Discovering tech in Lagos, Nigeria
Oladotun’s journey into tech began in Lagos, Nigeria, where opportunities for mentorship in tech were still emerging. When he started in University, he was still trying to figure out his skillset, who he was, and what he wanted to do. He had the opportunity to join a youth initiative that helped young people learn programming and digital skills. Starting with Java and frontend development, he quickly realized how much he loved bringing ideas to life. A global entrepreneurship program soon followed, combining business education, competition, and problem-solving, and that experience cemented his passion for creating products that make a real impact.
Oladotun comes from a family of artists; his father is an architect, and his uncle is structural engineer, so he felt familiar in the world of design and had an “a-ha” moment, that this is where he belonged.
From self-taught beginnings to global projects
Like many self-taught designers, Oladotun learned by doing. His first website that built for a relative’s business, was, as he puts it, a bit of a learning curve. “It wasn’t even responsive,” he laughs. “But that’s how I learned. I had to figure things out one by one.”
With time, that hands-on experience turned into expertise. He dove into UX and responsive design, taught himself new tools like Adobe XD, and collaborated with friends on startup projects that expanded his skills even further.
His portfolio quickly grew to include international work, from Go54, one of the larger tech companies in Lagos, to a UK-based consulting firm, where he worked with global teams on design and product development.
“I’ve always liked seeing the results of what I build as quickly as possible,” he shared. “That’s what keeps me drawn to startups; the pace, the feedback, the creativity.”
Building a new life in Canada
Two years ago, Oladotun made the decision to move to Canada, seeking stability, safety, and the opportunity to build a long-term future. He arrived in Hamilton, Ontario in late November, an instant introduction to the cold Canadian winters!
“The weather shock was real,” he admits. “But the culture shock was actually a pleasant one. People are so open here. They chat to you in grocery stores, on walks in the park, in the elevator. It’s different form what I’m used to, but I love it, it’s so welcoming.”
Adjusting to life in a new country wasn’t without challenges, but Oladotun embraced the process. He started exploring his new city, making friends, and building community through sports and shared experiences.
Life outside of work: Staying active and exploring Canada
Outside of work, Oladotun’s curiosity extends to new experiences and places. He’s tried everything from laser tag and go-karting to discovering local food spots, a recent favourite being a Brazilian steakhouse in Hamilton.
He enjoys staying active through different social sports. He plays a lot of pickleball with friends, walking to explore the city, and he loves traveling. Has already explored several major Canadian cities, including all the major ones in Ontario and a recent trip to Calgary. He’s excited to continue discovering Canada’s diverse cities and natural beauty.
“I really love how much there is to explore here,” he says. “The landscapes are beautiful, and people are so proud of their cities. It makes me want to see it all.”
Looking ahead
As he settles into life in Canada, where he says he’s “here to stay”, Oladotun is focused on continuing to grow his design and development craft, he just wrapped up his first project with Mission and is currently looking for his next freelance role.
“I’ve learned that every project teaches you something new,” he reflects. “Whether it’s how people use your product, or how a team collaborates, there’s always a lesson that helps you build something better next time.”
We’re proud to have Oladotun as part of the Mission community reminder of how far curiosity, creativity, and perseverance can take you.
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