At just 18, Eyiowauwi Enoch is proving that youth are not the future of agriculture; they’re already shaping it. A Computer Science undergraduate at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Enoch is blending coding, data analytics, and a passion for farming into bold ideas that could redefine Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

His journey began with a high school agricultural science teacher and the OCP Farm&Fortune National Agric Quiz Competition, which sparked a vision for agri-innovation. From designing UI/UX prototypes for smart farming apps to exploring Web3 incentives for cultivating underutilised land, he is determined to show that agriculture and technology are two sides of the same coin.

In this AgroCentric interview, Enoch shares his story, the hurdles of building tech as a student, and his vision for youth-led innovation in African agriculture.

Let’s meet you. What’s your name, and what are you currently doing?

My name is Eyiowauwi Enoch. I won the recently concluded OCP Farm and Fortune national agricultural quiz competition. I’m a 200-level Computer Science student at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

Why did you choose to study Computer Science?

I’ve always loved computer science. It all started in SS2 during the second term. I attended Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta, and my interest really took off when I participated last year in Build-a-Thon, a technology competition organised by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy in collaboration with the Raspberry Pi Foundation and supported by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) was focused on empowering the next generation of builders, and during the programme, my classmates and I developed a pedestrian traffic light using Python and microcontrollers. 

That experience changed how I viewed technology. It wasn’t just code; it was about solving real problems. Then, I participated in the OCP Farm and Fortune national agricultural quiz competition and boot camp, which gave me a new perspective on agriculture. I realised the enormous potential in combining tech with agriculture. That’s when I decided to study Computer Science at an agricultural university, to bridge both worlds and explore how I can contribute to solving real-world challenges.

Before the OCP Farm and Fortune program, were you already considering agriculture? Or did the competition influence that shift?

Before Farm and Fortune, I was already interested in Computer Science. But the OCP event changed my view of agriculture. It wasn’t just about farming anymore but about systems, technology, and transformation. That event made me want to balance both interests, tech and agriculture. That’s what influenced my decision to attend the Federal University of Agriculture.

So, what inspired you to enter the Farm and Fortune competition? Did you expect to win?

Honestly, it started one Monday morning. My Agric teacher, who knew me well since I was one of the best in the subject and the Senior Prefect, called my friend and me Samuel. He said, “You two are capable of doing something great.” 

He introduced us to the competition, and when I read about it, I immediately knew I wanted to be part of it. I loved the concept, especially since it was a national event. I joined, and I’m really glad I did. It was an unforgettable experience.

As for winning, I have always believed in myself. It’s not arrogance; it’s just confidence. I believe there’s nothing I can’t win if I set my mind to it. Even when I don’t win, it doesn’t discourage me. When I saw how the questions were structured during the competition, I thought, “Yes, I can win this.”

How did you feel when you actually won?

To be honest, I was aiming for first place. But we came third and missed the finals by just one point! I was a bit surprised at first, but I was still grateful. Winning ₦500,000 was amazing, but beyond the money, the experience was the real prize. I learned so much, reshaping my thinking in ways I never expected. That’s something money can’t buy.

How do you plan to merge your study of computer science with agriculture?

I’m currently a front-end developer and transitioning into back-end development. I recently completed a front-end course and got a Data Analytics scholarship from DataCamp, organised by Ingressive for Good (14G) community. My big idea is to build a smart farming application, a digital guide for farmers.

The app will provide data-driven insights on the best fertilisers for specific crops and soil types based on local weather conditions. Farmers will simply input their crop and location details, and the app will guide them on optimising their yield. It’s like having an agricultural expert in your pocket.

As a data analyst, I also want to collect environmental data across different regions to improve these recommendations. Unfortunately, the project is currently on hold because the laptop I was using broke down. That’s been a big challenge; it even paused my scholarship programme, but I’m hopeful. Once I get a new laptop, I’ll dive back into it. But for now, I use the school’s facilities. Our ICT lab is well-equipped, allowing us to perform exercises there.

That’s a brilliant concept! Are you still in the research phase, or have you developed a working prototype?

Yes, I’m still in the early stages. I had started building the UI/UX design before my laptop got damaged. The design was shaping up nicely, and I was preparing to move into coding next. Although I haven’t gone too deep into development yet, I’ve already mapped out many features I want to include. It’s all about brainstorming, researching, and refining the concept.

I’m also working with others to explore what additional features we can add to make the app top-tier. It’s still early, but the foundation is solid.

So, you’re still refining the idea. What’s been the biggest challenge so far?

Definitely my laptop. That system was everything for me: my learning tool, project builder, and even my DataCamp scholarship link. Losing access to it stalled everything, but I’m not discouraged. As soon as I get a replacement, I’ll resume the app development and the scholarship training.

Are you working on this alongside your degree program or waiting until after graduation?

I’m doing it alongside school. This app is like my foundational project, something to cut my teeth on. I’m also planning a much bigger project for my BSc thesis. I want to build something impactful, possibly integrating Web3 into agriculture.

I recently entered the Web3 space and noticed how people get rewarded for tasks, airdrops, NFTs, etc. Imagine a farming app where users are rewarded for their agricultural efforts, like cultivating underutilised land. That kind of incentive can change the game. So yes, I’ve got my hands full, but it’s exciting.

How do you plan to market or promote this project once it’s complete?

I’ve started building my network on X (formerly Twitter), especially within the Web3 and tech communities. I follow key opinion leaders who promote innovative projects and work on collaborations. I also plan to attend more tech events to meet developers, investors, and potential partners.

When I launch, I plan to pitch the app through OCP Farm and Fortune or platforms like AgroCentric Africa and feature it on your website or newsletter. I believe visibility is everything, and partnerships will be key to scaling the project.

It’s great that you’re thinking that far ahead. Can we say the OCP programme gave you a new direction in agriculture?

Absolutely. The OCP Farm and Fortune programme gave me a new perspective on agriculture. Before that, I never thought about integrating tech with agriculture this deeply. It opened up ideas I hadn’t imagined before and gave me a niche that combines my passion for tech with real-world impact. So yes, it was a game-changer.

If you were the President of Nigeria for a day, what would you change in the agricultural sector?

Wow, that’s a deep question! Honestly, I’ve never thought about that before, but here’s what I’ll say: I’ve met many young, creative people eager to revolutionise agriculture, but the biggest barrier is a lack of empowerment, facilities, funding, and training.

If I were president, I’d create more youth-focused empowerment programmes and initiatives like OCP’s Farm and Fortune, but on a national scale. Start from secondary school, capture students young, reshape their mindset, and give them the tools and training they need. By the time they reach the university level, they would have already been building sustainable agri-tech solutions.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5–10 years?
By God’s grace, I’ll be a BSc graduate in the next five years. But I don’t plan to stop there. I want to go further, maybe a master’s, even a PhD. I want to dive deeper into tech and create tools that solve real problems. My goal isn’t just to build fancy apps; it’s to build solutions. Innovations that make farming easier, smarter, and more rewarding for farmers. That’s the future I see. 

You mentioned your passion is limitless. Outside agriculture, are there any other fields you want to explore?

Definitely! When I talk about tech, I’m talking about its impact across different sectors. Technology is disrupting everything now, including health, finance, and education. I want to explore how tech can elevate these fields, too, but I’m starting with agriculture because that’s where my foundation is.

That said, I’m also interested in software development in general. But I’m intentional about not spreading myself too thin. I want to master one area deeply before expanding into others.

What’s the biggest misconception about agriculture you’ve come across?
Many people think agriculture is just about planting crops or rearing animals, which is what most of us were taught in secondary school. But agriculture is much more; it’s a whole science, with deep innovation in biotech, data analytics, and mechanisation. There’s a lot of untapped potential, and that misconception limits how many young people take agriculture seriously.

So, what do you propose can help shift this outdated narrative?
We need awareness programs, seminars, and campaigns that educate people on what agriculture really is. Show them the innovation, technology, and business side. Let students visit modern farms, engage with agri-tech platforms, and see real-life applications. Education is key. Once people see what’s possible, their perception changes.

Thank you for that. Lastly, what advice would you give to young people who want to participate in competitions like the OCP Farm&Fortune National Agric Quiz Competition, but feel they’re not good enough?

I always say this: the moment you believe you can’t do it, that’s when you’ve already failed. My advice? Believe you can. That’s where it all starts. Once your mindset is in the right place and you believe “I can do this”, the rest becomes a matter of action. Study, prepare, explore, and, most importantly, don’t be afraid to try.

When I joined the OCP competition, I didn’t have all the answers, but I was willing to learn. I discovered so much about agriculture, things I never knew even existed. That curiosity and willingness to learn opened a whole new world for me. So, to anyone out there: start with belief, then back it up with effort.

Thank you so much, Enoch. That was incredibly insightful. Good luck with your exams, projects, and everything else ahead.

Thank you, AgroCentric. I’m really grateful to OCP and TweakCentric for this opportunity.

Enoch is a rare breed—humble, driven, and refreshingly visionary. At just 100-level in university, he’s already tackling some of the biggest problems in agriculture using technology most students haven’t even begun to explore. His resilience in the face of challenges, especially regarding his halted projects due to a lack of resources, is a testament to his grit.

 Enoch’s journey is only just beginning, and we’ll be watching.