Before I found my place in web development, I explored different parts of tech. I was driven by curiosity and a desire to build things that solve real problems.
It was never about chasing trends. I just wanted to find where my skills, interests, and values fit.
Each path I explored taught me something about thinking clearly, solving problems, and staying resilient. Some doors closed. Others opened me up to new ideas, and all of it shaped who I am today.
Tech Paths I Explored (2018 – 2020)
🔌 IoT/Embedded Systems – Loved working close to hardware, but tools were expensive and hard to access.
📱 Mobile Development – Tried Android with Java. It didn’t spark joy 😅
🤖 AI/ML – Was intrigued early on, but resources and beginner-friendly roles were limited back then.
🌐 Web Dev – Everything clicked: accessibility, creativity, community, and real-world impact. No heavy setup, just a browser.
And me being me, simplicity always wins 🫠
My Web Development Journey
I started in 2017 with PHP and WordPress — freelanced, built custom themes, and later became a WordPress Engineer II at a Maryland-based company.
I liked PHP, but when I discovered React.js, it was game over — SPAs, components, no reloading? Clean. Efficient.
So I switched to the JavaScript world.
At first, I wanted to focus on backend, but I quickly realized you can’t ship anything useful without the frontend too. Curiosity did the rest.
From Learning to Leading (2020 – 2021)
In 2020, I doubled down on React and Node.js and landed a job at a Nigerian company. Not long after, I became Team Lead and Project Manager.
I didn’t just code. I brought structure — built roadmaps, engaged clients, and delivered clarity.
Projects I led included:
- A full ERP system
- A website for an orphanage home
- A complete LMS with payments, assessments, and course management (built later as a contractor)
2021 was a turning point:
- 💼 Outreachy intern — contributing to global open source
- 💰 Made my first million naira from tech
- 🧑💻 Launched Technacle Solutions — offering dev services, training, and grooming kids in tech
- 🎤 Started mentoring and speaking at events
- 🛍️ Trained local traders on using social media to grow their business (SDG-inspired)
- 🧑🎓 Gave a talk to undergraduates on how to use the internet to learn and build skills
A Quiet Pivot Toward What Matters
In late 2024, after relocating with my family, I paused, not out of burnout, but intention.
I stepped back from daily coding and leaned into curiosity.
By early 2025, I made a focused decision to explore AI, especially how LLMs and NLP can transform the web. I took a career break to rebuild, learn, and evolve.
Now, I am on a path to become an AI engineer who builds web systems that are not just smart, but also human, adaptive, and useful.
And I will be sharing the journey openly — the learnings, the wins, and the doubts.
Because tech is better when we learn out loud.
Where My Energy Is Going Now
Building scalable AI-driven backend systems
Training and using NLP models
Solving problems like search, summarization, and recommendations
Creating AI agents for smarter workflows
Integrating AI into web products
Mentoring and contributing to open source
This journey hasn’t been a straight line, and that’s my strength.
I have grown with the web: from WordPress to Laravel, JavaScript, OCaml, and fullstack engineering. Now, I am evolving into AI. I bring hands-on experience, leadership, and deep product thinking.
If you are building at the intersection of AI and the Web, let’s connect.
I’d love to collaborate.
Happy coding!
Top comments (3)
wow it,s amazing story it,s really give me aspiration
Thank you