Nigeria’s name is often tied to cybercrime in global conversations, but a young student from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), is rewriting the narrative. Somtochukwu Okoma David, 22, is proving that Nigerian youth can compete globally in ethical technology and also lead conversations around cybersecurity innovation.
Somto is currently juggling life as a student in Owerri while working remotely with cybersecurity teams in the United States and Mexico. He was recently recognised as the #2 cybersecurity creator on LinkedIn in Nigeria.
His story began just last year, in April, during what he describes as “a moment of deep reflection.” While exploring different areas of technology, he wrote out possible career paths and asked himself why he wanted each one. Cybersecurity stood out for him, not just as a career option but as a mission. “For me, the why was everything,” he says. “I wanted to use technology not as a tool for shortcuts or fraud, but as a tool for protection, for building, and for rewriting the global story about Nigerian youth.”
Armed with that conviction, he threw himself into learning, joining online communities, following mentors he had never met, and sharing his journey openly on LinkedIn. Unlike many who wait until they have certificates or big achievements, Somto documented his growth in real time, posting about lessons, mistakes, and small wins. What people saw was not a prodigy but a young Nigerian student at FUTO daring to dream and refusing to give up. That authenticity earned him visibility and, eventually, his first role in Mexico, followed by opportunities with U.S. teams.
The road has not been smooth for Somto. Balancing his studies in Nigeria with late-night calls to U.S. professionals was difficult enough, but he also had to fight self-doubt as the youngest and least experienced person in most rooms. Poor internet access was another hurdle. Yet, his determination kept him going, driven by a desire to prove that Nigerian youth can thrive in ethical cybersecurity. Today, he is also pursuing a degree at a U.S. university while continuing to manage his studies at FUTO. “It’s exhausting,” he admits, “but the sacrifices I make today are investments into a future where I can show other Nigerian students that global roles are possible without shortcuts.”
Somto’s foundation was laid long before this journey began. Growing up in Lagos, he was raised in what he describes as a “comfortable home” where his parents encouraged curiosity and invested in his interests. They enrolled him in computer classes and gave him access to learning tools, even when resources were limited. “That foundation made me believe that opportunities aren’t stumbled upon, they’re created,” he recalls. “My parents’ belief in me taught me resilience, discipline, and the courage to dream beyond my environment.” When he first mentioned cybersecurity at home, there was confusion. Some thought he wanted to become a hacker. But over time, his consistency won them over, and they are now his biggest supporters.
For Somto, cybersecurity is a personal ambition and also about national rebranding. He believes every young Nigerian who takes on a cybersecurity role internationally chips away at the global stereotype that defines the country by fraud. “Imagine Nigeria not being in the headlines for cybercrime, but for cyber defence and innovation,” he says. “That’s the future I believe in.”
His work on LinkedIn shows that mission. He simplifies cybersecurity for students, professionals, and even everyday people, breaking down complex threats and tools in a way that anyone can understand. “I pride myself in making cybersecurity so simple that even our grandmas and kids would understand it,” he says with a smile. The combination of education and authenticity has grown his platform and brought recognition. Being named the #2 cybersecurity creator in Nigeria, he insists, was not about popularity but about impact. It has also opened doors, including invitations to host conferences, one of which will focus on providing free cybersecurity training for beginners.
His message to young Nigerians tempted by cybercrime is that shortcuts do not last. “With Yahoo Yahoo, you might make money today, but you lose trust tomorrow. And without trust, you can never build a lasting career,” he warns. His own journey, he says, shows what is possible without shortcuts. Already, Deloitte, KPMG, and other firms have shown interest in his work. He has spoken on global stages and built a personal brand that attracts opportunities he never imagined.
Looking ahead, Somto envisions himself becoming a cybersecurity architect and compliance analyst, working on systems that protect critical infrastructure and shape policies for Africa in the era of AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation. But his bigger dream is to position Nigeria not just as a consumer of global cybersecurity solutions, but as a creator of them. He sees Africa’s challenges (lack of awareness, shortage of skilled professionals, and weak digital infrastructure) as opportunities for the continent’s youth to rise. “Millions of young people are hungry to learn and ready to prove themselves,” he says. “With the right mentorship and opportunities, we can transform Africa from being a target to being a hub of cybersecurity innovation.”
