By Agatha Emeadi
Dr Adaora Precious Dagogo is the founder/CEO of Stechad Ltd, an Information Technology (IT) startup trail blazing across Europe and Africa.
Encountering young Dagogo is the wish of almost every parent based on her intelligence, focus, hard work and discipline.
She could be described as someone who rose to great heights through determination. Even when challenges faced her in Ukraine as a fresh student, she crossed the huddle and was celebrated as one of the best graduating students at the University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany.
In an interview with Sunday Sun, one is impressed with her roots in Medicine and how she technically pushed herself in the leading world of IT.
As she fervently advocates for advancement of women in technology, she advises young girls to “kill that biggest obstacle which is not external, but the doubts and fears that linger within them. Once those inner demons are conquered, they will unlock the door to endless possibilities.”
How did you make the transition from medicine to information technology and then become the managing director of Stechad Limited?
My journey into the world of Information Technology (IT) was not conventional; rather it found me because of my medical background. I studied medicine and earned a master’s degree in Public Health. After working in a hospital for several years, one day, a colleague approached me to step in for him on a one-day IT project. He believed in my abilities and encouraged me to take on the task. His confidence in me boosted my own belief in my abilities. While the task took longer than expected, I completed it successfully due to my bravery and confidence. Additionally, my experience in the technical department of my father’s church as a teenager helped me understand the basics of connecting cables and troubleshooting. Drawing on this knowledge, I tackled the project, despite facing unfamiliar cables and wires. It was a full-blown IT room but I was not scared, I embraced it. After that first gig, I thought that would be it, but more opportunities kept coming. I started taking networking, cybersecurity, and CCNA-related courses on the side. With each project, I gained more experience and recognition, leading to referrals and travel opportunities across Germany with rewarding pay. Eventually, I was even labelled an expert due to my skills and expertise. YouTube, professional certifications and all of those literally helped me enter the new phase, being addressed as an engineer. As the workload increased, I expanded my team to handle projects both in and outside of Germany. This led to the creation of Stechad, where we work together to navigate and fulfill our vision.
Do you still function as a medical doctor or is that completely forgotten?
Currently, I am not actively practicing medicine. However, I have not completely left the field behind. Instead, I am focused on merging health and technology, bringing IT innovations into the medical domain. I’m currently developing another business venture that aims to integrate both sectors, creating solutions to address medical challenges. This endeavour allows me to remain fully engaged in the health sector while simultaneously incorporating IT expertise. It is this fusion of both fields that sets me apart and drives my unique vision.
How did they react to your professional cross-over?
In my upbringing, like many African parents, the typical career aspirations were limited to professions like law, medicine, particularly chemical or electronics engineering. Therefore, when I pursued IT, it understandably did not sit well with my parents. They had invested in my medical education and urged me to pursue medicine as a full-time career, insisting I become a specialist. Their disapproval was a significant hurdle to overcome. Despite their reservations, they did not hinder my pursuit of IT. Now, four years later, they take pride in my achievements and in what Stechad, my company, has become. They are glad they didn’t impede my journey. This experience has taught me the importance of pioneering my own path and standing by my decisions. I am proud of the person I have become and the path I have chosen. That is my story.
What did you put in place to propel your company’s revenue from zero to six-figures in USD within three years according to your bio?
I fully attribute Stechad’s success to its organizational structure and my background in administration, where I recognized my strength in this area. Establishing teams, implementing policies and procedures, and creating specialized departments have been instrumental to Stechad’s revenue growth. We prioritize not only hiring experienced individuals but also nurturing smart, inexperienced talents, many of whom are recent graduates seeking opportunities to learn and grow. By providing them with the necessary support and training, Stechad serves as a platform for them to excel in various fields and industries. These combined efforts have led us to our current position, with our values playing an important role in our journey. However, one specific value, the God factor, has significantly influenced us. It ensures that every decision, every project we undertake, is guided and supported, shaping our path forward.
Looking at the ongoing transformation of society by information technology, are you impressed with the number of women training and participating in various forms of IT in Nigeria and Africa?
In order for us to fully embrace the rapid pace of innovation and creativity in today’s world, diversity must be at the forefront. This diversity encompasses not just gender, but specifically the inclusion of both male and female perspectives. Achieving this diversity is essential for realizing the potential of digitization and the beauty of innovation. By having both genders equally represented, we can create a tomorrow free from bias and limited perspectives. Embracing diverse viewpoints, strengths, and characters leads to richer outcomes. While progress has been made in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, in terms of gender diversity in the labour market and within the IT sector, there is still much room for improvement. Beyond education initiatives, we must implement strategies to ensure that diversity is not just a policy, but a reality within organizations. It’s not enough for companies to champion diversity in their policies, there must be mechanisms in place to monitor and assess their actual diversity practices. This includes evaluating the representation of women in leadership positions, departments, and boards of directors. We need robust monitoring systems to track and promote diversity in organizations, along with educational initiatives that empower women from grassroots levels, starting as early as secondary school. By dispelling fears and showcasing the opportunities available in IT and other fields, we can encourage more women to pursue careers and leadership roles in these areas.
How was growing up? Talk about your parents, siblings, schools attended while growing up?
My upbringing was quite unconventional. Raised in a Christian household, I spent my childhood primarily with my four siblings. I did not have many friends. We preferred to stay at home rather than socialize extensively with others. Both my parents were firm disciplinarians who instilled strong moral values in us. Throughout high school, I was reserved and timid, often avoiding social interactions due to fear of what people thought about me. However, entering university marked a turning point as I gradually emerged from my shell. The principles that guide my life stem from the wisdom imparted by my father. Despite our humble beginnings, he ensured our comfort and instilled in us the belief that hard work and determination pave the path to success. His words echoed in my mind, reminding me that tomorrow’s change begins with today’s actions. His immense support shielded me from fear, empowering me to confront the unknown with confidence. Through his teachings, I have grown into a resilient force, unyielding in the pursuit of my aspirations. My dad taught me not to be afraid when things get tough, but to stay strong and face challenges head-on. His influence has shaped me into a woman who refuses to surrender her dreams to intimidation or doubt.
What have been your high and low points in life?
When reflecting on significant moments in my life, I remember a challenging period during my first year of medical school. At that time, my family had struggled to finance my education in Ukraine, making me the first in my family to leave Africa.
There were days of severe hardship when I had no food to eat and even experienced homelessness, wandering with my belongings alongside a classmate, desperately seeking shelter by reaching out to friends late at night.
I vividly recall moments of uncertainty, staring at the sky after class, wondering where my next meal would come from and trekking home because I lacked the means to afford transportation. My high point in life was my graduation day from university, where I was honoured as one of the top graduating students. This moment stands out as a pinnacle moment in my life. Additionally, the establishment of Stechad, my own business, marked another significant high point, symbolizing the realization of my entrepreneurial ambitions.
As a general medical practitioner, what can you say about the healthcare system in Nigeria and what solutions can you proffer?
In my opinion, there’s significant room for improvement within our current system to enhance overall quality of life. One approach will be to integrate technology more extensively into healthcare, such as transitioning to digital documentation, including electronic health records and digitalized prescriptions. This shift would help mitigate errors and streamline processes. Additionally, widespread adoption of telemedicine across various healthcare facilities would expand access to care and reduce wait times for patients. Lastly, implementing reliable IT solutions for preliminary diagnosis, utilizing devices with biomarkers that boast a minimum accuracy of 95%, would enable practitioners to efficiently allocate their time and resources, ultimately benefiting patient care.
Who is your role model and why?
Growing up, my parents were my primary role models as I witnessed their relentless pursuit of success despite humble beginnings. But as I grew older, another beacon of inspiration emerged in Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, the trailblazing chief executive of The Chair Centre Group. Witnessing her groundbreaking achievement as the first female Chairperson of the First Bank of Nigeria sparked a flame of inspiration within me. I was captivated by her audacity to shatter glass ceilings, to challenge the status quo with unyielding courage and conviction. I saw in her not just a leader, but a pioneer, a woman unafraid to venture into uncharted territory, armed only with her determination and resilience. Her journey resonated with me on a profound level, as I admired her ability to pave the way for others while fearlessly carving out her own path. I greatly admire Ibukun Awosika for her unbreakable spirit and steadfast determination. Her ability to defy the odds has become a guiding light in my own journey. She embodies the essence of trailblazing leadership, inspiring me to dare greatly, to dream bigger, and to push beyond the boundaries of what is deemed possible. In her footsteps, I see the promise of a brighter future not just for myself, but for generations to come. She has not only broken barriers but has also paved the way for others to follow in her footsteps, ensuring that the flame of progress burns ever brighter with each passing day. Onyeche Tifase holds a special place in my heart as my second role model. Her tenure as the previous MD/CEO of Siemens Nigeria resonates deeply with me, almost like a journey close to home. Hearing about her struggles, her triumphs, and her relentless efforts to propel Siemens forward in Nigeria fills me with a profound sense of admiration and emotion. Imagine, stepping into a role where there were no established systems, and having to pioneer change from scratch. It required immense strength, resilience, and a willingness to defy the odds, breaking through barriers and protocols to achieve success. These are the qualities that make her not just a role model, but a beacon of hope and inspiration. Despite facing countless challenges and often standing alone, she fought fiercely to carve a path for herself and others. Her story serves as a reminder of the power of determination and the resilience of the human spirit. She’s more than a role model, she’s a symbol of courage and perseverance, a guiding light for those who dare to dream and strive for greatness.
What advice would you give to young girls who aspire to be like you?
To all the young girls out there dreaming of following in my footsteps, I want you to know that we are living in a time where the impossible is becoming possible every day. It all starts with believing in yourself, embracing the idea that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. My advice to you is to be resilient, bold and fearless. Do not settle for anything less than your worth, do not let anyone or anything hold you back. Keep pushing forward, because there is always room at the top for those who refuse to give up. Your biggest obstacle is not external, it is the doubts and fears that linger within you. But once you conquer those inner demons, you will unlock the door to endless possibilities. So, aim high, shatter those glass ceilings, and dare to pursue your wildest dreams. Remember, you are capable of achieving greatness beyond your wildest imagination. Stay focused, keep moving forward, and never lose sight of where you came from. Your journey may be challenging, but every setback is just a stepping stone on the path to success. Keep striving, keep knocking on doors, keep speaking your truth until you reach your goals. And when you do, remember to lift others up along the way, just as others have done for you.
How did you meet your husband and how has the journey been?
I met my husband five years ago. We connected through social media, we eventually met in person, he was my crush. I didn’t foresee us being together, but after a few dates and spending time together, our interest in each other grew. He eventually proposed, and the rest, as they say, is history. The journey of marriage has been wonderful so far, although it comes with its own set of challenges that one must learn to embrace. Marriage is not for the faint-hearted. Fortunately, my parents have been role models for me in marriage, providing me with a clear picture of what a strong partnership looks like. No matter how prepared you think you are for marriage, it has a way of humbling you. In my phase, having to balance career, marriage, and even ministry has not been an easy journey. However, my mum has been my motivation because of her example; she has stayed committed to her marriage and made it work, showing me that I can do the same. I have a very supportive husband, which has been one of the main reasons I have been able to succeed. He is not intimidated by who I am or what I do. Instead, he is always encouraging me to pursue my goals and is genuinely happy to see me grow and step into new opportunities. He is my biggest supporter. Before I go for events, he does two things: he carefully reviews my script and provides edits. Sometimes, he offers input on my talks, and some of the things I say are influenced by him. His encouragement uplifts me. Secondly, he prays with me before any of these events, ensuring that my delivery is smooth and the message is conveyed effectively. He is deeply passionate about my involvement in empowering women and nurturing the younger generation, constantly pushing me to do more. I feel like having that support system pushes me to be my best out there knowing that my marriage is safe and he is happy with what I am doing generally, and this in turn makes me support him in his path.