The Path to Financial Freedom as a Young Nigerian: Meet Precious Opusunju, a Tech Bro Making a Name for Himself in the Nigerian Tech Space.

In the second instalment of the path to financial freedom as a young Nigerian series, I interview Precious Opusunju, The CTO and Co-Founder of Debug Hunters.

Precious has been in the tech space ever since he was a teenager and now in his mid-20s, he has led a successful career so far. He's agreed to this interview, not just to share his experience but to inspire young people willing to venture into tech.

Hello Precious, it's good to talk to you once again. How are you?

I’m good thanks.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.

I am Precious but mostly known as masterpreshy. I am a Senior Software Engineer and the CTO and Co-Founder of DebugHunters.com, I am from Rivers State and I grew up in Port Harcourt.

When did you start coding?

I started coding at the age of 16, I had always had this big interest in computers, I could find my way through any device as long as I could read and understand the things I saw. I started out learning on my own, till today I’m fully self-taught.

Just how important was passion to you in choosing what you do, obviously, tech is broad so how did you decide on this field?

I had a hard time deciding, I was testing if I wanted to be a Front-End developer back then, I found it difficult learning HTML at first, after a while of trying, I took a pause to re-evaluate if tech was for me. I became a DJ, for a while though. But ultimately; I dived into Back-End development and I’ve loved it ever since. So you just have to try and see what you like. You can’t know if you don’t try.

Note: Front-End development deals with the creation of the graphical user interface of a website. Back-End is responsible for what happens behind the scenes ie. Databases, servers etc.

What was the learning process like and what were some challenges you faced?

The learning process was tough, I had no access to mentors or seniors who could help me. All I knew was that I could find whatever I wanted online easily. So I got some e-books and video tutorials and then started from there. I also had a problem with power supply but I always found my way.

Did you have days you battled with motivation and how did you push forward?

Yes. But the best motivation I could give myself was the reminder that only I could help myself.

Just how rewarding has this been for you?

It’s been life-changing. I’ve made money, I’ve gained opportunities, I’ve gained knowledge and a vast network of people.

Tech is booming these days, it's more mainstream than when we started talking in 2014, what would you say has been the reason for this?

Blockchain, AI, Machine Language, etc. Tech is evolving, so is the world.

Would you agree that Tech is the new Medicine/Law/Engineering in terms of allure and prospects?

I believe tech is the game-changer for every one of those fields and the sooner they get on board, the better for them.

What are some challenges people entering into the Nigerian tech space might face?

Gatekeepers, egocentric maniacs who exploit such interests for their benefits but above all, the situations of the country. Without electricity, you cannot get into tech. There are people in remote areas who cannot get such luxury. So that’s how terrible it is.

When did you start making money through the internet?

Age 18.

When was that moment you realised ''damn! my levels don change o!"

Lol when I bought my first car and other things I can’t mention.

How did you react to success in terms of lifestyle, routine, behaviour etc?

Unfortunately, I didn’t have guidance. No one to really tell me how to contain the euphoria that comes with it so I did live a fast life at some point before I helped myself. Basically, I reacted poorly at first but I had to sit myself down and rethink certain choices.

There's much emphasis on Lagos these days, obviously, the economic capital of West Africa, you moved to Lagos. Is location a huge factor in becoming successful in tech?

Yes. If your location has resources, people and money. You can succeed in tech.

Freelancing vs regular job.

I prefer both. I’m indifferent. But to be honest, I’d rather have a program that just pays me. No work lol.

What’s your biggest challenge currently?

Extreme focus. It’s quite difficult dealing with your regular life and your tech life.

For someone with no experience trying to get into Tech, what advise would you give them?

Start from learning how to use a smartphone and then a computer and lastly the internet.

What should their roadmap look like?

Get into a computer school, then pick a skill in tech and then take a course on that skill.

Like any other field, once people start getting in, competition increases, how does one not lose their competitive edge?

Stay consistent, let your work speak for you.

What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in your career so far?

Dedicating my time to the wrong company/projects.

How did you compete with foreigners for gigs and beat the “Nigerians are fraudsters” stereotype?

I had a network of friends from different countries so it helped me secure trust on their end so they were the ones to tell others that they knew a different Nigerian. Before anything else, friendship is important. It gives whatever conversation that comes next a foundation.

What do you think the future holds for tech?

Well, I think it’s 50/50. Tech can be used for both good and evil. I only hope good always triumphs over evil.

Got any future plans — like to Japa?

I plan to be a citizen of the world and still retain my home base. I prefer it here but I’d like to spend some time out there and everywhere else too, so I’d go on work/vacations a lot.

It's been a pleasure talking to you Precious.

Pleasure is mine.

How can one reach you online?

masterpreshy.com

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Did you enjoy this read? The third and final instalment of this series comes out soon. I look at the most in-demand internet skills in 2022 and how to get started. Share and subscribe so you don't miss out!