How They Did It: Adeboye Adegoke, Senior Manager, Paradigm Initiative
“First, in order to succeed in the tech space, you must realize that there’s more to success than knowing how to build a product or use software.” Adeboye Adegoke is a prominent figure in the field of Internet Governance in Africa, serving as a distinguished civil society advocate. His expertise lies in the intricate relationship between technology and human rights. With a comprehensive educational background encompassing Politics, Philosophy, and Economics, Adeboye holds a Master’s Degree in Human Rights and Democratization in Africa. As a Senior Manager at Paradigm Initiative, he spearheads the organization’s strategic direction and oversees its diverse programs. He brings extensive experience in digital rights advocacy, gained through his active involvement in global, regional, and national initiatives, including his alumni status at the prestigious African School on Internet Governance. He is a fellow of the San Francisco-based Center for Digital Policy and Artificial Intelligence. He’s a member of the Danish government’s Tech Advisory Council, A member of the Freedom Online Coalition led by the US government. He was a member of Twitter’s Human Rights Advisory Council until December 2022. He has trained judges and parliamentarians in Nigeria, Zambia, Tanzania, and Malawi. He’s a featured guest on all of Nigeria’s leading television stations, such as Channels TV, ARISE TV, and TVC. Adeboye has very strong legislative engagement and policy influencing experience, having worked on and influenced many laws and policies in Africa. Adeboye led the advocacy for the passage of the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill by Nigeria’s parliament.
Q: WHAT WAS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR PURSUING A TECH ADVOCACY CAREER? ANS:
Tech advocacy came naturally to me. I grew up at a time when technology was still emerging in this part of the world. I bought my first computer as a final-year student at the University (2007). At that time, very few students owned a computer, especially if you weren’t a computer science student. The unbelievable opportunity that technology provided, however, was something I was literally willing to protect. I would describe this as my first inclination towards tech advocacy. It was more like technology is a barrier breaker, and more people needed to know this. I was sharing with students at my alma mater last week how fellow students would taunt you if you were not studying professional courses like law, Accounting, medicine, and the like in those days. It almost meant your future was bleak at the time. Even girls were more attracted to guys studying professional courses because opportunities were limited for others after school. LOL. Specifically, in the year 2016, I was attending the African Internet Governance Forum in Durban, South Africa, and a Communications Minister from Malawi had proposed restrictions on social media services because, according to him, there were too many rumors and lies flying around on digital platforms. I recalled standing up in the hall that had thousands of participants, many dignitaries, government officials, and technology stakeholders from Africa and beyond. My voice was raised, and I rebuked the minister about his proposal, and argued that it was a backward idea. The room fell into deaf silence while I spoke because no one wanted to really antagonize a minister at such a high-level platform, Others who agreed but couldn’t speak up earlier began to clap in response to my submission. At that point, something struck me. I realized I’d have to do this more deliberately. Meanwhile, I started working formally in the tech civil society space in 2014, but 2016 was a turning point for me.
Q: CAN YOU TELL YOUR JOURNEY INTO USING TECH AS AN ADVOCACY TOOL? ANS:
Started using social media platforms (largely Facebook and Twitter), to ask questions about governance issues and to generally share thoughts on policy issues. However, it became clear at some point that the digital civic space itself needs protection. The digital civic space is under enormous attack, particularly in Africa. Undemocratic governments are working day and night to weaken the power of citizens to use digital platforms to hold governments accountable.
Q: SPEAK TO US ABOUT WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT YOUR ROLE AS A DIGITAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST? ANS:
Technology is ever-evolving so there’s always something to be excited about. Imagine the type of conversation we are having right now? We are talking about the risks of generative AI, including its impacts on human rights. A few years ago, we were worried about facial-recognition technology, digital IDs, censorship, etc. All of these issues are still relevant, but there’s always something new. A new challenge every time keeps you on your toes. It’s always day 1 in this space.
Q: WHAT SKILL SET IS REQUIRED TO UNDERTAKE A CAREER AS A DIGITAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST? ANS:
A background in law is very helpful. Interestingly, you don’t need to study anything related to technology, but you must be passionate about technology. I studied Political Science for my first degree and got a Master’s Degree in law later. These are not must-haves, but they can be helpful. Many of the great colleagues that I have met on the job across the world have diverse backgrounds. I think your passion for technology is the most important. And in terms of skills set, the ability to read, analyze, and understand policy documents as well as articulate policy positions is very key.
Q: SHARE A FEW LIFE LESSONS YOU HAVE LEARNED IN YOUR JOURNEY THROUGH TECHNOLOGY ANS:
Q: SHARE A FEW LIFE LESSONS YOU HAVE LEARNED IN YOUR JOURNEY THROUGH TECHNOLOGY ANS:
Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR NEWBIES BUILDING A CAREER IN TECH? ANS:
Before I share what I like to call a textbook answer, kindly note that in an ever-changing world, the basic principles for success stay the same; hard work, humility, consistency, importunity, and the like. There are new skills practically every day, but I doubt there are new principles. However, here are some general ideas for newbies in the industry; Continuous Learning: Technology is constantly evolving, so make a commitment to lifelong learning. Stay up-to-date with the latest trends, tools, and programming languages. Attend workshops, webinars, conferences, and enroll in online courses to enhance your skills. Focus on Fundamentals: While it’s essential to learn new technologies, don’t neglect the fundamentals. Solid knowledge of programming concepts, data structures, algorithms, and system design will always serve you well, regardless of the specific tech stack you work with. Personal Projects and Open Source: Work on personal tech projects to apply what you learn and showcase your skills. Consider contributing to open-source projects as well. It not only adds to your portfolio but also provides valuable collaboration experience. Networking: Building a strong professional network is crucial. Attend tech meetups, conferences, and connect with professionals in your field. Networking can lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and collaborations. Soft Skills Matter: Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are critical in any job. Develop your soft skills alongside your technical skills. Being able to articulate your ideas and work effectively with others will make you stand out. Stay Curious and Resourceful: Tech problems can be complex and require creative solutions. Cultivate a curious mindset and be resourceful in finding answers. Stack Overflow, GitHub, and other tech forums can be valuable resources when you encounter challenges. Embrace Failure: Failure is a natural part of learning and growth. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks or mistakes. Learn from them and use them as opportunities to improve. Seek Feedback: Constructive feedback is invaluable for personal and professional development. Don’t shy away from asking for feedback from peers, mentors, or supervisors. Diversify your Projects: Try working on different types of projects. Whether it’s web development, mobile apps, data analysis, or AI, diversifying your experience will help you discover what interests you the most. Build a Portfolio and GitHub Profile: Showcase your work by creating a portfolio website and maintaining an active GitHub profile. Employers often look for evidence of your skills and contributions to open-source projects. Balance Specialization and Generalization: While it’s essential to specialize in a particular area, having a broader understanding of the tech ecosystem is also valuable. This will help you adapt to changes in the industry. Stay Ethical and Security-Conscious: As a tech professional, you may handle sensitive data and have a significant impact on society. Prioritize ethical practices and stay vigilant about security concerns. Mentorship: Seek out experienced mentors who can guide you in your career. They can provide valuable insights, career advice, and help you navigate challenges. Work-Life Balance: The tech industry can be fast-paced and demanding. Remember to maintain a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout and maintain productivity. Be Adaptable: Tech is constantly changing, and your career path might evolve. Be open to new opportunities and be willing to adapt and grow.
Q: WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR YOUNG TECHIES WHO WANT TO UNDERTAKE A CAREER AS A DIGITAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST? ANS:
The digital rights space is an evolving one. Becoming a digital rights activist can be a rewarding career path for young techies who are passionate about protecting online privacy, advocating for freedom of expression, and promoting digital rights generally. Below is a list of opportunities in the space: Joining Nonprofit Organizations: These days, many nonprofit organizations are focusing on digital rights and working towards protecting online privacy, freedom of speech, and internet freedom. In Nigeria, I think Paradigm Initiative (PIN) is perhaps the pioneer digital rights organization with a specific, laser-focused focus on actively engaging in advocacy, policy-making, and legal efforts to defend digital rights. However, many traditional human and media rights organizations like Amnesty International, Media Rights Agenda, SERAP, and the like also work on digital rights. Joining or supporting these organizations can provide opportunities to work on important projects, conduct research, participate in public campaigns, and collaborate with like-minded individuals. Please note that there are many organizations beyond Nigeria and Africa doing this work as well, so there is no geographical limitation to who you can work with or partner with. Technology and Policy Fellowships: Various fellowship programs exist that offer opportunities for young technologists to work at the intersection of technology and policy. For instance, the Mozilla Fellows program places individuals in host organizations where they can work on issues related to the open internet, privacy, and digital rights. Other fellowships, such as the Open Technology Fund (OTF) fellowship, provide support for projects that promote internet freedom and digital security. Paradigm Initiative hosts a Digital Rights and Inclusion Fellowship as well. Media and Journalism: Becoming a tech journalist or working in media organizations focused on digital rights can help raise awareness about emerging issues and advocate for change. Investigative reporting, writing opinion pieces, or creating multimedia content on topics like surveillance, data breaches, or online censorship can be impactful in promoting digital rights. Grassroots Activism: Engaging in grassroots activism can involve organizing events, protests, and campaigns to raise awareness about digital rights issues within local communities. This can include collaborating with civil society groups, organizing workshops and training sessions, or advocating for policy changes at the grassroots level. Legal Advocacy: Pursuing a career in law, particularly specializing in digital rights and technology law, can provide opportunities to work on legal cases and policy advocacy related to digital rights. Lawyers can defend individuals’ rights, challenge unconstitutional practices, and contribute to shaping legislation and regulations that protect digital rights. There’s a Nigerian organization called the Digital Rights Lawyer Initiative. They provide a model for what this might look like. Also, you may check out the Media Legal Defense Initiative (MLDI). Finally, digital rights activism is a multidisciplinary field, and skills in technology, policy, human rights, advocacy, and communication are valuable. Networking with professionals in the field, attending conferences and workshops, and keeping up with the latest developments in technology and policy are also essential for success as a digital rights activist.