At just 14 years old, Zainab, 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.
But at first how did she read her book at the age of 12
Her parent is her problem
Nonsense
Olodo
Na jealousy go kill some people
Ah swear, jealousy will kill them
And they will die by fire.
Zainab, congrats dear, more grace.
Nigerian parents sha!!!
When did she started school?
How could she left secondary sch at 12
Kai.
It is because you don’t know her. It is true. She had acquired it
Can u tell us how her parents is her problem bcos if she is international student now(white) ,u people will be praising them,bcos she is African now is an headache for u abi
God bless you, they value foreign when we have the best
This is awesome ☺️
Her parents made a smart choice advising her to look into tech 👍👍
Wishing her success on her journey to the apex of her career 🎓
This is awesome I , wishing you all the best zainb
Age should not be a barring for someone that have the knowledge ,to takes any field of profession.
This is awesome I , wishing you all the best zainb
Awesome, Education is key, sky is her limit
That’s what I always tell people we have a lot of things to channel our energy to instead of facing disappointment and regret all the time we actually make it to our advantage. She make the right choice congrats, conventional school is not what brings solutions to our society
I am also very impressed because she managed to acquire that amount of knowledge at a very young age 👍👍👍👍
Assalamualaikum warahmatullai wabarakatu, Zainab I believe you are a Muslim Sister. May Almighty Allah bless your knowledge and protect you and your family from enemies. Please I need your help for my children too to follow this your great footsteps, and show them the way you got those Certificates. Please give me your father’s number and here is mine: 08038398465
Assalamualaikumwarahmatullaiwabarakatu,ZainabIbelieveyouareaMuslimSister.MayAlmightyAllahblessyourknowledgeandprotectyouandyourfamilyfromenemies.PleaseIneedyourhelpformychildrentootofollowthisyourgreatfootsteps,andshowthemthewayyougotthoseCertificates.Pleasegivemeyourfather’snumberandhereismine:08038398465
Congratulations Brainy Zainab!
Zainab’s story is truly inspiring! Achieving 30 certifications in tech at just 14 is extraordinary. Her vision to integrate technology with medicine holds immense potential for innovation. I hope philanthropists, governments, and NGOs take notice and support her journey. With the right resources, she can make a lasting impact in both fields. Keep soaring, Zainab!
Wow! This is very impressive and encouraging. My dear, well done and more appreciation to your parents who gave you the privilege. I wish you all the best and pray that others will learn from your good work and thinking.
I agree with you but the university is a wild place and she is too young for some certain kind of exposure. She might even be bullied coz she is a child