Navigating the Digital Landscape Without Visual Cues

Afolabi Oyebiyi, a software engineer at Cyclone, a Nigerian tech consulting firm, embodies resilience and innovation in Africa’s digital space. His journey exemplifies how individuals can not only adapt to technological systems but also shape them for greater inclusivity.

Oyebiyi’s path began with an early interest in computers, fueled by an older brother who worked as a software engineer. However, his experience transformed when he started losing sight in 2005—an event he describes as the beginning of his “supervillain arc.” This challenge led him to seek solutions through technology itself.

From Rehabilitation Centers to Classrooms

Before becoming an engineer, Oyebiyi had already learned how systems operate when they weren’t designed for users with disabilities. He spent time in rehabilitation centers where he first encountered screen readers and braille—tools that would become essential to his digital life.

He enrolled at the Lagos branch of NIIT, an Indian-based technology institute, becoming its first visually impaired student. The experience was initially difficult as teachers adapted to his needs, but with support from instructors like Mr. Andrew, who went above and beyond in assisting him, Oyebiyi persevered through coding classes and practical applications.

Building Accessibility Through Code

Oyebiyi’s motivation stems from a desire to create technology that addresses accessibility concerns for people with disabilities. He chose software engineering specifically because of its potential to build assistive tools like screen readers and accessible websites—solutions he personally relies on.

As a backend engineer today, Oyebiyi continues to advocate for inclusive design practices, sometimes pushing back when accessibility is treated as an afterthought. His work represents a commitment to ensuring that technology serves all users equally.

What began as personal adaptation has evolved into a mission to build digital solutions that empower others facing similar challenges—demonstrating how constraints can spark innovation in Africa’s tech ecosystem.