In a notable acknowledgement of his transformative contributions to Nigeria’s technology landscape, John Tanimola Obaro, the Founder and Group Managing Director of SystemSpecs Holdings Limited, has been honoured with an honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree by Kings University, Odeomu, Osun State.
This distinguished award highlights Obaro’s pioneering impact on technological innovation and his outstanding leadership within the industry, celebrating a career dedicated to advancing digital transformation and empowering future generations of innovators.
The honour was conferred during Kings University’s 5th and 6th Combined Convocation Ceremony on Friday, October 25, 2024, marking a significant milestone in Dr. Obaro’s illustrious career. His journey, marked by relentless dedication, has not only reshaped Nigeria’s digital landscape but has also influenced technological advancements in the country. Through his leadership at SystemSpecs Holdings Limited, Dr. Obaro has consistently championed innovation, fostering a culture of creativity and progress within the software tech industry.
Presenting the distinguished award, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Chancellor of Kings University and Senior Pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre, commended Dr. Obaro’s impactful contributions to technology. He praised Dr. Obaro’s commitment to regional growth and development, recognizing him as a visionary whose work continues to drive progress and inspire future generations of innovators.
Dr. Obaro’s transformative leadership at SystemSpecs, one of Africa’s premier software technology powerhouses, has left an indelible mark on the digital landscape of Nigeria and beyond. Under his guidance, SystemSpecs has pioneered solutions that drive growth and foster innovation, notably through its flagship e-payment platform, Remita, as well as its Human Resource management application, HumanManager. These groundbreaking products empower governments, businesses, and individuals to harness technology as a powerful tool for streamlining financial transactions and human resource management, setting new standards in the industry.
SystemSpecs extends its impact through its forward-thinking subsidiaries namely Remita Payment Services Limited (RPSL), HumanManager Limited (HML), SystemSpecs Technology Services Limited (STSL) and SystemSpecs Deelaa Limited. STSL offers bespoke technology solutions and consulting services tailored to meet the unique challenges of the African market, while SystemSpecs Deelaa delivers eCommerce tools to drive business growth, provides efficient travel solutions, and offers diverse entertainment options. Together, these entities embody SystemSpecs’ commitment to expanding access to technology-driven success across various sectors, reflecting a dedication to regional advancement and sustainable progress. During the event, Dr. Obaro delivered a lecture titled “Navigating the Digital Era: Embracing Creativity and Unlocking the Boundaries of Technology,” in which he emphasised the importance of creativity in the ever-evolving digital world. He encouraged the graduands to explore new possibilities within technology, saying:
“As we navigate this digital age, creativity becomes the key to unlocking boundaries and pushing the frontiers of technology. Innovation is not confined to traditional tech sectors; rather, it can benefit several fields seamlessly. The integration of technology in areas like law, medicine, and engineering opens unprecedented pathways for growth and success. Our capacity to innovate and embrace the opportunities before us will define not just our future, but that of generations to come.”
He also advised the graduating students to embrace the responsibility of innovation, emphasising that the future hinges on their courage to push boundaries and create transformative change. “As you enter this next chapter, remember that each of you owes humanity a debt of innovation. You are the inheritors of a legacy, with the tools to build on past achievements and the responsibility to chart new courses for progress. Make excellence your calling card as you step into new spaces, owning your narrative and pushing beyond boundaries, because the world is watching,” remarked Dr Obaro.
The convocation ceremony brought together notable figures from various sectors, including distinguished awardees Mr. Paul Alaje, Senior Economist and Partner at SPM Professionals, Abuja, and Ms. Yemi Adeyinka, Team Lead at Eaglecrest Legal Consult, Lagos State. Both were honored with Awards of Excellence in recognition of their outstanding achievements and contributions within their respective fields, adding to the significance of the event.
In his address to the graduating class, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo encouraged them to recognize the abundant opportunities within Nigeria, a nation he described as rich with potential for those ready to innovate. “There is serious unemployment everywhere in the world; it is your creativity that companies want to hire you for. There is money in Nigeria, and you can find it by making a difference through creativity, innovation, the digital world, and business ideas,” he emphasized. “If anybody tells you there is no money in Nigeria, they lie to you. Nigeria is at a crossroads with a record number of graduates without jobs. Look into the horizon. It’s hard for anyone to promise you anything better than what you see for yourself.”
Expressing his heartfelt gratitude to Kings University for the prestigious honor, Dr. Obaro also took the opportunity to acknowledge the unwavering support of his family and the talented team at SystemSpecs. He remarked, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition, and I dedicate this award to the many innovators who continue to shape Africa’s digital ecosystem. This recognition is as much a testament to the passion and dedication of the incredible minds I have had the privilege of working with.”
Dr. Obaro’s words reflected his belief in collaborative success and his commitment to advancing technology across the continent through a shared vision of innovation and progress.
The Group Managing Director of SystemSpecs, Dr. John Tanimola Obaro, is a distinguished alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Mathematics in 1979. He furthered his academic journey with an MBA from the University of Lagos in 1981, followed by the Chief Executive Program at Lagos Business School in 1999. His dedication to the advancement of Nigeria’s tech industry was also recognized by Trinity University in 2024, which awarded him an Honorary Doctorate in Computing and Information Technology for his pioneering contributions to the software sector.
Dr. Obaro’s professional affiliations underscore his impact across policy, finance, and technology. He is a Fellow of the Centre for African Policy Development and Research in Glasgow, Scotland, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, and a Fellow of the Nigeria Computer Society. His visionary leadership at SystemSpecs has been instrumental in driving technological advancements and shaping the future of digital payments and human capital management across Africa, reinforcing his influential role within the continent’s technology landscape.