Tech Trivia with Oluwatorinmo Ajanaku, Software Engineer at Zedcrest Group

How amazing can it be to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy and still end up in tech?

Today’s Women in Tech Trivia spotlights Oluwatorinmo Ajanaku, a software engineer at Zedcrest Group. Her tech journey started with a software development internship at Zuri Team Inc. and a project management internship in 2022.

During this period, she was also engaged in online professional training in product design, software engineering, and many more. But the unique part of her journey is the fact that she pursued her passion for tech after attaining a First-Class Honours in Pharmacy at the University of Ibadan in 2020.

In her words, “I find myself most inspired by my own journey, coming from a non-technical background in pharmacy and forging a path into tech has shown me the power of persistence and resilience.”

Today, Oluwatorinmo works as a software engineer at the intersection of finance and technology. She is also a writer and a STEM advocate focused on expanding access to technology for young girls.

In her engineering work, she focuses on building reliable and scalable backend systems. Beyond that, she leverages her writing and platforms to explore technical concepts, digital literacy, AI adoption, and the societal impact of technology.

1. Summarise your mornings in one sentence

My mornings start with reviewing and updating my to-do list, checking my email and reading some newsletters, going over unfinished tasks, aligning during stand-up to give updates and clear blockers, and then settling into focused deep work. 

2. Describe your gadget setup

My gadget setup is simple, nothing fancy. I work primarily with my laptop and phone, supported by a reliable router for connectivity. I also keep a notepad and pen close by for quick thoughts and planning. I prefer a clean, clutter-free space because it helps me stay focused, think more clearly, and approach my work with structure and calm. 

3. What tech tools/applications do you use the most for work?

I primarily work with C# and .NET for backend development, alongside tools like Visual Studio (IDE), Cursor, Git for version control, Postman for API testing, Microsoft Teams, Azure Data Studio, and Claude.

4. What do you do when you need inspiration?

When I need inspiration, I intentionally create space to think by stepping away from my screen and disconnecting from the immediate task. I find that doing something simple like taking a walk or even a cold shower helps me reset and clear my mind. 

In those moments, I’m able to think more freely, process my ideas, and work through my logic without pressure, which often leads to clearer insights and better solutions. 

5. What mobile application can you not do without daily?

Safari and YouTube because I’m constantly either looking something up or going down a learning rabbit hole, so both have become part of my everyday routine. 

6. What tech solution do you wish someone had created?

I wish there were a secure, globally recognised digital identity system that allows people to move, work, and contribute across countries more seamlessly. In a world that’s increasingly digital, access and opportunity shouldn’t be so restricted by borders. 

7. If you have unlimited time and money, what problem would you solve?

Travelling between countries, focusing on seamless travel across the globe. Also, although I already do this through advocacy, going to schools to teach children and teenagers about technology and STEM.

With unlimited time and money, I could do this at scale. I would focus on building systems that make technology more accessible and understandable, especially for people who have little or no exposure, so that opportunity isn’t limited by background. 

8. Which woman in tech inspires you the most?

I am inspired by women like Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, who started in law and politics but went on to build one of the most influential organisations encouraging girls into tech.

Her story resonates with me because, like mine, it shows that unconventional paths can lead to significant impact. 

9. Which profound statement inspires you the most?

The statement that inspires me most comes from Theodore Roosevelt’s ‘The Man in the Arena’. ‘It is not the critic who counts… the credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood… who strives valiantly.’ 

It resonates with me because it reminds me that living a limitless life isn’t about avoiding failure or criticism; it’s about stepping in, taking risks, and pursuing one’s dreams fully, no matter the obstacles. 

10. Whose women in tech trivia would you love to read?

I would love to read the stories of as many women in tech as possible, across different backgrounds, industries, and stages of their careers. Every journey carries unique lessons, perspectives, and moments of resilience that can inspire others. 

From those just starting to those leading groundbreaking innovations, each story has the power to encourage, educate, and open doors for more women to see what is possible for them in tech. 

Read also: Keagile Makgoba is what happens when ambition meets opportunity in tech