Prince Kamari Ademiluyi, founder of the UK Africa Trade Expo and economic advisor to the Ooni of Ife, recently visited Middlesex University to share insights on global opportunity and career strategy with students. His visit highlighted the growing economic and technological ties between the UK and Nigeria, offering a direct line of sight into the future of international business for aspiring tech professionals.
During his tour of the TIME-CUBE (Technology, Innovation, Management & Entrepreneurship) incubator, Prince Kamari emphasized that the global landscape has changed for graduates. “Africa is arriving, with speed, creativity, hunger and demographic power,” he stated, urging students to look beyond traditional geographic limitations in their career planning.
Strategic Career Advice for the Digital Economy
Addressing Computer Science students, Prince Kamari provided three actionable pillars for building a successful career in a technology-driven world. These principles are designed to help students navigate the complexities of the modern job market and leverage emerging technologies like AI.
1. Build Relationships Before You Need Them
Networking is often viewed as a transactional necessity, but Prince Kamari advised a different approach. He stressed the importance of building genuine connections and offering value to your network before asking for anything in return. This long-term strategy fosters trust and creates a robust professional foundation.
2. Adopt a Decade-Long Perspective
In an era of instant gratification, patience is a competitive advantage. “Think in decades, not days,” he advised. Sustainable business success is rarely an overnight phenomenon; it is built slowly and deliberately. This perspective encourages resilience and strategic thinking over reactive decision-making.
3. Deliver Consistent, Diligent Service
Reliability remains a key differentiator in any industry. Prince Kamari highlighted the critical importance of showing up on time and delivering consistent quality. “Your reputation is built on the small things you do consistently,” he noted, a reminder that professional discipline is as important as technical skill.
The Role of TIME-CUBE in Fostering Innovation
The visit underscored the importance of incubator spaces like TIME-CUBE in bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application. Students used the visit to demonstrate their IT project management portfolios and innovative product ideas developed within the incubator.
These environments are critical for developing the human capital required to drive sectors like FinTech, AgroTech, and Business Intelligence—areas identified as key growth engines for the Nigerian economy.
Global Connectivity: The UK-Africa Trade Corridor
The engagement is part of a broader initiative to strengthen academic and economic partnerships between Middlesex University and Nigerian states, including Osun, Katsina, and Bauchi. The UK Africa Trade Expo (UKATE) serves as a vital ecosystem connecting African businesses with global investors.
For students, this signals a growing demand for tech talent equipped to work on cross-border projects. The collaboration aims to transfer knowledge and equip Nigerian entrepreneurs with the skills needed in AI, data science, and digital transformation.
Preparing for an International Career
The message for students is clear: the world is your marketplace. Digital technologies have removed many of the barriers that once limited career opportunities to a specific country or region. Developing a global mindset and understanding international markets is no longer optional—it is essential.
By engaging with international leaders and fostering partnerships like the one with Prince Kamari, Middlesex University provides its students with direct exposure to the dynamics of the global economy.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Tech Professionals
- Embrace a Global Outlook: Digital tools allow you to contribute to economies far beyond your home country. Stay informed about international markets.
- Focus on Fundamentals: While technology evolves, the principles of relationship-building, patience, and reliability remain timeless.
- Leverage Incubator Resources: Use facilities like TIME-CUBE to build a portfolio of real-world projects that demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
As the relationship between Middlesex University and Nigerian stakeholders deepens, students can anticipate more opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaborative projects, and potential pathways into the burgeoning African tech market.
Next Steps for Students
If you are interested in exploring international career opportunities in technology, consider engaging with university partnerships and global business networks. Understanding the intersection of technology and international trade can open doors to unique and impactful career paths.
