Samuel Oluwamiri Ayedun, at just 17, has an impressive interest in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and is working to ensure that technology plays a role in this sector. A computer science student at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Samuel and his longtime partner are interested in merging tech innovation with farming solutions, starting with a bold idea sparked by a secondary school fishpond.
In an exclusive interview with AgroCentric’s Features Editor, Olamide Salau, he opened up about his journey, from winning a prestigious first-ever OCP Farm&Fortune National Agric Quiz competition in 2023 to dreaming up tools that could change how agriculture works. What began as a quest for knowledge has evolved into a mission to inspire young Nigerians to see agriculture not as a relic of the past but as a frontier for the future.
Take us back a bit. How did winning the OCP Farm&Fortune National Agric Quiz competition and receiving that cash feel?
It was an incredible moment. I was in SS2 when my partner and I won. I couldn’t believe it at first. The idea that “everybody is a winner” really boosted my confidence; it made me feel like I’d already achieved something big.
How much was the prize, and how did you split it?
We won 1 million naira and shared it equally, 500,000 naira each.
What was your plan for the money when you entered the competition? What did you envision it doing for you?
At the time, we were dreaming big. The first prize was 3 million naira, the second was 2 million, and the third was 1 million. My partner and I aimed for the top because we had so many ideas—research, equipment, and our future in computer science. We thought, “Oh, we need tools for education and innovation.” That was our drive.
How did the money help you?
I used my share to buy a new laptop, which I now use for online learning and research.
Were you interested in agriculture before the competition, or were you solely focused on computer science?
Before the competition, my partner and I were set on studying computer science. However, during the event, we learned how computer-related skills could be applied to agriculture, which opened our eyes to the possibility of combining the two fields.
Do you still care about agriculture, or is tech your main passion now?
I’m still interested in agriculture. In Nigeria today, mastering AI, data analysis, or software development can amplify your work in agriculture. I see them working together.
Since you’re at FUNAAB, an agricultural university, how does that shape your tech focus?
Studying computer science in an agricultural institution ties everything together. It’s like working on a tech farm—building innovations for agriculture feels natural here.
Your passion for agriculture led you to FUNAAB, right?
Yes. My partner and I chose it together. We wanted to dive deeper into agriculture, meet like-minded people, and grow our ideas. He’s studying computer science with me there too.
Are you currently working on any project at the moment? Either in tech or agriculture?
Right now, my partner and I are working on an AI-driven monitoring tool, which would be widely useful, not just for agriculture.
That sounds exciting! Is this a personal project or part of your coursework?
It’s personal, just me and my partner from secondary school.
What sparked this project? What problem are you tackling?
It started in SS3. We had a fishpond at school, and we’d visit it often. Changing the water manually was so stressful that we realised there had to be a better way. So, we started designing equipment to automate it, which works without constant supervision.
Where are you at with it now? Research phase? Building phase?
We’re still gathering information and materials to perfect it. It’s not a new idea, but we’re refining the plan.
What’s the biggest challenge in this stage—time, resources, or access to info?
It’s resources. We don’t have everything we need yet, so we’re trying to bring more people on board to share knowledge and help us push forward.
Any plans to scale this project—maybe market it or share it with the world?
We’re working on that. It’s still early, but we’re figuring out how to build and present it once the research is solid.
How has winning that prize shaped your work and your view of agriculture?
The laptop from the prize money keeps our research going. Before the competition, I was more into web development, but it showed me tech’s potential in agriculture. That shift changed everything.
What do young people in Nigeria typically think about agriculture? Any misconceptions that bug you?
Many see it as an old person’s job, dirty and tedious. But with computer science, we’re proving it can be easier, cleaner, and more modern.
So, you’d encourage them to explore agriculture through tech?
Yes. There’s so much to it, medical aspects, production, distribution. Find your passion and see how it fits into agriculture.
If you were president for a day, how would you get more youth into agriculture?
I’d start with awareness. People don’t realise that 90% of fields, pharmacy, tech, and economics, connect to agriculture. Show them how a doctor can be a vet or a coder can innovate agriculture.
What advice would you give young investors wanting to enter Nigeria’s agricultural space?
Be consistent. Your first try might fail, but that’s okay. Pick an area, production, animal husbandry, whatever and stick with it. Passion and effort pay off, even if there are errors along the way.
You’ve won a big competition at a young age. What advice do you have for others who doubt they can do the same?
Everyone wants the cash, but not everyone wins. Focus on the knowledge instead; it lasts forever. During the competition, we learned so much about agriculture’s everyday impact. That’s what stays with you.
You’re only 17 and already solving big problems. That’s inspiring! Any final thoughts on your journey?
Thanks! I just want to keep pushing. Agriculture isn’t just farming; it’s innovation, and I hope more young people see that.
Your work will inspire secondary school students and young adults. Keep it up.
Thank you, AgroCentric.
