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Sophiyat Sadiq: Changing the Nigerian Tech Space

1/7/2018

46 Comments

 
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Today’s feature is about Tech Star Girl, Sophiyat Sadiq. A young woman whose vision has evolved from giving women in technology a voice to seeing tangible evolutionary changes in the Nigerian Tech Space. NigerianNGOrecently had an interview with Sophiyat and we hope you enjoy it!
NigerianNGO: Tell us about yourself?
 
Sophiyat: Hello everyone! I am Sophiyat Sadiq, a 200 level student of the department of computer science, Lagos State University.
 
NigerianNGO: How did you find out about the Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC) and what opportunities have your experience at W.TEC exposed you to?
 
Sophiyat: W.TEC! The summer camp program actually holds in my secondary school and that’s how I knew about it. I attended the camp and though I did not know what to expect and to be honest, I saw it as a summer gateway because I was to attend with my best friend. I just saw it as a time to have fun but trust me it was the total opposite. I’m not saying it wasn’t fun; it was extremely fun but aside that it was a life changing experience for me, highly innovative, inspirational and educational.

Through out the duration of the camp, I had the opportunity of meeting some really amazing women in the industry like; Mrs. NkemdilimBegho, Miss Ommo Clark and the CEO herself, Mrs. OreoluwaLesi. I also had the opportunity of going to top IT companies like Main One and General Electric. I had an amazing time at these companies and General Electric was where I actually wrote my first line of code in html. After the duration of the camp, WTEC still kept in touch with me and followed up with my work. They constantly send mails on programs I can attend and even take me to some of them. One of my biggest achievements this year which is winning the award for under 25 social innovators for the coding girls category by ideationhub Africa was through WTEC. Working with them has certainly opened doors of opportunities for me.


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NigerianNGO: Tell us about the project you worked on at the Technovation Challenge?
 
Sophiyat: The project I worked on which was a team work was a mobile application called “Perfect and fit”. The application was created for women who had problem trying to find the right dress for the right occasion. At that time in 2014, it was a problem we identified amongst women and a survey was carried out. So we created an application that helps you decide what to wear, how to wear it and where to wear it to. The application also helps you calculate your body mass index. It gives tips on healthy living; what to eat and what not to eat.
 
NigerianNGO: What are some of the challenges you have faced as a woman in Computer Science and what can be done to encourage more women in Nigeria to study Computer Science?
 
Sophiyat: I am still very young and new to the world of computer science, but I have certainly faced my fair share of challenges in “the man’s world”. A good example is, in school right now, if you ask a random student what they expect from a male computer science student, they would go on about how the boys are good programmers or cartoonists or developers but when you ask about the girls, and very little is expected.

To any woman out there reading this, whether you are in the computer science field or not, break the stereotypes. Do not stop yourself from achieving your dreams simply because someone says it’s a job for men or because society says it’s not girls’ thing. Prove to them that what they can do you can do better.

​Keep working hard, making goals and achieving them. Breaking the loop and realizing your dreams. You are strong, beautiful and powerful!

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​NigerianNGO: Tell us about your initiative?
 
Sophiyat: The abstract success has been measured using different yardsticks. If I were asked this question 4 years ago, then my response would have been “empowering more girls in ICT” but now I do not think I can even say it all. I want to work in hand with people who have a vision for Africa. I want to create a world where there are no stereotypes about the female. I want to see a world where our imagination is our limit. I want to be part of a great evolution for Africa!
 
 
NigerianNGO: What challenges have you faced in the course of running your initiative?
 
Sophiyat: As funny as it may sound, one of the challenges is going to school. I do not want to be restricted by the four walls of a university. I do not want to be forced to take some classes I have no business with when I could be improving my skills. I am not saying that I do not need those classes but the will and passion to do great things for people, my country and the nation at large make me quite impatient, so I constantly have to remind myself that no knowledge is a waste. I am on the right part and I have to keep building myself.
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NigerianNGO: How has your initiative been funded?
 
Sophiyat: Well, right now my parents and W.TEC are my biggest sponsors but I am reaching out to more people.
 
 
NigerianNGO: What advice will you give an undergraduate in his/her first year of studying Computer Science?
 
Sophiyat: My advice would be; always remember why you are in the school. There would be frustrations and failures. There would be times when you would question yourself but at these moments you need to always remember WHY you are in the school. What is your purpose and goal? And try to have fun while you are at it.
 
NigerianNGO: For readers that are interested in your work, how can they connect with you and support your initiative?
 
Sophiyat: You can reach me on:
Instagram: @sophie__yah
Twitter: @sophiyat3
 
We hope you enjoyed this feature and we look forward to greater achievements from Sophiyat Sadiq.
46 Comments
Jamal
2/7/2018 09:16:36 am

After reading this, I really think you're on the right path, and strongly believe you can reach out to many others. This is great, we need more people like you.
Really inspiring

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Laurent
2/7/2018 10:21:48 am

Great stuff, hope to see more 💪

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Sophiyat
2/7/2018 12:15:38 pm

More than glad to have been Featured🙏🏽🙏🏽. Thank you NigerianNgo❤️️❤️️

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NigerianNGO
3/7/2018 03:18:40 am

Keep up the good work Sophiyat!!!

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Debbie
2/7/2018 02:43:56 pm

Girllllllll I am so proud of you! You're a star and you're going to shine brighter and brighter. God help you!♡

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Mariam
2/7/2018 05:09:34 pm

This was an amazing read! I can’t even start to describe how motivated I was by your goals. You have a burning passion for what you do. Keep soaring and reaching for greater heights and sky would only be your starting point. I’m super proud of you baby girl and I can’t wait to see all the great things that the future holds for you. ❤️❤️

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Chinedu
2/7/2018 08:01:23 pm

Wow, just wow👏👏👏👏

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Olanrewaju Lawal
4/7/2018 11:08:20 am

This is simply awesome. Go Sophie...
I'm sure I told you that we don't stop! Too much love from me now

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Adeyemi Omolara
4/7/2018 11:56:07 am

This is awesome, lovely and nice....the sky is your beginning. ...love you sophisticated sophie

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Israel Nweke
4/7/2018 12:11:44 pm

Go girl....this is just the beginning. Greater things in Tech will yet be said of you..

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Sifonde oke
4/7/2018 01:23:23 pm

Waoooo.this is beautiful ,Weldon girl. . This is just the beginning, God is taking you to a greater height.

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bolanle
4/7/2018 02:21:05 pm

You are such a great girl, go on girl d sky is ur kick off pretty.

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Oluyemi Laju
4/7/2018 04:50:17 pm

This is just the beginning and İ tell you İ can feel you when it comes to the issue of men:s world. Keep the flag flying God's got your back!!!!

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Abby
4/7/2018 05:40:37 pm

Well Done Sophiyat....You're made for excellence!!

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Mobolaji Fanimokun
4/7/2018 09:58:15 pm

Sophiyat, this is awesome 👏🏽 and inspiring. We hope well-meaning individuals and organizations can key-in into this entrepreneurial spirit and mindset in the journey to greatness for self and for Nigeria 🇳🇬.

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Obajaja Eunice
4/7/2018 10:04:08 pm

This is amazing! You will soar higher. Keep up the good work.

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Nurat Ajonbadi
4/7/2018 11:08:19 pm

Sophiat, you are amazing and wonderful. Your boldness and courage will surely lead you to your destination in life. Keep the flag flying dearie. You are a pride to the whole world and blessing to your generation. Congratulations dear, keep moving up.

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Toks
5/7/2018 08:29:29 am

I pray for you to achieve your dreams and impact in lives of people.

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Felicia
5/7/2018 09:42:08 am

Continue paying the price you will surely get the prize, you are going places

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Oladayo
5/7/2018 04:14:16 pm

Sophiyat the sky is your stepping stone.

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Yomi Laju
5/7/2018 07:23:01 pm

Sophie! This is fantastic. You are a positive message. Teenage life is not about kisses, hugs and prom nights. It's about responsibility and paving way for impact. Your fans are here and tuned to your air waves always . . . Keep flying!

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Ganiu Bamgbose link
6/7/2018 10:32:48 am

Technology has become a novel, creative and alternative approach to national development in the 21st century. Indeed, it is a thing o joy to find young Nigerians competing in the world of tech globally. We are proud of you, Sophia!

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Itunuoluwa
6/7/2018 04:14:59 pm

You go girl 🙌. I am very very proud of you b.Greater heights i pray ijn.

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Tawakalitu sadiq
6/7/2018 06:44:18 pm

This is fantastic my dear. This is just the beginning of greater heights in your career. Kudos to you Sophia

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Lawal omowunmi
6/7/2018 07:20:49 pm

Go girl, the sky is your starting point. Much love

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Ajijola Adam
6/7/2018 07:35:42 pm

very lovely and fantastic

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Badry
6/7/2018 07:37:08 pm

Wow..
Incredible..
Go higher and fly..

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EbonyMillano
6/7/2018 08:08:32 pm

Spetacular Sophie, ride on girl you are doing excellently well
Go and prosper my darling!

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Lawal ademola
6/7/2018 07:43:18 pm

Fantastic, the sky is just your limit my dear. Sophiat is a goal.

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Kazeem Oladimeji
6/7/2018 07:46:27 pm

Amazing, I have always believe you💖

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Stella Inyiama link
6/7/2018 07:50:58 pm

You have always been a genius the world just needs to catch up..... congrats ahead

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Akinola Tosin
6/7/2018 08:01:41 pm

Oh! Babbbyyyy I see you at the top
I pray for the grace and mercy of God upon your life
Go do exploit.....

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Coker Ademola
6/7/2018 08:08:26 pm

This is just beautiful and encouraging, please keep the flag flying.

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Dayo Taiwo
6/7/2018 08:32:54 pm

Very impressive! Continue to aim higher. I wish you all the best in your endeavors my darling. And to W-tec, keep up the good work.

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Oluwatoyin okon
6/7/2018 09:06:30 pm

Greater heights dear the sky is ur starting point thanks for sharing new ideas,skills and knowledge through this medium God will continue to grant u wisdom to move further in life and u will fulfill destiny in Jesus name amen.

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Folami
6/7/2018 10:53:36 pm

Good stuff

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Mene Eunice
6/7/2018 10:57:07 pm

Wow👏👏👏Keep up the good work.Was really inspired.Greater heights and wisdom in fulfilling your dreams.Keep up the good work Sophie👍

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Adeshina Akinsanya
7/7/2018 12:57:09 am

This is amazing Sophiat, the sky is your starting point. Go ahead and do greater things.

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Shonola Dare
7/7/2018 08:24:51 am

Truly inspiring! May God continue to guide your path. Keep soaring higher

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Ore L
7/7/2018 01:39:28 pm

We at W.TEC are very proud of your achievements, Sophiat, and look on with anticipation at what the future holds for you.

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Rossy
7/7/2018 06:19:24 pm

Wow, this is so beautiful. May the Almighty lift u higher in all ur endeavours. This is so inspiring 4 other young lads out there.

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Adewuyi
8/7/2018 07:05:07 am

Nice one it can only get better

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Olaiya Olanrewaju Joseph
9/7/2018 12:07:53 am

Wow!..@sophiyat really happy to see you flying in creativity.... Just keep it up and trust me the world needs you

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MOHDSHAFAR OLOKO
9/7/2018 07:52:48 am

Awesome, this comes to signify potential influence inherent in you as a person. Sky is your limit as you unleash even more IT/computer expertise and innovation to your generation.

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Yunus Bimbo
9/7/2018 08:43:25 pm

Great goal girl, wish you all the best. You will be an inspiration to lots of girls coming and they will be able to shine as girls. See you @ the top.

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Miko
10/7/2018 06:27:05 pm

The Lord is your strength

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