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Software Programmer, FRED ALABI
“Where There Is A Problem, There Is Money. Solve It With Technology And You’ll Never Lack Opportunities.” This was a direct but highly inspiring quote from one of the speakers who captivated students at this year’s Estate Grammar School Old Students’ Association (EGSOSA) Career Talk held few weeks ago. His name is Mr. Fred (Alfred) Alabi, a seasoned systems administrator, software programmer and computer engineer.
A Certified Microsoft Professional, Certified Digital Data Administrator and Associate Member of Amazon Web Services (AWS), Alabi returned to his alma mater to expose students to the limitless opportunities available in Information Technology (IT), particularly software development.
Rather than merely encouraging the students to learn coding, he challenged them to begin identifying everyday problems around them and develop technological solutions that could eventually become profitable businesses.
In this interview with City People Reporter JAMIU ABUBAKAR, Alabi explains why software development is one of the fastest ways to create wealth, why students should start learning while they are still in secondary school, and why he believes every problem presents a business opportunity.
Tell us briefly about yourself.
My name is Mr. Alfred Alabi. I am a Systems Administrator, a Certified Microsoft Professional, a Certified Digital Data Administrator, an Associate Member of Amazon Web Services (AWS), a Computer Engineer and a Software Programmer.
How does it feel returning to your secondary school after so many years?
The feeling is always nostalgic.
Although I have visited before, the last major time I came here was in 2014 during our 20th graduation anniversary.
Whenever I return, memories come flooding back. Seeing these students playing football on this field reminds me of my own days here. This was where I started playing football, a game I continued for about 17 years.
As I watch these students today, I realise they probably don’t yet appreciate the opportunities they currently have. But someday they will.
That is one of the reasons we keep coming back—to help them understand the value of this stage of their lives and encourage them to make the most of it.
Walking around the classrooms and school compound brings back memories of my journey from JSS1 to SS3. It feels like yesterday, even though it has been over three decades.
You spoke to the students about opportunities in Information Technology. What exactly did you discuss?
My session focused on how software can be used to solve real-life problems.
There is so much to discuss about Information Technology that one day is not even enough, but because of time, I concentrated on software development and problem-solving.
I told the students that every successful software application exists because someone identified a problem and decided to solve it.
I used our experience in this school as an example.
Back in our days, there were between 3,000 and 5,000 students, while only about ten food vendors served everyone during break time.
Break lasted barely 30 minutes, so many students never got their food before the bell rang.
I asked the students to imagine creating an application that allows everyone to order and pay for their meals before school starts.
By break time, the food would already be prepared. Each student would simply collect their meal using a number or code. Everyone would eat on time.
That is technology solving a real problem.
I also mentioned the school timetable.
Thirty-five years ago, our timetable was written on a board with chalk. To my surprise, it is still largely the same today.
That means another problem is waiting to be solved.
Why not develop a timetable app where students can check their subjects from home before coming to school?
If you know you have Mathematics or Agricultural Science the following day, you will remember to pack the appropriate textbooks.
Simple ideas like these can make life easier for thousands of students.
That is why I told them something very important:
When there is a problem, there is money.
Many people say every problem has a solution. I go further by saying every problem represents an opportunity to make money.
Find the problem. Build the solution. The money will follow.
I also reminded them that software does not work alone.
People often talk only about software without considering hardware.
Your phone is hardware. Applications like OPay are software running on that hardware.
The same applies to gaming consoles such as Xbox and PlayStation. They perform similar functions but run different operating systems and hardware.
Whenever you think about building software, also think about the device or platform that will run it.
You encouraged the students to become innovators at an early age. For a student who wants to begin immediately, where should they start?
The good news is that getting started has never been easier.
If you have a smartphone and internet access, you already have enough to begin learning.
There are countless free resources online.
YouTube offers excellent programming tutorials.
There are websites like W3Schools, where beginners can learn HTML and many other programming languages free of charge.
Students can also learn coding through Scratch, which is designed especially for children and beginners.
There are online learning platforms like Udemy, where some courses are paid while many introductory lessons are free.
I have also written books that are available on Amazon and other platforms.
The important thing is to start somewhere.
Knowledge is available everywhere today. If you genuinely seek it, you will find it.
Do you think the government can do more to encourage innovation among young Nigerians?
I actually have a different perspective on that.
In Nigeria, we often expect government to solve every problem.
Government is like a parent. Its responsibility is to provide the foundation.
After that, individuals must take responsibility for their own growth.
Government is already introducing coding and Information Technology into schools, something that did not exist during our own time.
They have done their part by exposing students to these subjects.
However, government cannot teach someone to think creatively.
Innovation comes from personal curiosity and passion.
Not everyone will become a software developer, and that is perfectly fine.
But for those who genuinely have an interest in technology, software development remains one of the fastest ways to build a successful career.
One thing I couldn’t mention during my presentation because of time is that the earlier you start learning software development, the greater your chances of succeeding.
Software development is not magic.
You will build some applications that fail.
I have personally developed several software products that never became successful.
But I have also developed others with enormous potential.
In fact, I am currently planning to develop an application specifically for students who attend our alumni career sessions.
I also visited the school’s computer laboratory and was pleased to see that the facilities exist.
If the school identifies students who are genuinely passionate about technology, I would gladly return and mentor them free of charge.
I have done it before.
I have written books.
I am willing to share my knowledge.
But ultimately, it comes down to passion.
If you truly have the passion, you will pursue knowledge, and once you pursue knowledge, you will eventually succeed.
For those who are willing to learn, we will always be available to guide and support them.
Mr. Fred Alabi’s message to students was simple but profound: technology is no longer just about using computers; it is about solving problems. He believes Nigeria is full of everyday challenges waiting for innovative young minds to provide solutions. For students willing to learn coding, understand technology and think creatively, the opportunities are limitless.
As he repeatedly reminded the audience that “Where there is a problem, there is money. Build the solution, and success will follow.”
