Andrew Eze: Implementing Biometric Technology Will Tackle Exam Malpractices in African Education System

Andrew Eze, the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Boolean, a technology firm, is at the forefront of transforming Africa’s digital landscape with innovative solutions such as Biometary and Remote4Africa.

In this exclusive interview with THISDAY, Andrew shared his story from founding Skoola to scaling NGCareers and ultimately launching Boolean. He also gave valuable insights on mentoring and entrepreneurship.

What drove you to venture into the tech industry, starting with Skoola, and how did your experiences shape the vision for subsequent ventures?

During my undergraduate days, I worked as a teacher’s assistant and noticed many students struggling to keep up with the pace of their teachers and prepare for exams. This inspired me to create Skoola, a platform where students could study at their own pace and collaborate with peers.

The experience of building Skoola significantly influenced my subsequent ventures. Skoola itself served as a foundation for some of these ventures, as they were in part an extension of Skoola’s features. For example, Skoola included a section for an e-library, which was not fully developed, but this concept was later expanded upon in Afribary.

How do you approach mentoring young tech enthusiasts, and what do you find most rewarding about this role?

I approach mentoring young tech enthusiasts with a “do it first and ask questions” approach. Initially, I advise and recommend learning pathways, including courses or resources. Then, we have sessions to discuss challenges and gauge progress.

I prefer this approach because it allows them to learn at their own pace and gives me time to handle my tasks. The most rewarding aspect for me is learning; I gain new knowledge from them, which helps me grow while assisting them in their growth as well.

Could you share a memorable experience of mentoring someone and seeing the impact of your guidance on their career?

One standout experience was working closely with a budding UI/UX designer during their internship. At the outset, they grappled with the nuances of enhancing an already established product. I guided identifying key aspects and honing their attention to detail. Witnessing their growth was truly gratifying. As they took on subsequent projects, their progress was evident, and I felt immensely proud of their development.

In your opinion, what are the essential qualities or skills that a successful tech startup founder should possess?

A successful tech startup founder needs a blend of essential qualities and skills. First and foremost, patience and perseverance are key; the journey is often long and challenging. Additionally, effective management of people and resources is crucial. It’s common for individuals to misconstrue money as the ultimate solution, but without the right product and team, resources can be squandered. Analytical thinking, adept communication, and a continuous willingness to learn are also vital traits.

As a proponent, what are some of the key benefits of using biometric identification and verification systems in educational institutions, and how does Biometary address these benefits?

Biometric identification and verification systems offer numerous advantages for educational institutions. One key benefit is their ability to eliminate duplication, addressing challenges such as inaccurate record-keeping, fee collection discrepancies, exam fraud, and data loss. Biometary specializes in providing solutions tailored to these needs.

By leveraging biometric technology, schools can enhance student management, track exam attendance accurately, and ensure transparent fee verification processes. Our platform effectively tackles issues of impersonation and forgery, thereby promoting a more secure and efficient educational environment.

How do you ensure the security and privacy of student data when implementing biometric solutions like Biometary?

When it comes to implementing biometric solutions like Biometary, ensuring the security and privacy of student data is paramount and we take several measures to guarantee this.

Firstly, we prioritise robust encryption protocols during both the transmission and storage of data. Additionally, we diligently update our technical infrastructure regularly to promptly address any potential vulnerabilities. This multi-layered approach safeguards student data effectively.

Can you share any insights or lessons learned from developing and deploying Biometary that might be helpful for others working on similar biometric identification projects?

One crucial insight we gained from developing and deploying Biometary is the critical importance of addressing internet access challenges. Regardless of how advanced the technology may be, it’s imperative to ensure that the biometric system functions seamlessly in offline or low-connectivity environments. Similarly, we’ve learned to always have contingency plans in place to mitigate the impact of potential human errors.

What role do you see Afribary playing in digitizing research and study content across tertiary institutions in Africa, and what impact do you hope it will have?

Afribary aims to digitise millions of research and academic materials currently offline in Africa. By collaborating with schools, organizations, and individuals, we hope to bring these resources online over the next few years.

We also believe that access to this data will stimulate growth and innovation. Much of today’s technological advancement is built on the work of others, and we aim to make these resources more accessible for further development.

How do you think EdTech can address the education challenges in Nigeria, especially regarding outdated materials and poor funding?

EdTech presents a powerful solution to Nigeria’s education challenges, particularly concerning outdated materials and inadequate funding. By leveraging technology, we can bridge gaps and revolutionize learning. With just a few taps, students gain access to educational resources from around the globe, creating a level playing field.

Furthermore, EdTech democratizes knowledge by offering diverse platforms and instructors, enabling learners to stay updated on the latest advancements in their fields. Moreover, it’s cost-effective, allowing individuals to pursue certifications and degrees from home at a fraction of traditional expenses.

What motivated you to co-found NGCareers, and what were some of the key lessons you learned from building and scaling that platform?

Back in the days before the internet became common, I used to work part-time in a café. People would come in to prepare their CVs and print them out to apply for jobs they found in newspapers. At that time, there were already successful job boards in other countries. Companies in Nigeria used newspapers and forums to advertise their job vacancies. We thought, why not have a platform dedicated to job listings where people can easily search and apply?

We learned a lot about scaling our platform for our growing user base cost-effectively. This was something we had to learn on the go. Building a tech startup in Nigeria requires grit and dedication. Focus and speed are very important. The ability to adapt to a fast-changing environment is key to survival. At the end of the day, a startup is a business finding product-market fit as quickly as possible is crucial to survival.

What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build successful tech startups, especially in EdTech?

To aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build successful tech startups, especially in the EdTech space, I would advise conducting thorough market research. It’s crucial to understand the needs and challenges of the education sector in Nigeria. Additionally, patience and persistence are key. Effecting positive change takes time, so stay committed to your vision despite any obstacles you may face.

How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in the ever-evolving field of software development?

I stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in software development by reading articles and subscribing to industry-focused newsletters and social media groups.

Looking back at your journey, what would you say has been the most significant challenge you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it?

One of the most significant challenges in our journey at NGCareers was transitioning our monolith PHP-based platform to a microservice architecture for improved scalability. It was a formidable task, requiring a complete rewrite of the platform using Node.js while integrating new features. Managing the migration of user data was particularly delicate and complex, demanding meticulous attention to prevent data loss and minimize service disruptions.