls into place.

TopNaija: Michael, this has been an inspiring conversation. Thank you for sharing your journey and insights with us. We look forward to seeing all you’ll achieve in the future.

Michael: Thank you, it’s been a real pleasure!