A top Nigerian software engineer, Ridwan Akinfenwa, also an Alumnus of the Federal University of Technology Akure, Class of 2021 has narrated how he lost a Chief Technology Officer role worth over $260,000 (N300m) per year because of his nationality.
Akinfenwa, a graduate of Forestry and Wood Technology, a software engineer, disclosed on his LinkedIn page on Sunday that he had signed a contract for the role last month, describing it as a career milestone after years of hard work in the global tech industry.
He said in the LinkedIn post that started trending on Tuesday,
”Today, I find myself grappling with a deeply disheartening experience in my professional journey. As a Senior Software Engineer with a solid educational and technical foundation, I recently secured a CTO position that offered a salary of up to $260,000+ per year including bonuses.”
“This role was a significant milestone, reflecting years of hard work, technical expertise, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the tech industry. The contract was signed with enthusiasm just last month, marking what I believed was a turning point in my career. However, that optimism was short-lived.”
“Today, I received a termination email that shattered my hopes. The message cited further compliance checks, revealing that the organization could no longer work with Nigerian nationals due to regulatory constraints. This decision came without prior indication, leaving me blindsided and emotionally drained.”
“The loss of this opportunity isn’t an isolated incident, this year alone, I’ve encountered multiple instances where my nationality has cost me significant career advancements, to the point where I’ve lost count of the setbacks.
The sting of this experience is profound.”
“As a Nigerian professional, I’ve poured my energy into building a robust skill set, contributing to innovative projects, and networking globally. Yet, despite my qualifications and the contract I signed in good faith, I find myself excluded due to factors beyond my control. The email exchange that followed was a mix of frustration and resignation, my attempt to negotiate or seek clarity met with an apology acknowledging the decision was driven by external regulations, specifically from a government entity, leaving no room for recourse.”
“This situation has left me reflecting on the broader challenges faced by Nigerian and other African professionals in the global tech space. It’s a stark reminder of the invisible barriers that persist, even in an industry that prides itself on innovation and inclusivity. I’m left wondering how to navigate this landscape, whether relocating is the only viable path forward or if there are strategies to overcome such nationality-based exclusions.”
“I’m sharing this not just to vent but to connect with my network. Have you faced similar hurdles? How did you push through? Are there organizations or communities advocating for fair opportunities for international talent? Your insights, support, or even a simple word of encouragement would mean the world to me as I process this setback and plan my next steps.”
