In a digital era where cyberattacks, data breaches, and trust deficits threaten the global economy, Africa is finding a strong voice and champion in Professor Obadare Peter Adewale.
Widely known as “Prof. OPA”, he has become one of the most visible leaders in cybersecurity, digital trust, and governance across the continent, bridging the gap between industry practice, academic research, and global policy.
A Trailblazer in Cybersecurity
In 2024, Prof. Adewale became Nigeria’s first Professor of Practice in Cybersecurity, appointed by Miva Open University. It was a landmark moment, finally placing cybersecurity, often seen as purely technical, in the heart of higher education.
By linking academic rigor with hands-on practice, he is equipping Africa’s next generation of professionals with relevant, job-ready skills in penetration testing, compliance, forensics, and data protection.
Beyond academia, he is the founder of Digital Encode Limited, where he serves as Chief Visionary Officer.
Under his leadership, the company has become a trusted partner for Nigeria’s banking, telecoms, and public sectors, providing cutting-edge solutions in cybersecurity, risk, and compliance.
A Man of Many Firsts
Prof. Adewale holds over 60 international certifications, an extraordinary feat by global standards. Among his pioneering achievements are:
- Africa’s first EC-Council Licensed Penetration Tester
- Nigeria’s first PECB Certified Data Protection Officer
- Nigeria’s first PECB Lead PenTest Professional
- Africa’s first EC-Council Certified Blockchain Expert…just to list a few.
These accolades are more than personal milestones. They set new standards, encouraging African professionals to pursue globally recognized qualifications and push the continent into the frontlines of digital excellence.
Awards and Recognition
The industry has not been slow to recognize his impact. In 2023, he was named Forbes Best of Africa Outstanding Digital Trust Leader, and in 2022, he received the Outstanding Individual of the Year Award from the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN).
In 2025, his global influence has grown even stronger:
- Honoured with the African Leadership Excellence Award at the Africa Summit 2025 in London.
- Featured in Guardian Nigeria’s special focus on cybersecurity trailblazers.
- Celebrated for lifetime contributions in information and data management.
Global Voice and Thought Leadership
This year, Prof. Adewale’s voice has resonated on some of the world’s biggest stages:
- At the World Emerging Security Forum (WESF 2025) in Seoul, he joined global leaders to discuss strategies for building digital resilience.
- He was announced as a panelist at the 10th FATE Business Conference 2025, where he shared insights on technology, entrepreneurship, and risk management.
- His previous live demo on “Mobile Payment Reverse Engineering and Security Invasion” at a PCI Security Standards conference showcased his deep expertise in exposing vulnerabilities in financial technology.
These speaking engagements highlight his role as both a teacher and a practitioner, translating complex security challenges into practical solutions that governments, businesses, and young innovators can understand and apply.
Beyond the Individual: Building Africa’s Digital Future
Prof. Adewale’s impact goes far beyond titles and stages. His philosophy is rooted in ubuntu — the African value of shared humanity. For him, cybersecurity is not just about technology but about trust, governance, and empowering people.
Through his work at Digital Encode and Miva Open University, he is:
- Creating a pipeline of job-ready cybersecurity professionals.
- Driving policy conversations through advisory roles, including the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Board.
- Advocating for African-led ethical standards in global discussions on AI, data, and digital security.
The Road Ahead
Africa’s digital economy is growing rapidly, but it also faces new risks — from AI-powered cyber threats to widening digital inequality.
Prof. Adewale insists that Africa cannot remain a passive consumer of security solutions. Instead, it must create its own frameworks, tools, and talent to lead the charge.
As he often says, cybersecurity in Africa is not just about protecting data, it is about protecting destiny.
Conclusion
In an age where digital trust is currency, Professor Obadare Peter Adewale is not just raising the bar; he is redefining it.
His work proves that Africa does not have to play catch-up in cybersecurity. With vision, expertise, and determination, the continent can lead.
As more young Africans enter the digital space, Prof. Adewale’s journey shows them what is possible: to dream big, break barriers, and secure Africa’s digital tomorrow.
