14-Year-Old Nigerian Girl Earns 30 Tech Certifications After Being Denied University Admission Due to Age By Akande Wasiu 18 February 2025 At just 14 years old, Zainab Akinola, a brilliant young girl from Nigeria, has already achieved what many can only dream of—earning over 30 professional certifications in software engineering, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Despite her dream of studying medicine, Zainab was unable to secure admission into a Nigerian university due to the country’s minimum age requirement of 16 years for tertiary education. Rather than waiting for four years, she took an alternative route, venturing into the tech industry, where she has excelled beyond expectations. In an interview with The Nation, Zainab shared her inspiring journey, explaining how she turned a disappointment into a success story, becoming one of Nigeria’s youngest software engineers with expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. From Medicine to Tech: How Zainab’s Journey Began Zainab’s academic excellence became evident from an early age. She completed secondary school at 12 years old and sat for the 2023 JAMB exam, where she scored 262—a result high enough to secure her a place in medical school. However, Nigeria’s age restriction for university admission meant she would have to wait four more years before pursuing her dream of becoming a medical doctor. Her father, who always called her “Doctor Zainab”, encouraged her to explore technology as an alternative while waiting for admission. Initially reluctant, she later embraced the field after learning how AI is transforming medicine, from diagnosing diseases to robotic surgeries. “I was devastated when I learned I couldn’t study medicine because of my age. My father then suggested I look into software engineering while I waited. I wasn’t interested at first, but he explained how AI is changing the medical field, and that caught my attention.” Becoming a Certified Tech Expert: Zainab’s Learning Journey Determined to make the most of her waiting period, Zainab enrolled in multiple tech programs and acquired over 30 certifications in software engineering, AI, and machine learning from various international platforms. Some of her educational experiences include: ALX Software Engineering Program – Focused on front-end development Techvinson Academy – Specialized in back-end software engineering KemonAI – Trained in artificial intelligence and machine learning Udemy, RITA Africa, SheCodes, and GreatLearning – Completed courses in AI, web development, and programming Through these platforms, she mastered multiple programming languages, including C, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Java, and Python, and gained experience in React, Bootstrap, Git, and GitHub. “My journey has allowed me to learn from renowned experts worldwide. I now have skills in software development, AI, and problem-solving, which I plan to apply in real-world healthcare challenges.” Developing Real-World Tech Solutions To apply her skills, Zainab has developed several projects, including: * A Quote Generator – Generates random inspirational quotes * E-Commerce Website – Online store for selling and buying products * Real Estate App – Designed for real estate companies * AI-Powered Poem Generator – Uses AI to craft poetry * Chatbots for Schools and Law Firms – Automates communication * Web and Mobile Applications – Developed with React and Python These projects have provided her with hands-on experience in problem-solving, innovation, and software development. Merging AI and Medicine: A New Dream Even with her achievements in tech, Zainab remains committed to studying medicine. However, she now envisions a hybrid career, where she can integrate AI with medicine to revolutionize healthcare. “I don’t just want to be a doctor; I want to specialize in AI-driven medical innovations. AI is already transforming healthcare, and I hope to contribute by developing technology that improves diagnoses, robotic surgeries, and medical research.” Since no Nigerian university currently offers a degree that merges AI and medicine, Zainab is exploring international opportunities where she can pursue both fields simultaneously. Future Plans: What’s Next for Zainab? While waiting to turn 16 for university admission in Nigeria, Zainab is actively seeking scholarship opportunities abroad to study Artificial Intelligence and Medicine. She is also pursuing a National Diploma (ND) in Transformation College of Business and Technology, balancing multiple commitments through discipline and time management. “I plan to spend the next two years deepening my knowledge of AI and healthcare. If I receive an offer from an international university, I would be thrilled to accept it.” A Blessing in Disguise? Zainab Reflects on Her Journey Looking back, Zainab believes that being denied university admission at 12 was actually a blessing in disguise. “Initially, it felt like a major setback, but now I see it differently. If I had gone straight into medicine, I might never have discovered software engineering and AI. “Now, I have a unique skill set that blends medicine and technology, allowing me to make a bigger impact in healthcare.” Advice to Young People Facing Career Challenges Zainab encourages young people to view setbacks as opportunities, urging them to explore alternative paths and keep learning. “Don’t see challenges as failures; instead, use them as stepping stones. If things don’t go as planned, stay open to new possibilities. Sometimes, the road you least expect leads to the greatest rewards.” Her story serves as an inspiration to students facing similar age restrictions or uncertainties in their career paths, proving that every setback can lead to a greater breakthrough. Conclusion At just 14 years old, Zainab has already made history as one of Nigeria’s youngest certified AI and software engineers. What started as a disappointment turned into a journey of discovery, leading her to a field that could revolutionize healthcare through AI-driven solutions. As she continues to break barriers, her story is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and lifelong learning—a shining example that no obstacle is too great for determination and hard work. View and join our WhatsApp Channel for more interesting stories. https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va5mBOf11ulYBPA6VP3L Like, comment, and share for more articles.