Nigeria’s tech space is hot and we’re not just talking about fintech or mobile apps. We’re talking about real thought leadership, global recognition, and developers who are not just keeping up with global trends but leading them.
One of the most prestigious titles a tech expert can earn today is the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP)Award. It’s a recognition that honors individuals not just for technical excellence but for their commitment to sharing knowledge, mentoring others, and building impactful communities. And guess what? Some of the brightest MVPs on the planet are proudly Nigerian.
In this article, we spotlight five Nigerian Microsoft MVPs who are pushing boundaries, creating impact, and making the country proud—globally.
What is the Microsoft MVP Award?
The Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award is one of the highest honors a tech expert can receive, and a number of exceptional Nigerians have claimed this global accolade.
But what is the MVP Award, and why is it such a big deal in the technology sector? The Microsoft MVP Award is an annual global recognition award presented by Microsoft to outstanding community leaders in the technology space. It’s not just a pat on the back—it’s a formal acknowledgment of excellence in the field of IT, consistent, high-impact contributions to the tech ecosystem through knowledge sharing, mentorship, community events, and hands-on technical support.
To become an MVP, individuals must go beyond simply being good at what they do.
They must show:
- Exceptional achievement and technical expertise
- Leadership within their local or global communities
- A deep passion for solving real-world problems
- Regular speaking engagements, publications, or open-source contributions
- Active influence across online and offline platforms
Each awardee and member must stay consistent in their excellence and contribution as the MVP award is renewed annually. The awardees must consistently show proof of sustained excellence in the field of IT.
International Recognition
The Microsoft MVP title is not just prestigious—it’s globally competitive. With only around 3,550 MVPs across the world, from a pool of millions of IT professionals, it is one of the most exclusive circles in the tech community.
Spanning over 90 countries, the award recognizes international excellence and shines a spotlight on those who lead, teach, and innovate across borders. MVPs receive access to early Microsoft products, direct engagement with the company’s product teams, and a seat at the table at annual summits and invite-only strategy forums.
The Nigerian Tech Renaissance
Nigeria is home to one of Africa’s most vibrant tech ecosystems. From fintech to AI, and from data science to DevOps, Nigerian tech professionals are building world-class solutions—and sharing their knowledge at home and abroad. Among them are MVPs who not only rise in their fields but also lift others with them. Here are 5 Nigerian Microsoft MVPs you should be following right now.
Izuafa Abdulrafiu – Youngest Microsoft MVP in the World
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Affiliation: Veritas University, Software Engineering
MVP Category: AI / Developer Technologies
At just 18 years old, Izuafa Abdulrafiu is not only breaking into the world of tech—he’s breaking records. Recognized as the youngest Microsoft MVP globally, Abdulrafiu is already reshaping how young people engage with emerging technologies, especially AI.
A winner of the Africa First AI-Powered Inter-University Quizathon, he also represented Nigeria at the Microsoft MVP Global Summit in the United States. His rise in the Nigerian tech scene is nothing short of phenomenal, and he serves as a symbol of what the future of African innovation looks like.
Why follow him?
Izuafa is a powerful example of what happens when raw talent meets relentless curiosity and opportunity. His unique position as a university student who’s already achieved Microsoft MVP status reflects not only his deep understanding of emerging technologies like AI, but also his commitment to using that knowledge to uplift others. He regularly shares insights on tech, mentors fellow students, and brings international visibility to Nigeria’s growing developer community.
Oluwatobi Yusuf – Power Platform Champion and Community Builder
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
MVP Category: Microsoft Power Platform
Oluwatobi Yusuf’s journey to becoming an MVP is built on community, consistency, and vision. An engineer turned Power Platform evangelist, Yusuf didn’t just master the technology—he helped spread it across Nigeria, growing his community from Lagos to nine states.
He organizes bi-monthly deep-dive sessions to help members upskill and apply their knowledge practically. With a strong belief in community-led growth, his work has helped democratize access to low-code tools that enable digital transformation in Africa.
Why follow him?
Foyin is the embodiment of technical excellence paired with transformational leadership. As a 5x MVP and Microsoft Regional Director, her expertise in Power Platform and workplace innovation is matched only by her passion for mentorship and inclusion. She leads enterprise-scale digital transformations during the week and builds communities like TechStylers on weekends to empower women in tech. Foyin brings a wealth of experience from Nigeria’s tech sector to the international stage.
Promise Uche Nwachukwu – Azure Cloud Expert & AWS User Group Leader
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
MVP Category: Microsoft Azure
Current Role: Senior DevOps Engineer, Andela
Promise Nwachukwu wears many hats: DevOps engineer, technical trainer, AWS user group leader—and of course, Microsoft MVP for Azure. With over seven years of hands-on experience across cloud infrastructure, he’s worked globally—from Nigeria to Mexico—and trained countless engineers in both Azure and Linux.
He’s been instrumental in shaping cloud operations at companies like Tek Experts, EY, and Bitso. He also writes regularly on his Medium blog and mentors upcoming engineers.
Why follow him?
Promise is the kind of technologist who doesn’t just deploy systems—he empowers people. With years of experience in cloud infrastructure, DevOps, and technical training, Promise has contributed to building scalable systems for major organizations while also mentoring engineers, leading AWS communities, and serving as a Microsoft Azure MVP. His articles, workshops, and mentoring sessions provide actionable knowledge that helps professionals level up in cloud and DevOps. Follow Promise if you’re looking for technical depth, leadership insights, and guidance from someone who’s walked the walk—locally and globally.
Foyin Olajide-Bello – 5x MVP, Microsoft Regional Director & Women in Tech Advocate
Location: Dublin, Ireland (formerly Lagos, Nigeria)
MVP Category: Power Platform / Modern Workplace
Additional Title: Microsoft Regional Director
Current Role: Director, Modern Workplace at Deloitte
A force in the tech industry for over 16 years, Foyin is not just a Microsoft MVP—she’s a five-time MVP and a Microsoft Regional Director, one of the highest honors in the program. She has helped deploy Microsoft-powered solutions across banking, health, oil & gas, and public sector verticals.
She’s also the founder of TechStylers, a women-focused community that equips African and diaspora women with the tech skills they need to lead. A champion of citizen development and workplace innovation, her voice is highly respected in global tech circles.
Why follow her?
Foyin is the embodiment of technical excellence paired with transformational leadership. As a 5x MVP and Microsoft Regional Director, her expertise in Power Platform and workplace innovation is matched only by her passion for mentorship and inclusion. She leads enterprise-scale digital transformations during the week and builds communities like TechStylers on weekends to empower women in tech. Foyin brings a wealth of experience from Nigeria’s tech sector to the international stage.
Bunmi Akinremi – Gold Student Ambassador & AI Enthusiast
Location: Nigeria
Affiliation: Obafemi Awolowo University
MVP Type: Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador (Gold Level)
Focus: Machine Learning, Climate Tech, and Responsible AI
Bunmi Akinremi is part of a new wave of student technologists making global impact. As a Gold Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador, she leads campus initiatives to train students in AI and Azure technologies while also diving deep into climate-focused tech solutions.
She’s been recognized with the Miss Algorithm 2021 award and featured in the book The Techie Chic. From speaking at EuroPython 2024 to leading community events and moderating global panels, she is actively shaping the next-gen tech conversation.
Why follow her?
Bunmi blends technical brilliance with creativity and a heart for impact. As a Gold Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador, she’s leading student communities, speaking at international conferences, and conducting research in AI—with a specific focus on environmental and climate solutions. Her ability to simplify complex topics, her consistent efforts to build tech communities on campus, and her cross-disciplinary creativity make her one of Nigeria’s most promising young voices in tech. Follow Bunmi for fresh, thoughtful perspectives at the intersection of AI, education, and purpose-driven innovation.
Final Thoughts
The MVP title is more than a badge—it’s a lifestyle of service, learning, and leadership and a recognition of excellence in the field of IT. These five Nigerian MVPs are not just excelling in their technical domains; they are building bridges, lifting others, and shaping a more inclusive global tech future. So whether you’re a developer, designer, student, or tech-curious entrepreneur, following these MVPs could very well be your shortcut to growth, mentorship, and opportunity.
