Paving the Way in Tech: Yomi Omotoso’s Journey with Transition School

Yomi Omotoso paving the way for tech transition through Transition School

For Yomi Omotoso, founder of Transition School, technology is more than a career—it’s a means of creating transformative opportunities, especially for Africans in the diaspora. His journey into tech began in the 1990s with a simple classroom exercise that left an impression on him. “I vividly remember our computer teacher bringing in a computer and asking us to write our names—that simple exercise sparked something in me,” he recalls. His curiosity grew as he spent time at a cyber cafe near his home, playing with keyboards even without a monitor. But it was in 2008, while learning desktop publishing, that his path into tech truly crystallized. “I met a 17-year-old who was designing websites. Seeing a young Black person doing this made me realize I could do it too,” he explains. “That realization set me on my tech journey.”

Today, Omotoso leads Transition School, an initiative dedicated to helping individuals with limited technical skills but high enthusiasm break into the tech industry. “Our focus is on connecting learners from diverse backgrounds with industry leaders through intentional mentorship,” he says. “Whether someone has minimal knowledge or substantial experience, if they have enthusiasm, we help them work toward becoming part of the top 1% in tech.”

When asked about his proudest work, Omotoso points to a Pan-African payment gateway project he led in Nigeria before relocating to the UK. The project spanned countries like Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ethiopia, and it transformed his perspective on tech leadership. “We grew from a team of just two people to a staff strength of 23. I served as both technical project and product manager, handling everything from software engineering to coordination,” he reflects. “It taught me about enterprise-level development and the political dynamics of working in the African tech space.”

Omotoso’s experience in African tech also shaped his approach to building a diverse and inclusive community. As someone deeply invested in supporting underrepresented individuals, he sees a gap in leadership representation in the UK tech space. “Many immigrants enter tech solely seeking better-paying jobs to handle bills,” he explains. “While that’s valid, I’m pushing for something more ambitious—I want to see underrepresented individuals move from obscurity to prominence, particularly in decision-making roles.”

Yomi Omotoso of Transition School presents at the International Conference for Machine Learning and AI

Beyond individual advancement, Omotoso advocates for genuine community-building within the UK tech ecosystem, particularly among Nigerians. “While Nigerians might appear communal outwardly, we often operate individualistically, especially in professional settings,” he observes. “In a space where we’re underrepresented, those at the top need to actively lift those at the bottom.” To address this, Omotoso has launched multiple initiatives including Transition School, the UK Tech Career Summit, and Nigerians in Tech Community UK. “There’s so much more we can achieve together than individually. My vision is to see us all at the top of this game, achieving success collectively rather than in isolation.”

With Transition School, Omotoso’s vision aligns with the UK’s tech ecosystem goals, particularly through initiatives like the Global Talent visa program. “We’re not just building professionals; we’re building leaders and capacity builders,” he says. Through mentorship and training, he aims to transform tech novices into high-value players in the ecosystem. Omotoso’s philosophy is that tech is more accessible than people often think, emphasizing that “tech isn’t all about coding. There are numerous opportunities within the ecosystem for people from various backgrounds.”

Yomi and his team at the London Tech Show 2024

Yet Omotoso is quick to acknowledge that the tech field presents unique challenges. “Two major issues stand out: ease of adoption and data privacy,” he says. New technologies like blockchain, NFTs, and AI require people to adapt quickly. On the data privacy front, Omotoso points out, “People freely share personal information without fully understanding how their data might be used or sold. The intersection of rapid technological advancement and personal privacy is becoming increasingly complex.”

As Light of Africa celebrates visionaries like Omotoso, we’re reminded of the power of dedicated leadership in shaping the next generation and uplifting communities. Omotoso’s work with Transition School shines as a beacon of hope, giving young Africans the tools to embrace both their heritage and their futures in tech. “The tech field might look intimidating from the outside, but it’s more accessible than most people think,” he advises aspiring tech professionals. “While AI won’t replace your job, someone who knows how to use AI might replace you. It’s about leveraging these technologies to become a high-value player in the ecosystem.”

With initiatives like Transition School, Omotoso’s journey is a testament to the power of representation and ambition in building a more inclusive tech future.

A snapshot of Transition School

Yomi Omotoso is a Senior Software Engineer and Technical Leader with 6+ years of experience in scalable applications using PHP, JavaScript, and blockchain. He specializes in fintech, e-commerce, and logistics solutions. As Convener of UK Tech Career Summit and an ADPList Mentor, Yomi is passionate about guiding others in tech. With an MBA in E-commerce and MBCS membership, he focuses on developing technologies for the next billion users, particularly in payments. Yomi combines technical expertise with strong leadership, prioritizing both customer satisfaction and business goals.