{
  "id": 5677892,
  "title": "I started from scratch in UK despite Nigerian banking experience – MBE honouree, Babajide",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/i-started-from-scratch-in-uk-despite-nigerian-banking-experience-mbe",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-05T00:48:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/i-started-from-scratch-in-uk-despite-nigerian-banking-experience-mbe-honouree-babajide/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Babajide, a United Kingdom-based founder of Female Techpreneur, recently received the prestigious accolade of Member of the British Empire. In conversation with Ayoola Olasupo, Babajide spoke about her journey from banking to technology, overcoming discrimination, and inspiring Nigerians. She was born and raised in Nigeria, spending her early years in Ile-Ife, Osun State, and her mother is a princess. She studied Economics, served in the Nigerian Youth Service, and began her career in Abuja as a banking officer, focusing on marketing. Babajide's childhood aspirations included becoming a fashion designer, but after learning that talent and ability were crucial, she set her sights on technology. Despite the predominantly male-dominated field, she registered for IT courses, seeking to improve her skills. Later, she pursued training in ACCA, but missed the passing threshold by two marks, leading her to shift focus to IT. Her move to the UK was not initially planned, as she preferred the US, but her love for reading, exposure to UK through media, and a desire for career growth prompted her to relocate. Upon arrival, Babajide faced challenges in securing a suitable corporate position due to her Nigerian qualifications and experience. She initially started in an administrative role, gradually transitioning to an IT position where she gained practical experience and acquired skills through hands-on training. Her career in the UK was marked by numerous challenges, including the difficulty in finding a role that matched her aspirations, cultural adjustments, and the impact of discrimination. Despite these obstacles, Babajide's determination enabled her to build a successful career in technology, contributing to the growth of Female Techpreneur and inspiring her fellow Nigerians.",
  "summary": "Olubukola Babajide, a Nigerian MBE honouree, shares her journey from banking in Nigeria to building a tech career in the UK, overcoming discrimination. Read More: https://punchng.com/i-started-from-scratch-in-uk-despite-nigerian-banking-experience-mbe-honouree-babajide/",
  "key_points": [
    "Babajide, Nigerian-born, moved to UK for tech career",
    "Received MBE for Female Techpreneur work",
    "Overcame discrimination to build successful tech career"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Babajide's MBE honour underscores her determination and resilience in overcoming cultural and professional obstacles to build a successful career in the UK's technology sector despite her Nigerian background and experience.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "I started from scratch in UK despite Nigerian banking experience – MBE honouree, Babajide",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/i-started-from-scratch-in-uk-despite-nigerian-banking-experience-mbe-5682370",
        "published": "2026-09-05T01:01:44.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}