In an exclusive interview with allnaijadiaspora.com, Engr. Tayo Okuboyejo shares her remarkable journey as a Nigerian diaspora thriving in the dynamic world of information security and policy. Her expertise ranges from leading strategic initiatives for corporations to crafting evidence-based analysis for government policy. Currently, she is leading the transformation of the Security Operations Centre for Transport for London.
Before her current role, Okuboyejo held leadership positions across various sectors, including engineering (ExxonMobil, Chevron), government policy (Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy – BEIS), and security consulting (NCC Group). Notably, she served as Chief of Staff to the CEO of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation under the UK Ministry of Defence.
Okuboyejo boasts a distinguished academic background, holding an engineering degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, a master’s degree in petroleum engineering from Heriot-Watt University, and another master’s degree in public administration from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
This interview delves into Okuboyejo’s multifaceted career, exploring her experiences as a woman succeeding in a male-dominated field and navigating the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Nigerian diasporans. Excerpts:
What motivated you to move from Nigeria to the UK?
Coming to the UK at the time I did was a natural progression for me. My parents gave birth to me when they were students in England in the 1970s, so it was always a given that I’d return to the UK for further education at the very least.
Tell us about your career journey so far. What are some of the key highlights and turning points?
The highlight of my career has got to be changing career twice since my graduate days. It has not been without challenges, but I think for the most part, I have been able to adapt my skillset at every point. Joining a new industry or sector at mid-career allowed me to add unique perspectives to the organisations I joined because I didn’t have the same limitation of thought or opinions that those traditionally trained in the sector would have. However, I think I succeeded at knowing when to rely on veteran experience which should never be belittled or dismissed no matter how much value is ascribed to diversity. I have learnt that the synergy of “creativity and experience” consistently delivers success.
As for a turning point, I think thus far, it is the opportunity I got to work in the UK Civil Service at a level where I was responsible for policy formulation and providing ministerial advice. I used to believe like many that private sector ideals can directly be transposed to the public sector successfully. Working at a senior level has since weaned me off some of that “indoctrination and naivety”.
How has your Nigerian heritage shaped your career path and professional identity?
I’ll venture to give the most credit for this to the three people who parented me. My mum, dad, and stepmum raised me to believe in my own independence and that achieving success in any endeavor lies mostly in being disciplined and that effort must always be commensurate with aspirations. I grew up hearing three distinct maxims that shaped my thinking and largely have proven to be instructive.
My mum would say – Atelewo eni nikan kii tanije.
My dad would say – Always think of ways you can either add a positive insight or make a difference.
My stepmum would say – Gbogbo nkan ti eeyan ba nse lo ye ko ma se daada nitori igba ti eeyan ba ma di eni ara e.
The nickname “NaijaBabe” carries a sense of cultural pride. Can you share the story behind it?
I moved to the UK in the mid-nineties when it was not cool to be a Nigerian. Unlike a lot of my peers, I wanted to stamp my Nigerian identity on my forehead, so this nickname was my way of doing just that. I wanted every man and his pet to be clear that I am a Najia girl at heart but at the time, I wasn’t exactly a girl, so I just became NaijaBabe.
Thriving in a competitive and male-dominated field is no easy feat. What are the key qualities and skills that have helped you thrive in your career?
Again, this is to my parents’ credit, I don’t know if it was intentional, but my gender was never highlighted in either the opportunities they gave me nor was it ever a factor in any of my choices. Until a year before gaining admission into university, I wanted to be a doctor to my dad’s delight but when I changed my mind and chose to study Electrical Engineering instead, his only disappointment was that he would not be the father of a doctor. My mother, for her part, was quite happy that I chose to play to my strengths. So, I have never really seen myself as a female in a male-dominated industry but instead just a human being of very humble beginnings trying to make my own way in this big and wide world.
Having experience in the UK’s oil sector, what are your perspectives on the challenges faced by the Nigerian oil industry, and what potential solutions do you see?
The only “devil” in the Nigerian oil sector is politics. I am not aware of any technical challenge technology hasn’t already solved, but I am certain that I am not qualified enough to speak on those political issues.
I also see that you have rich experience working in the UK public sector. Drawing comparisons, what are the key differences you’ve observed between the UK and Nigerian public sectors, and what potential reforms could be implemented in Nigeria?
This comparison is difficult for me as I have only worked in the UK public sector while my experience of the Nigerian public sector is limited to secondhand anecdotes. However, I am certain about how very little credit is given to Nigerian public sector workers. They are underpaid and undervalued both in service and retirement. Despite our apparent distaste for the Nigerian Civil Service, they are the reason for every functionality in government today. Although, I admit that like all facets of public administration in Nigeria, the actions of many civil servants leave a lot to be desired.
What are the biggest challenges and opportunities you have faced as a member of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK?
As ridiculous as this may seem to most, my biggest challenge has been to come to terms with the idea of seeing myself as a black person. It is such a strange idea that I still occasionally struggle to mentally navigate even though I have resided in the UK for several decades. My biggest opportunity would be my achievements both professional and personal. I have been able to pursue and continue to pursue my ambitions without much hindrance, they are a lot to be grateful for and I truly am.
What steps could the UK take to further support and integrate skilled African diaspora professionals?
I genuinely think we should stop believing in such naïve ideas as the UK doing anything other than to advance UK interests. Perhaps we should start thinking about ways the African Diasporan Community can collaborate to deliver at scale to the continent.
The diaspora holds immense potential for contributing to Nigeria’s development. How can this potential be maximized, and what role do you see the Nigerian government playing in engaging with the diaspora?
I believe our policymakers in Nigeria should harness the skills and financial resources of the diaspora beyond remittances. With strategic policy formulation, the Nigerian diaspora could potentially invest over $100 billion annually in the Nigerian economy. Currently, there’s a lack of confidence in investing, particularly in the informal sector. By addressing this and reducing the diasporan trust deficit, the government could stimulate double-digit growth over the decade.
As a successful Nigerian woman navigating the UK’s professional landscape, what were some of the most significant challenges you encountered?
The absence of familial support, especially during the early stages of my career when balancing childcare with work, posed significant challenges. Besides, the exorbitant cost and the occasional guilt when work demanded more than a fair share of my time often made me like I was choosing between my family and my career. Not a nice feeling and one I had to find ways to come to terms with.
For young Nigerians considering an international career, what advice would you offer? Are there specific sectors offering greater opportunities or support?
Pursuing a career abroad is challenging, regardless of age. I would suggest to anyone considering a career abroad that it won’t be a bed of roses but also that most challenges can be overcome with the right attitude. It’s essential to acknowledge the hurdles and maintain a resilient attitude. Seek mentorship from individuals with lived experiences and professional guidance. Sectors such as STEM, Information Technology, finance, and education often offer abundant opportunities and support networks.
Mentorship plays a crucial role in professional development. How have mentors and sponsors impacted your journey, and what advice do you have for fostering similar support networks within the diaspora?
I found my mentors by taking advantage of every networking opportunity, and to their credit, they have provided career support from as little as CV review, and interview prep right up to making personal recommendations, even though I always did my part to prepare above and beyond expectations. To foster similar support networks within the diaspora, seize every networking opportunity and actively engage with potential mentors.
What are your insights on the current job market for skilled professionals, both within your field and broadly? Additionally, what advice would you give to individuals seeking new career opportunities or considering a switch?
Currently, I work in cyber security consulting covering operational technology, risk management, audits, and security by design – a UK mandatory requirement for government projects. It’s hard to imagine there was ever a time when we didn’t rely on computers. There’s no aspect of modern life that isn’t inherently at risk of bad actors and for this reason, demand for cyber security is expected to continue to rise. For the UK specifically, I also expect to see more demand in sectors that focus on a more efficient and sustainable use of our planetary resources. My advice is to stay updated with industry trends and continuously upskill to remain competitive.
What message would you like to share with young women, especially those in the diaspora, aspiring to achieve success in their chosen fields?
Don’t ignore the power and support of networks and stay informed about available government support, particularly in areas like childcare where women face significant challenges. Your determination and perseverance will pave the way for success.
You have actively participated in Nigerian politics, including contesting in the last election. Can you describe this experience and share the key lessons learned? What guidance would you offer to fellow Nigerians in the diaspora considering entering politics?
Figuratively speaking, I have learnt the real meaning of the maxim – it’s a marathon, not a sprint… Diasporans aspiring to enter politics should internalize this mindset just as I have.
What inspired you to establish the Temitayo Agemo Okuboyejo Renaissance Project (TAORP)? What are some key takeaways and lessons learned from this experience?
It’s a self-funded social enterprise that I used to support education in my LG. I was motivated to set it up to follow in the footsteps of my late grandad and dad. Both were community advocates whose shoes I don’t think I could ever fill. TAORP is my way of honouring their legacies and continuing in their footsteps. With regards to lessons learnt, I think I have finally understood that a man who thirsts would be grateful for half a glass of water rather than none. While our contributions may seem small in the grand scheme, the impact on beneficiaries, especially the children we support, motivates us to persist. The key lesson learned is that even modest efforts can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, fueling our determination to continue the project.
