TopNaija Stories: Adebayo Timileyin, System Engineer

Adebayo Timileyin Philip is a Nigerian Tech expert and academician who is making an impact in his own sphere. A graduate of Applied Physics (Electronics) from the University of Lagos, Timileyin went on to get a Master’s Degree in MS SolarEnergy Technology.

Currently, Timileyin works as an Embedded System Engineer and impacts knowledge as a lecturer at two notable higher institutions in Nigeria. But he didn’t just get there in one swipe, he has put in the work to grow his craft.

Earlier, as part of the obligations of all corps members to develop their community as directed by the National Youth Service Corps, Adebayo Timileyin designed a “Change of Period” Alarm System. This involved writing programs for micro-controllers. He selected “Herbert Macaulay Senior Girls High School” as the beneficiary of his innovation as the display of his strong support to the World campaign on women equity.

TOPNAIJA.NG sat down with the Adebayo Timileyin for a remarkable interview.

Current role: Embedded System Engineer/Lecturer
Location: Yaba, Lagos
Current computer: HP8440P, I7
Current mobile device: Huawei P10
What you want to be remembered for: To inspire technological advancement

Tell us how you started out and how you got to where you are today?

I started from a remote area in Itoki, Ogun State as aspiring tech novice. I was always probing through electronics appliances at home. My journey is laced with lots of curiosity, excess online study about tech evolution. I also self-taught myself programming languages (not limited to C/C++, C#, and Python).

I have always had a clear picture to be an iconic indigenous tech expert in Nigeria. This led me to a decision to study applied physics (electronics) as a first degree and applied physics (solar instrumentation) at the Masters’s level.

What time do wake up, and what time do you like to be at your desk?

Usually, I sleep around 7 or 8 pm and wake up at 2 am for some quick studies. I love to be at my desk by 9 pm and take a 30minutes nap at noon to maintain stability for the rest of the day.

A brief rundown of your daily routine?

I shuffle through 3 jobs daily. I head to Federal College of Education (Akoka) to observe my morning class if I am assigned to a course before 9 am. I dash to Mul T Lock (Ikeja) at least 3 times a week each morning, I work there as Embedded System Engineer.

Some evenings, I am at Yaba College of Technology (Jibowu) for teaching my evening class if any. I work in both institutions as an adjunct lecturer.

How do you keep track of what you have to do, on a daily?

I take time to jot things down according to their priority

Tell us about one of the toughest situations you’ve found yourself in business?

As an Embedded System Engineer, everything is quite complicated. I constantly develop different solutions based on the client’s specifications.

The toughest situation is having to explain stuff to the client in simple terms or layman’s language. As a lecturer, I can’t record anything tough there. I enjoy every task.

What is the best business or career advice you’ve ever received?

‘You are not done until client/student is happy’

If you had to start all over again, what would you do differently?

Yes I will reconsider nationality…. Lol. But same career

Tell us about your current role and key traits required to succeed in this role.

My current role requires inner peace, talk less to avoid confusion. You will also need a generous dose of consistency and sacrifice

Tell us about a task do you dislike but still do and a problem you’re still trying to solve?

I am not sure I can dislike what I want to do. I’ll rather damn the consequences and not do it at all.

Who has had the greatest impact on your career, and why?

Dr. Henry Boyo, he taught me and gave me the opportunity to discover myself

What business achievement are you most proud of?

NYSC commendation during my youth service.

Adebayo Timileyin flanked by staff and students of Herbert Macaulay Senior Girls High School where Alarm system was installed

Tell us about your greatest weakness as an individual.

One weakness I have is that all my reality happens mostly in my head and I usually forget to speak about it

Name two untapped lucrative business opportunities in the world, right now.

Tech money and digital market are truly lucrative and yet largely untapped

Aside from God, what do you consider your greatest success secret?

Pearl

What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to?

Microprocessor Architecture, Bionics and Telsa cars

What tools, gadgets, or apps can’t you do without?

STM32Cube MX IDE and WhatsApp

What’s your favourite social media platform, handle, and why?

I love Whatsapp because it makes communication easy and Twitter because it gives you fast gist and rumours.
COD Unwinding

How do you unwind?

Playing COD, and talking to Pearl about complicated things

Who would you love to have answered these questions?
Pearl

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