Kings Olajide
An undergraduate student of the revered Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Okoma Somtochukwu David, is seriously making waves globally in the field of cybersecurity.
This is contrary to the narrative most Nigerian young ones have been known for, whereby a majority is currently into cybercrime.
The 22-year-old Somtochukwu David, a student of Mechanical Engineering, is balancing his studies in FUTO with remote work in cybersecurity teams situated in the United States and Mexico, both in America.
The efforts of the chap has already earned him recognition as Nigeria’s second-ranked cybersecurity creator on the LinkedIn platform.
His journey into cybersecurity began in April 2024, during what he describes as a “moment of deep reflection.”
While exploring career options, he chose cybersecurity, not for quick gains but as a mission.
Somto said, “I wanted to use technology not as a tool for shortcuts or fraud, but as a tool for protection, for building, and for rewriting the global story about Nigerian youth.”
With that conviction, he immersed himself in online learning, sought out mentors, and shared his progress openly on the LinkedIn, thereby encouraging other young ones to follow suit.
Rather than waiting for certificates or big milestones, he documented lessons, mistakes, and small wins, building a community around his authentic journey.
This openness led to his first role with a cybersecurity team in Mexico, followed by opportunities with US-based professionals.
Okoma Somto David, however, disclosed that the road had not been easy. According to him, poor internet, sleepless nights, balancing global calls with lectures, and battling self-doubt as the youngest in many professional spaces tested his resolve.
Yet, he pressed on, driven by a vision to prove Nigerian students can thrive in ethical cybersecurity.
David credited his parents for laying the foundation. Being raised in Lagos State in a home that encouraged curiosity, he was enrolled in computer classes in his early age.
“That foundation made me believe that opportunities aren’t stumbled upon, they’re created,” Somto David strongly stated.
On LinkedIn, he simplifies complex cyber topics for students, professionals, and everyday people. His approachable style has earned him visibility, invitations to conferences, and recognition from firms like Deloitte and KPMG.
He therefore asvised young Nigerians who are into cybercrime or thinking in such direction to desist from such act.
“With Yahoo Yahoo, you might make money today, but you lose trust tomorrow. And without trust, you can never build a lasting career.”
Looking ahead, Somto dreams of becoming a cybersecurity architect and compliance analyst, working on systems that protect critical infrastructure and shaping Africa’s digital future.
Beyond personal ambition, his bigger goal is positioning Nigeria and Africa as creators, not just consumers of cybersecurity solutions.
David opined that Africans major challenge was lack of opportunities. According to him, millions of young people were hungry to learn and ready to prove themselves.
