Education
I Studied Law at 14 but Found My Calling in Tech — Tolulope Awoyomi
Tolulope Awoyomi has explained how her early legal education led her to artificial intelligence, information systems and business analytics, saying her multidisciplinary background has become an advantage in navigating the evolving relationship between technology, law and business.
Awoyomi, who gained admission to study Law at the age of 14, said her journey into artificial intelligence (AI) began with curiosity in 2018 and gradually developed into a career spanning research, teaching, software development, podcasting and writing.
In an interview with Ayoola Olasupo, the lawyer discussed her transition from traditional legal practice into technology, her relocation to the United States, her books on artificial intelligence and the growing implications of AI for the legal profession and business.
She also highlighted the opportunities available to Nigerians in emerging technology fields, stressing the need for improved AI literacy, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity and responsible technology adoption.
How I Began My Journey in Law
Awoyomi said her decision to study Law at a young age was influenced by her upbringing in Nigeria, where education played an important role in shaping her outlook.
According to her, she gained admission to study Law at 14, completed her degree at 19 and graduated from Law School at 20 before being called to the Nigerian Bar.
She said the experience forced her to become independent and disciplined early in life, qualities she continues to rely on in her professional journey.
Growing up in Nigeria also taught her resourcefulness and the importance of continuous learning, particularly in situations where opportunities and clear career pathways might not always be readily available.
Although she initially envisioned a conventional legal career, Awoyomi said her legal education eventually equipped her with skills that proved valuable beyond the courtroom.
She explained that Law taught her to examine rules, evidence, responsibility, risk, interpretation and consequences, adding that these principles later became relevant to her work in artificial intelligence.
While her career has taken a different direction from what she originally imagined, she maintained that her legal background remains central to how she approaches professional challenges.
How Curiosity Led Me to Artificial Intelligence
Awoyomi traced her initial interest in AI to a conversation in 2018, when someone told her about plans to pursue a master’s degree in artificial intelligence.
She recalled being fascinated by the term and said the conversation stayed with her long after it happened
.
However, it was not until early 2022 that she had the opportunity to study the technology more seriously.
By 2023, she had begun teaching people about AI on LinkedIn before expanding her educational activities to YouTube in 2024.
Those efforts subsequently developed into research, practical AI workflows, professional training, podcasting and book writing.
Awoyomi said what started as simple curiosity eventually became a major part of her professional life.
Her transition into technology also involved studying information systems, business analytics, AI and machine learning, as well as learning software development to gain a deeper understanding of how technological systems are designed and implemented.
She explained that she wanted to understand AI beyond its legal and policy implications, including the data that powers such systems, how they interact with other technologies and the circumstances under which they might fail.
According to her, this broader understanding helped her recognise that many of the most difficult questions surrounding AI cannot be answered through technical knowledge alone.
Issues such as responsibility for harm caused by AI systems, the protection of confidential information, ownership of AI-generated content, the admissibility of AI-generated evidence and the governance of automated systems require both technical and legal expertise.
She said the convergence of these disciplines made AI a natural fit for her interests.
Why I Relocated to the United States
Awoyomi said education and the opportunity to broaden her professional exposure were among the major reasons she moved from Nigeria to the United States.
She wanted to experience a different learning environment, encounter new ideas and understand how law, business and technology were evolving globally.
In the US, she pursued a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in Business and Finance Law at George Washington University.
Her academic interests subsequently expanded to include information systems, business analytics and artificial intelligence.
She said relocating exposed her to professional possibilities she had not initially considered and created opportunities to combine disciplines that are often treated separately.
However, she noted that adjusting to a new country involved more than relocating geographically.
Awoyomi explained that she had to learn how to operate within a different professional environment, build new relationships and understand how her previous education and experience could fit into the new system.
Rebuilding her professional network was another challenge, as she had to establish herself in an unfamiliar environment without the established relationships and professional familiarity she had enjoyed in Nigeria.
She said the experience required patience, continuous learning and a willingness to acquire new skills.
How Law Prepared Me for a Career in AI
According to Awoyomi, her transition from Law into artificial intelligence and business analytics happened gradually rather than through a single defining moment.
After completing her legal education and LL.M. programme, she became increasingly interested in how systems work and how technology could help individuals and organisations improve their operations.
That interest led her to information systems and business analytics before she began studying AI and machine learning more formally.
She also learned software development because she wanted to understand the technology beyond its surface-level applications.
Awoyomi said her legal background helped her examine AI through questions of accountability, responsibility and consequences, while her technical training enabled her to understand how the systems themselves function.
She argued that the combination of these skills has become particularly valuable because AI-related challenges frequently cross disciplinary boundaries.
For instance, determining who should be held responsible when an AI system causes harm requires more than an understanding of how the technology operates.
Similarly, questions surrounding data privacy, intellectual property, legal evidence and organisational accountability demand an appreciation of both technical capabilities and existing legal principles.
Awoyomi said her experience has convinced her that professionals who can understand the technology and its wider implications will be increasingly valuable to organisations adopting AI.
What My Books on AI Seek to Achieve
Awoyomi said she wrote Simple Book of AI to make artificial intelligence accessible to people without technical backgrounds.
She explained that she had encountered intelligent people who wanted to understand AI but felt excluded from conversations about the technology because they lacked formal training in computer science.
Drawing from her own experience of entering the field without initially having a computer science background, she sought to explain what AI is, how it developed, how it works and where it is being applied.
The book also examines the implications of AI and aims to help readers understand the technology without requiring specialised technical knowledge.
Awoyomi said her objective was to simplify the subject without stripping it of its substance.
She expressed the hope that readers would finish the book feeling more confident about asking questions and participating in discussions about artificial intelligence.
Her other book, Bridging AI and Law: A Practical Guide for Lawyers and Technologists, addresses the relationship between technology and the legal profession.
She said she recognised a gap between people developing technological systems and professionals responsible for understanding their legal implications.
According to her, lawyers increasingly need sufficient technical knowledge to ask informed questions about AI, while developers, businesses and technology teams must understand legal issues relating to privacy, intellectual property, liability, governance, evidence and responsible use.
She explained that the objective was not to turn lawyers into engineers or engineers into lawyers, but to help professionals understand one another’s disciplines sufficiently to make better decisions.
The Challenges of Building a Multidisciplinary Career
Awoyomi identified building a career that does not fit neatly into a single professional category as one of the most challenging aspects of her journey.
Her work spans Law, artificial intelligence, information systems, business analytics, software development, research, education and technology implementation.
She said the combination was sometimes difficult to explain earlier in her career because people often expected professionals to follow conventional and predictable career paths.
Over time, however, she began to see her multidisciplinary background as a strength rather than something she needed to justify.
According to her, AI problems rarely fall within the boundaries of a single discipline.
Organisations need professionals who can understand the technology, identify business needs, assess human consequences and evaluate the legal and governance implications of deploying AI systems.
She said the combination of these perspectives has become central to her work.
Why I Established the Everything AI & Law Podcast
Awoyomi said she established the Everything AI & Law Podcast to encourage deeper conversations about artificial intelligence and its impact on law, business and society.
She observed that discussions about AI often take place in separate professional circles, with technologists, lawyers and policymakers approaching the subject from different perspectives.
The podcast was created to bring these viewpoints together through conversations with people working in artificial intelligence, law, legal technology, governance, research and business.
She also described the platform as an educational initiative, noting that people who might not read academic papers or enrol in AI courses could still learn by listening to informed discussions with professionals working directly in the field.
Awoyomi said she had hosted more than 50 conversations through the podcast, making it an important part of her efforts to improve public understanding of AI.
How Living in the US Has Influenced My Outlook
According to Awoyomi, living and working in the United States exposed her to professionals who build careers across different disciplines.
The experience helped her understand that skills acquired in one field do not necessarily have to remain confined to that profession.
However, she said her Nigerian background continues to influence the issues she considers important, particularly access to education and opportunities to participate in the development and adoption of emerging technologies.
She explained that she remains interested in how technology can create opportunities for people who might otherwise be excluded from conversations about innovation.
Awoyomi said her professional outlook is shaped by both her experience in Nigeria and her exposure to the US technology and business environment.
My Most Significant Achievements Since Relocating
Reflecting on her career, Awoyomi highlighted her published research, AI education initiatives, practical technology workflows, podcast and books as some of her most significant achievements.
She said she had taught AI to technical and non-technical audiences, conducted research, developed practical workflows and worked to help professionals understand the technology and its legal implications.
She is also increasingly involved in helping professionals and organisations navigate the practical aspects of AI adoption.
For Awoyomi, the most rewarding aspect of her journey is seeing how an interest that began in 2018 has evolved into work that allows her to teach, build, conduct research and help people make better decisions about technology.
Nigeria Is Still Building Its AI Capacity
Assessing Nigeria’s readiness to embrace artificial intelligence, particularly in the legal and business sectors, Awoyomi said the country had significant potential but remained at the development stage.
She acknowledged encouraging developments in national AI strategy, research, innovation and adoption, alongside growing discussions about AI governance, data protection, cybersecurity and responsible use.
However, she stressed that the country’s progress should not be measured by adoption alone.
According to her, Nigeria needs stronger AI literacy, reliable digital infrastructure, improved access to data, clear governance frameworks, stronger cybersecurity and data protection measures, as well as professionals who understand both the capabilities and limitations of AI systems.
She argued that the legal profession, in particular, must begin taking AI education seriously because the technology is already changing how legal work is researched, drafted, reviewed and delivered.
Awoyomi maintained that the growing use of AI does not necessarily mean lawyers will become unnecessary.
Rather, she believes legal professionals must understand the technology to remain effective and make informed decisions about its use in legal practice.
Her position highlights the importance of preparing professionals to work alongside AI tools while retaining the judgment and accountability required in the practice of law.
Opportunities for Nigerians in AI and Technology
Awoyomi said artificial intelligence and other technology fields offer significant opportunities for Nigerians seeking to build careers locally and internationally.
She explained that technological advancements have reduced the importance of geographical boundaries for certain types of work, allowing skilled Nigerians to access opportunities beyond their immediate environments.
She identified AI engineering, data analysis, cybersecurity, product management, AI governance, legal technology, business analysis, automation, responsible AI and research as areas with opportunities for professional development.
However, she advised Nigerians against assuming that participating in the AI sector requires everyone to become a machine-learning engineer.
Instead, she encouraged professionals to understand how AI can be applied to solve problems within their existing fields.
According to her, combining AI knowledge with established professional expertise can provide a significant advantage.
A lawyer who understands artificial intelligence, for example, may be better positioned to assess the legal implications of AI adoption than someone with technology knowledge alone.
She said the same principle applies to doctors, accountants, teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs and professionals in finance.
Awoyomi encouraged Nigerians to identify problems within their professions, businesses and communities that AI tools could help solve more effectively.
She expressed confidence that some of the most promising opportunities would emerge from combining existing professional knowledge with an understanding of artificial intelligence.
Her journey from studying Law at 14 to building a career at the intersection of AI, business and legal research illustrates how professional training can provide a foundation for exploring emerging fields.
As artificial intelligence continues to influence how organisations operate and professionals deliver services, her message to Nigerians is that understanding the technology can create opportunities across multiple industries, even for those whose original training was outside computer science.k
Development is a continuous process that requires visionary leadership, purposeful governance, commitment and collective responsibility. For decades, Kebbi State has pursued meaningful development across critical sectors, with the ultimate goal of improving living standards and creating better opportunities for future generations.
Under the leadership of Governor Nasir Idris, the state government says it is intensifying efforts to transform the state through infrastructure development, investment in human capital and policies aimed at improving the welfare of residents.
Since assuming office, the administration has embarked on several development projects, completed various initiatives and introduced programmes targeting the state’s developmental needs.
While government policies and programmes should always be subjected to objective assessment, genuine achievements should also receive recognition, irrespective of political affiliations.
In every democratic society, criticism is necessary for accountability and improved governance. However, political differences should not prevent citizens from.
acknowledging initiatives that contribute positively to the development of their communities.
Kebbi State deserves constructive political engagement rather than unnecessary divisions.
Development should never be treated as a competition between political parties or individuals. Its real purpose is to improve the lives of ordinary citizens, create opportunities for young people, empower women, strengthen institutions and establish an environment where businesses and communities can thrive.
Education: The Foundation of Sustainable Development
Among the various responsibilities of government, investment in human capital development remains one of the most important.
Roads, bridges, hospitals and other infrastructure are essential to economic growth, but education provides the knowledge, skills and opportunities required to sustain development across generations.
Education remains a critical foundation for Kebbi State’s future. Investing in schools, improving learning conditions, supporting teachers, expanding access to quality education and providing opportunities for students are necessary steps towards preparing the next generation for leadership and productive participation in society.
The future of Kebbi cannot be separated from the quality of education available to its children and young people.
A well-educated population is better positioned to contribute to economic development, embrace innovation, address social challenges and compete in an increasingly knowledge-driven world.
Consequently, sustained investment in education should remain a priority for the Idris administration and successive governments in the state.
Healthcare is equally important to sustainable development. A healthy population is more productive and better equipped to contribute to economic and social progress.
Government attention to healthcare infrastructure, medical services and other health-related interventions is therefore essential to improving the well-being of citizens.
Youth Empowerment, Employment and Economic Opportunities
Young people represent one of Kebbi State’s greatest assets. Their energy, creativity and potential can become important drivers of economic growth if properly harnessed.
This makes youth empowerment, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities critical areas of government responsibility.
An administration that invests in its young population is laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth and social stability.
Beyond providing employment, government should continue creating an enabling environment for young entrepreneurs, farmers, artisans and professionals to contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.
Agriculture also remains a major component of Kebbi’s economic potential. Supporting farmers through improved access to agricultural inputs, infrastructure, modern farming techniques and markets can strengthen food production, create jobs and improve rural livelihoods.
These sectors demonstrate why sustainable development requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both physical infrastructure and the human capacity needed to maintain it.
Security and Collective Responsibility
Security remains one of the most important responsibilities of government. Without peace and stability, meaningful development becomes difficult.
Businesses struggle to operate, farmers face difficulties accessing their farmlands, and communities experience uncertainty.
Like several other states in Nigeria, Kebbi has faced security challenges requiring sustained attention and cooperation among relevant stakeholders.
The protection of lives and property must therefore remain a priority for the state government, security agencies and communities.
Government efforts to support security operations and strengthen collaboration with relevant institutions are important. However, security cannot be achieved by government alone.
Traditional rulers, religious leaders, community organisations and residents all have important roles to play through credible information sharing, peaceful coexistence and support for lawful security initiatives.
Preserving peace and protecting communities should remain a collective responsibility.
Inclusive Governance and Political Tolerance
Another important principle of democratic leadership is inclusiveness.
A governor, upon assuming office, becomes the leader of the entire state, regardless of the political parties, ethnic groups, religious backgrounds or geographical communities to which residents belong.
The people of Kebbi deserve equal opportunities and access to government programmes and public services.
Inclusive governance recognises the contributions of different groups, accommodates diverse opinions and encourages citizens to participate in the development process.
Political differences should never become barriers preventing people from benefiting from government policies and programmes.
Kebbi’s development requires the contributions of everyone, including members of the ruling party, opposition parties, traditional institutions, religious organisations, civil society groups, business communities and ordinary residents.
Constructive Criticism, Not Political Hostility
One concern in the state’s political environment is the increasing use of social media for political attacks, allegations and narratives that may not always be supported by verifiable evidence.
Democracy guarantees the right to criticise government, question public policies and present alternative political ideas.
Indeed, a responsible opposition is essential to democratic governance because it promotes accountability and provides alternative approaches to addressing public challenges.
However, there is an important distinction between constructive criticism and deliberate attempts to mislead the public.
Political parties and stakeholders should concentrate on presenting their programmes, policies and alternative visions for Kebbi State rather than engaging in personal attacks and unsubstantiated allegations.
Where genuine concerns exist about government projects or policies, they should be raised with facts, evidence and practical recommendations.
Social media should serve as a platform for informed discussions, credible information and public engagement, not an instrument for spreading misinformation or deepening divisions.
Governor Nasir Idris, like every other political leader, is not above criticism. But criticism should be fair, responsible and based on verifiable information.
Preserving Kebbi’s Unity and Cultural Identity
Kebbi State has a rich history of community relations, respect for traditional institutions, cultural values and peaceful coexistence.
These values remain important to the state’s identity and should be protected regardless of political developments.
Political competition should not destroy the unity that binds residents together.
Elections will come and go. Political parties will compete, and individuals will express different opinions. However, Kebbi State will remain the common home of its people.
No political ambition should be greater than the collective interest of the state.
Citizens must learn to disagree without becoming enemies and allow political differences to strengthen democratic participation rather than create unnecessary hostility.
The responsibility for Kebbi’s development belongs to everyone, irrespective of political affiliation.
2027: The Case for Continuity and Consolidation
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, residents of Kebbi State have an opportunity to reflect on the direction of governance, the achievements recorded so far and the developmental priorities of the present administration.
Leadership should ultimately be assessed through vision, commitment, accountability and the ability to translate promises into tangible results.
In my assessment, Governor Comrade Dr Nasir Idris has demonstrated a commitment to the development of Kebbi State through his administration’s various interventions across critical sectors.
The people must, however, continue to assess government performance objectively, examining not only completed projects but also their impact on communities and the sustainability of policies.
Continuity in leadership, where justified by satisfactory performance and supported by the democratic choice of the electorate, can provide an opportunity to consolidate ongoing projects, strengthen existing policies and pursue additional developmental initiatives.
However, continuity should always be accompanied by accountability, transparency and a clear commitment to addressing areas requiring improvement.
Ultimately, the future of Kebbi State should not be determined by political sentiments alone but by a careful assessment of leadership, performance and the aspirations of its people.
Conclusion
The sustainable development of Kebbi State requires more than political promises and infrastructure projects. It requires consistent investment in education, healthcare, agriculture, security, youth empowerment and strong public institutions.
Education, in particular, must remain at the centre of the state’s development agenda because the quality of today’s investment in human capital will determine the opportunities available to future generations.
Governor Nasir Idris and his administration have an important responsibility to sustain development efforts, strengthen public services and ensure that government programmes produce measurable improvements in the lives of residents.
At the same time, citizens, political parties and other stakeholders must embrace constructive engagement, peaceful coexistence and collective responsibility.
Kebbi’s development should be a shared ambition that rises above political affiliations.
The ultimate measure of leadership is not simply the number of projects announced or completed, but the lasting positive impact of governance on the lives of the people.
Vice-Chancellors of Bowen University, Prof. Jonathan Babalola, and Kola Daisi University, Prof. Olajumoke Morenikeji, have urged the Federal Government to extend the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme to eligible students in private universities.
The two university administrators made the appeal on Monday at separate press conferences organised ahead of their institutions’ forthcoming convocation ceremonies.
They argued that students attending private universities should not be automatically considered wealthy or excluded from government-supported educational financing because of the ownership status of their institutions.
Babalola described the exclusion of private university students from NELFUND as unfair, insisting that many families sponsoring their children’s education in private institutions were not financially buoyant.
“The children in private institutions are also Nigerians,” she added.
The appeals come amid continuing discussions about access to affordable higher education and the role of government-backed financial assistance in reducing the cost of university education.
The 21st convocation ceremonies of Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, are scheduled to hold from November 2 to 7, while Kola Daisi University’s convocation activities in Ibadan, Oyo State, run from October 26 to November 5, 2026.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called on financially capable alumni and other education stakeholders to partner with the government in addressing infrastructure challenges facing public schools across the state.
The governor said collaboration between government, old students’ associations and other stakeholders was necessary to improve educational standards and provide students with a conducive learning environment.
Aiyedatiwa made the appeal on Saturday in Akure, the state capital, during the 50th anniversary celebration of Omoluorogbo Grammar School.
He was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Sunday Olajide.
The governor noted that government alone could not shoulder the financial responsibility of developing the education sector, urging former students to contribute meaningfully to the growth of their alma mater.
Public schools across Nigeria continue to face challenges, including deteriorating classroom buildings, inadequate learning facilities and insufficient funding.
Against this backdrop, alumni associations have increasingly complemented government efforts by renovating school infrastructure, providing educational materials, supplying equipment and offering financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
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