When I did this interview 9 days ago, I had no idea that I was interviewing a 17yr old. I discovered him on the net via a site where I saw webdevelopers being rated, I saw he had very good ratings and had good turnaround times, I also saw he was Nigerian, and decided to check him out. He showed reluctance to being in limelight (reminded me of myself growing up). We discussed it and he finally agreed.
He is a young guy, and he is doing well for himself. I believe this will be a lot of encouragement for young people and older people who need a little prodding to go ahead and start now, it’s no longer early, but today is the earliest it can ever be! He already has a footprint in today’s global market. You can catch more gist about him on his blog. I like his passion for developing himself. If we apply same to our lives, we’ll surely make a difference.
Adeolu Akinyemi (9/30/2006 3:20:53 PM): Well, I know you as Azuka, guess that’s your aka. Can you please introduce yourself, your background and what you do?
Z.A. Hymaka (9/30/2006 3:22:24 PM): Well, I’m Azuka Okuleye. I’m a Computer Science student — and a freelance web developer
Adeolu Akinyemi (9/30/2006 3:24:32 PM): Ok. My key contact with you was on the web, where I saw a lot of high ratings for the works you have done. Can you tell us something about these?
Z.A. Hymaka (9/30/2006 3:28:36 PM): I’m still much of a novice and shy away from large projects — mainly because I don’t want to leave security holes in other people’s applications. My work ethic is that I take on each project as if it were mine, and stay around long after the work is finished to see if my clients have any poblems with any previous work. Let’s just say I’m genuinely concerned about delivering good work.
Adeolu Akinyemi (9/30/2006 3:30:07 PM): Thats interesting. Sounds like customer intimacy. you want to be responsible for the results. Can you tell us what you have worked on that you are very proud of?
Z.A. Hymaka (9/30/2006 3:35:11 PM): On freelance websites [where I usually get my work from], the jobs are usually subcontracted out by webmasters who got the job somewhere else. In most cases, I’m not allowed to add the website to my portfolio. In any case, there are two personal applications I’m proud of because I worked on them myself — ExamDirect, a web-based examination tool. It was my first experimentation with Ajax. I’m a writer on the side so I also wrote Authware to allow others read my work. I haven’t been publishing anything on it because I’m overhauling the codebase — rewriting it from scratch, that is.
Adeolu Akinyemi (9/30/2006 3:36:59 PM): Hmmm…interesting. Where and how did you learn all these. I have a feeling you are not resident in Nigeria, was that so from the start? Were you lucky or did knowing all these and being able to use it come from concious efforts?
Z.A. Hymaka (9/30/2006 3:47:05 PM): When I started working in a software development company, I spent my entire salary on books. I guess that’s what makes me different — I love books, and find it easy to learn from them.
Adeolu Akinyemi (9/30/2006 3:47:51 PM): …
Z.A. Hymaka (9/30/2006 3:49:02 PM): I stayed home for a year because of the JAMB UME and I decided to come here to the US in January this year. Since then I’ve spent even more on books — I couldn’t get many of them back in Nigeria. Now my room is full of books and I’m thinking of shipping some back to Nigeria
Adeolu Akinyemi (9/30/2006 3:50:04 PM): Wow, so you only just started programming this year?
Z.A. Hymaka (9/30/2006 3:51:19 PM): this December would be two years of programming. Like I said, I started programming in 2004 [that was December]
Adeolu Akinyemi (9/30/2006 3:54:06 PM): Ok, great, so you had started programming here before you travelled. Now I want your honest opinion, what will you say are the factors that have given you the advantage you presently have? What things can anybody do and be able to create an opportunity for themselves? I know many people who are regularly complaining that they have nothing to do – even after graduating from school.
Z.A. Hymaka (9/30/2006 3:58:45 PM): I have never once doubted my ability to succeed — I think that’s my strongest point. When I face a problem I just keep at it forever — or until it goes. My advice would be to do what one loves without thinking of the monetary aspect. I’ve met some people who want to learn web design simply ‘because there’s money in it’. My question is always,’Does it interest you?’
Adeolu Akinyemi (9/30/2006 3:59:12 PM): hmmm go on…
Z.A. Hymaka (9/30/2006 4:01:02 PM): the funny thing about complaining is that while doing so you aren’t looking elsewhere. If there are no opportunities, you can always create one. Now, I know this is difficult, but innovation works best. Find what you work best with and do it exceptionally well
Adeolu Akinyemi (9/30/2006 4:02:43 PM): Someone might be thinking, “easy for you to say, afterall you are no longer limited by being in Nigeria”, do you have a response for people like this that think life can be on hold until they cross the atlantic?
Z.A. Hymaka (9/30/2006 4:07:39 PM): I was just 16 when I started working in a software company, and I found it hard to get work elsewhere because of the Nigerian mentality. I’ll quote,’You’re too young to do a website.’ Even when I showed people my work, I was told it was ‘copy and paste’ which frustrated me to no end. There’s this myth of people outside Nigeria earning more — sure we do here, but the standard of living is higher. An example would be getting a haircut. I’d pay at most 80 naira in Nigeria — which isn’t even up to a dollar. Here, I pay $10 — N1400 — for a haircut. I won’t get started on the bills and taxes
Adeolu Akinyemi (9/30/2006 4:11:29 PM): interesting perspectives, and real examples. I’m particularly tripped that you were interested in working at 16. Thats really good.
Z.A. Hymaka (9/30/2006 4:11:35 PM): I need to get some breakfast. I won’t be gone ten minutes. Do you mind?
Adeolu Akinyemi (9/30/2006 4:11:46 PM): No problem..i’m here…buzz me when you are back
Z.A. Hymaka (9/30/2006 4:27:27 PM): I’m back
Adeolu Akinyemi (9/30/2006 4:30:25 PM): So as I was about to say, your starting to work at 16 lends credence to your belief that no one needs to put their lives on hold in anticipation of greener pastures. What will be your advice to young people generally in Nigeria. What can people do to break free from their present circles of mediocrity?
Z.A. Hymaka (9/30/2006 4:32:49 PM): you’re never too young to start out. I have a 14-year-old friend who writes applications in BASIC. I was so excited when he showed me his simple encryption-decryption program. It wasn’t fool-proof, but what matters is that he has the enthusiasm
Z.A. Hymaka (9/30/2006 4:37:06 PM): By the way, the guy I’m talking about is a Nigerian — I think he’s in SS2 now
Adeolu Akinyemi (9/30/2006 4:38:13 PM): Impressive!
Adeolu Akinyemi (9/30/2006 4:38:49 PM): I didn’t quite get your aspirations, you seem a young person, if I may guess early twenties. 10yrs from now, where do you envision you will be?
Adeolu Akinyemi (9/30/2006 4:40:47 PM): I’ll also want you to share with us why you decided to look for a job at 16, did you need the money? Or was it just to improve yourself?
Z.A. Hymaka (9/30/2006 4:41:51 PM): I’m just 17. I was 16 last year
Adeolu Akinyemi (9/30/2006 4:42:19 PM):wow!
Z.A. Hymaka (9/30/2006 4:42:25 PM): I was very bored — I’d just graduated from secondary school and there was nothing to do at home. I got paid peanuts, but what mattered was that I had something doing
Adeolu Akinyemi (9/30/2006 4:45:51 PM): 10yrs from now…
Z.A. Hymaka (9/30/2006 4:47:22 PM): oh — sorry
Z.A. Hymaka (9/30/2006 4:48:40 PM): It may surprise you, but I don’t have any clearcut vision for the future. I do see myself still learning, however. I’ve discovered that as I learn more, my aspirations change
Adeolu Akinyemi (9/30/2006 4:50:26 PM): Hmmm, I hear you are not entitled to a future you cannot see, what do you think about this? I feel your plans can change but you’ll do yourself a lot of good, to have a target. Now you sure do have a target don’t u, I feel it’s not possible to be so enthusiastic if you don’t want to be different
Z.A. Hymaka (9/30/2006 4:52:57 PM): You have a point there. Let’s say my target is abstract — I might still be in the web business then, but I also see myself working with security — digital security.
Adeolu Akinyemi (9/30/2006 4:53:57 PM): good stuff…very good
Adeolu Akinyemi (9/30/2006 4:55:47 PM): Are your parents there with you, how easy was travelling, and how has your experience away from here been?
Z.A. Hymaka (9/30/2006 4:57:46 PM): I’m the only member of my family here. I hate travelling — I managed to miss one of my connecting flights by a minute because I was engrossed in a book. As for the experience, I’m used to being on my own — I don’t go out much or socialize so I really have no problems
Adeolu Akinyemi (9/30/2006 4:58:22 PM): Do you intend to come back?
Z.A. Hymaka (9/30/2006 4:59:54 PM): Definitely. Nigeria remains a largely untapped area and I sure do want to make use of the opportunities.
Adeolu Akinyemi (9/30/2006 5:01:26 PM): It’s been extremely nice inteviewing you Azuka, I know your story will be a lot of inspiration to young people and a hard push on older people. Z.A. Hymaka (9/30/2006 5:02:50 PM): Thanks
26 thoughts on “Interview with a 17yr Old Webdeveloper”
Wow, great interview and great find Adeolu!
I can see Azuka going a very long way… he seems enthusiastic, dedicated and very intelligent. I’m sure he’ll soon have older developers coming to him for advice and leadership.
Good stuff!
cheers
nathan
Pastor,
Love what you are doing..keep it up. Been a regular on your site for a while now…really enjoyed this interview….
Regards
Dare Sokoya
Azuka has been a very good friend to me for almost a year now and I know him as someone that doesnt like to come out of his closet. (shy)
Though am a year older than he is, I always love to learn from him.
I have always loved computers even though I am arts inclined in school. Just like him, I would love to be a web developer.
Reading the interview has given me some encouragement.
I am pretty proud of Azuka myself. I met him on the web through browsing blogs and stumbled on his. His determination just shows that with the proper encouragement and guidance, our youths can develop to unimaginable heights.
I had knocked myself several times wondering what i was doing when i was 16, i think this should be published in a daily, a lot of folks are getting wasted viewing pornography and internet fraud. This will free a lot of minds, old and young. Good job
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WOW! Azuka.. I’m so proud of you..
I met him online through my sister and I’ve felt like he’s my younger brother from another mother.. Very funny dude when you get to know him very well..
Keep it up boy!
Whao……Impressive interview.
That bigboy (thats what i call him)has got brains. I have always loved programming since i started using the internet in 2002. I like been in control of applications. I started fulfilling my dreams when i met Azuka via Nairaland. He encouraged me to read more about programming and to choose the path i so much desire. Now, i am in my second year doing a B.sc in COmputing, and at thesame time doing a part time HND(Oracle).
He also taught me CMS and helped me develop a theme for my blog as well as help out with other stuffs.
I think more young people should learn from him and to have a “can do” attitude instead of complaingin about unemployment or getting themselves engaged in internet fraud.
interesting, i was left thinking of what i was doing at that then tender age of 16.I love your inspiration and i can say there is really no substitute to hardwork, if there is a better way to do it,find it. You will soon see your profile on who is who in web designing.Will like to know you better.
I’m so short of words.
the boy thinks and talks beyond his age.
he has grown mentally way beyond his age.
Adeolu, you have kept me dumbfounded.
I dont know how i busted into this site of yours, but i think Nigeria is a blessed country, that God for people like you, Azuka etc..
we will get there.
I cant think of doing anything positive/constructive when I was Azuka’s age. I can only imagine where he will be in the years to come. More grease to your elbows, em…sorry, your fingertips.
I think we need to showcase such teenagers like this who know where they are going very early in life. I ma deeply impressed about this young man.
Some of us today could have had better result than what we are tody if we had seen it earlier(but thank God we eventually did).
Let us therefore use teenagers like this to showcase a new Nigeria of our dream, where Vision, Goals achievents form the core factors.
It’s real nice to know that younger Nigerians still put their ingenuity into productive use, and not wasting away in cyber cafes trying to be amateur “419s”. I actually do know that Azuka has a proud father, because I once met him (not once anyway). I never knew I would come across something on the boy when his father was telling me about him (that was on a job I contracted out to the company his father works for). What struck me was that the man knew his son, and was proud of him, and HE INDICATED THAT HE WOULD SPEND HIS LAST KOBO ON HIM IF NEED BE.
I’ll just advise him that he shouldn’t lose focus but should put his trust in God and……THE SKY WOULD BE HIS STEPPING STONE.
Azuka is a great guy…knew him through nairaland and I was really impressed with his comments knowing he was just 16 then, his knowledge of books is really amazing.
I’m really impressed with Azuka’s story and I always encourage young people to go after their dreams early (probably because I didn’t, lol). I’m particularly encouraged that he’s a book miner as well, life is in the word! His story enocurages me more and more that it’s really not about how old you are or where you are from, I think a dream hard pursued just about does it. Way to go Azuka!!!
If you believe in yourself you can get anything done!
WOW….. I’m very curious to know what your childhood was like Z.A.. did your parents read to u as a toddler ? I know by study that when a child is read to at a very young age they learn how to read and understand concept early on.. You have great understanding at such a young age and i am guessing your parents had a great deal to do with it.. That apple does not fall far from its tree… and i am sure they are very proud of you .. I am here in the USA I know what u mean when u say haircuts, taxes etc… lol .. Welcome to the US of A…. ‘wink’
Azuka,i hope that u get to read this sometime. i know that your busy and that your working on a new website, but i just wanna let u know that i think you are a awesome person. you are my baby. i am missing u. I don’t care about what the media says, you are a great person who has inspired people to do things that they want to do. I think you would be a very special person like the great African Bill Gates-Philip Emeagwali. Chineyemba Okuleye
Adeolu, how come this inspiring piece does not have some sort of higher relevance than the “Database bla bla bla” link….im very shocked that only 238 persons have been directed to this awesome guy’s interview….Are there people beefing out there?
U sure should be able to automatically direct traffic here to get this piece to the light of the day. It’ll be sad if this story is not read by at least 20,000 persons like the other links.
Azuka, u’re a gem…..i know we’ll hook up someday….k?
Hello! Help solve the problem.
Very often try to enter the forum, but says that the password is not correct.
Regrettably use of remembering. Give like to be?
Thank you!
Keep it going Azuka…..u’re on the right path….My God continue to protect and increase u on all sides.
This has definitely pushed me to overdrive!
Deolu, could you PLEASE republish this interview. It was posted late last year and has only being viewed 595 times! Your blog site enjoy more patronage now. I guess it didn’t then because today’s post titled “should, Should I not?” has been viewed 10560 times within 10 hours.
the greatest thing in career … is to do what you love… interest always supercedes any other consideration, it takes you to a level of attaintment that only it can “it – interest”.
…azuka, i’m proud of you.
Azuka,just keep the flag flying and don’t hesitate to put other young folks through,we are proud of you.
Azuka is a genius. I first met him on nairaland, and we chatted a few times. Anyone that has ever had a few words with him will definitely agree with me that having many more youngsters like him shows that there’s still hope for Nigeria afterall.
Keep doing your thing, my guy! I am certain that you will definitely make it!
I want to commend your couragre to start doing something for yourself and by yourself but i want to encourage to keep it up and as well carry your peers along.
Your knowledge becomes more valuable when you share it.
God would strenght you and bless you richly. GOOD WORKS!