By Damilola Fatunmise
Samuel Owoade, a proud son of Nigeria, is making a name for himself in the highly competitive tech industry in the United States. With an illustrious career spanning software engineering, advanced analytics, and cutting-edge research, Samuel is showcasing the brilliance of Nigerian talent on the global stage.
Born and raised in Nigeria, Samuel’s journey reflects resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Today, he stands as a testament to what Nigerians can achieve with vision, determination, and hard work.
“I have always believed that technology is not just a tool but a bridge to solving the most pressing challenges in society,” Samuel says, reflecting on his passion for engineering solutions that matter. His work embodies this philosophy, as he continues to develop solutions that positively impact people’s lives.
Samuel began his academic journey at Babcock University, Ogun State, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. “Nigeria gave me the foundation I needed to build a global career. My education there was the stepping stone to everything I’ve achieved today,” he notes with pride.
Determined to deepen his expertise, Samuel pursued and excelled in a Master’s degree in Software Engineering at Kennesaw State University (KSU), Georgia, graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
His academic achievements, coupled with his passion for solving real-world problems, set him apart early in his career. From developing healthcare solutions for underserved communities to engineering fraud prevention systems for the U.S. financial sector, Samuel’s impact has been both national and global.
“Wherever I work, I carry the responsibility of showing what Nigerians are capable of achieving,” Samuel says.
His work spans multiple sectors, including healthcare, financial technology, and urban mobility. Among his many accomplishments is the development of DRO Health, a cross-platform app providing healthcare consultations, prescriptions, and management tools to over 50,000 users, particularly in underserved communities.
“Making healthcare more accessible isn’t just a goal—it’s a mission that I take personally,” Samuel says about the project.
At Wells Fargo, Samuel is at the forefront of combating financial fraud. He designed real-time fraud detection systems that protect millions of transactions annually. “When you can reduce fraud by millions of dollars, you’re not just improving a company’s bottom line; you’re building trust in the entire financial system,” Samuel says of his work.
During his time as a Graduate Research Assistant at KSU, Samuel spearheaded the development of a transportation app serving over 35,000 students and staff. By integrating APIs from Google Maps and local transit systems, he solved critical mobility challenges while reducing environmental impact. “Technology isn’t just about innovation—it’s about finding ways to make life easier for people,” he reflects on the project.
Beyond his engineering feats, Samuel is a prolific researcher, with over 15 peer-reviewed publications in top international journals. His research spans topics such as fraud prevention, scalable cloud solutions, and sustainable urban mobility. “Publishing research isn’t just about recognition. It’s about sharing knowledge that can make a difference in the world,” Samuel says, explaining his commitment to academic contributions.
His work on cross-platform healthcare apps, in particular, has been hailed as a groundbreaking solution for improving accessibility in communities that need it most. Samuel’s research reflects his passion for using technology to solve pressing societal challenges, both in Nigeria and abroad. “The greatest satisfaction comes from knowing that the work I do makes life better for people,” he says.
Samuel remains deeply connected to his roots and is passionate about inspiring other Nigerians to pursue careers in technology. He has participated in international STEM events such as the Conrad Challenge and the North Carolina Student Academy of Science, mentoring young talents and providing career insights to aspiring innovators. “Mentorship is my way of giving back to the community. It’s how we ensure the next generation is ready to take on the world,” he says.
He is also a proud member of AfroTech, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and the Kennesaw Society of Black Engineers, where he collaborates with other African professionals to advance technology and innovation. “When we come together as a community, there’s no limit to what we can achieve,” Samuel says of his involvement in these organizations.
Samuel’s story is not just about personal success—it is about showing young Nigerians that they can compete and excel on the global stage. His achievements, from winning 1st Place at Graduate Capstone competitions to being recognized in the 4.0 Club at KSU, demonstrate what is possible with hard work, focus, and the right opportunities. “Your background doesn’t define your future—your determination and actions do,” Samuel says, offering advice to young people.
Through his work at Sammich Technologies, where he developed financial tools like Kolomoni, and his contributions to public sector transformation, Samuel is laying a foundation for others to follow. “Innovation starts with identifying a need and having the courage to create a solution,” he says of his approach to engineering.
Samuel’s commitment to giving back is evident in his mentorship roles and volunteer work. Whether judging STEM competitions or advising students, Samuel remains an ambassador for Nigeria’s talent, showing the world the brilliance of the Nigerian spirit. “Every time I mentor someone, I see it as an opportunity to build a better future for us all,” he says.
With his current role at Wells Fargo and his ongoing research into transformative technologies, Samuel Owoade is just getting started. “My dream is to create solutions that impact lives globally while empowering Nigerians to lead the way in technology,” he says.
As Nigeria continues to produce world-class talents making significant contributions abroad, Samuel’s story serves as an inspiration to all. His message to Nigerians: “The world is waiting for your brilliance—dream big, work hard, and never forget where you come from.”