Youth Software Development Interview
- Tunde Bashiru
How can young people explore opportunities in software development? The best people to talk on this are young people already making an impact in this exciting field.
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Tunde Bashiru, the youth software
programmer/web developer recently led the 2011
Software development Capacity Building Initiative. How did such a young man
become so versatile in the exciting world of software development? This
interview will answer this and related questions.
Congratulations on your achievements so far. Please let the Jidaw audience
meet you. Let's know more about you.
My name is Bashiru Ismail Babatunde, Co-CEO DiaryofDeeds Inc. I am currently a
final year student of Computer Science in Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun
State. I am a very friendly person, I talk a lot and I love watching cartoons to
relax. That’s all I think.
When did you first become interested in computers? What spurred your interest
in Information Technology? Specifically why are you so interested in software
development?
Hmmn! My dad studied Accounting, he loved it. He also studied Computers and
ventured into the I.T world. He fell in love with programming. He was a
programmer some years back and also worked as an Accountant in several
organizations. He is currently the CEO of Info-Sys Technologies.
So you could say it runs in the family. I am the first born, so I was quick to
follow in his footsteps. I was introduced to computers since Primary school. I’d
follow dad to work after school and play with keyboards. All I could do then was
to type. But it was fun. Throughout my Primary and Secondary School life, I was
regarded as a Computer Guru.
Actually, I wanted to pursue a career in Architecture. I used to draw a lot
then. But all this changed when I sat for the Nigerian Olympiad in Informatics
in 2008. I came 3rd in Ogun-State(won a bronze medal). We proceeded to the final
rounds and I came 6th in the whole nation; the competition was really tough.
There were multiple first and second positions. (I won a silver medal). I
actually ventured into the competition without thoughts of excelling, but God
surprised me. Ten of us were selected for a 1-month programming training using
C++ at the National Mathematical Center (NMC ), Abuja. After the training, 4
people were chosen to represent Nigeria at the International Olympiad in
Informatics (IOI) in Egypt. We didn’t really make a huge impact in the
competition because we came back without medals, but I got exposed to the I.T
world. That was the turning point in my career. I fell in love with programming.
I then decided to study Computer Science.
How do software developers and entrepreneurs contribute? Why are they so
important in today’s society?
The world is undergoing a revolution. Difficult things are getting easier.
Computer, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers do their own part. But it is the
Software Developers that are really making the impact. People like Late Steve
Jobs, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, etc. We all know the impact they have made in
our world. Steve Jobs and Bill Gates individually made the introduction of
Computers with Graphical User Interface a success. They made the world
understand that computers were meant for everyone, not technicians alone. Mark
Zuckerberg brought about the revolution in Social Networks. They’re all Software
Developers. They’re all Entrepreneurs. They would not have been able to make
great impacts if they chose to be like every other Software Developer who would
choose to work in a company, and just develop software that suited the company
needs. They were innovative, they had their own ideas. They had to make it work.
Entrepreneurs’ pioneer new ideas, they make a difference, in doing so, they
provide Job opportunities for young minds and inspire those below them to do the
same. They make a huge impact. They are both very important in this world of
ours.
Which systems, technology do you work with? How long have you been working
with these tools and how did you get started? What do you like most about
programming and Web design/development? What do you find unique about the tools
you use?
Actually I started I.T as an all-rounder before focusing on Web Development. I
am very good with the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher
etc.), Graphics Design Applications like (CorelDraw, Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia
Fireworks etc.). I’m also a fan of good music. I make beats when am less busy. I
use Fruity Loops 9 very well. For my web-design and development, I am not the
kind of person that sticks to any particular software. I use anything that comes
my way. But for now, I love using the Adobe CS5 KIT (Dreamweaver, Flash,
Fireworks, etc.), I’m not a fan of Joomla though. I use WAMP Server or
Apache2Triad depending on system compatibility for my Web Development. I like
Adobe Dreamweaver for its auto-suggestions, it makes my work faster. The Adobe
CS5 development kit is one of my best set of tools. Fireworks has a cool and
simple-to-use interface making graphics-design interesting.
project.
This interview was conducted by Jidaw (Mastercomputers).
The interview is continued
on this link:
Youth Software Development Interview - Tunde
Bashiru - 2
Diary of Deeds DOD – Nigerian Social Network
