When I began researching career paths at university, I was drawn to roles that aligned with my strengths—communicating, problem-solving, and leading. That’s when I discovered product management, a field that combined technical skills with a strong customer focus.

Today, as an Associate Product Manager at Moniepoint, I play a key role in making everyday payments seamless for businesses and individuals across Nigeria. From airtime and data purchases to bill payments, the products I work on help people transact effortlessly, ensuring essential services remain within easy reach.

The journey to product management

After studying Computer Science at the University of Ilorin, I spent my mandatory year of service working in robotics. I then transitioned to frontend engineering before joining Moniepoint in August 2021 as a Technical Support Engineering Intern through the Women in Tech Internship.

Moniepoint’s payments and channels teams were still evolving at the time, with all functions under a single umbrella. In technical support, I got my first taste of working closely with customers. However, as the company grew, it became clear that someone was needed to bridge technical requirements with customer needs.

I knew I was the right fit. I understood the engineering side well enough to translate technical concepts, but I also had a natural ability to engage customers and gather valuable insights.

From natural leader to product manager

I was used to holding leadership positions. From being Assistant Head Girl in primary school to leading teams in secondary school and university, I naturally gravitated toward roles that required both leadership and collaboration.

I often researched careers that would suit my strengths, and product management stood out. I knew I wanted a managerial role, so I started picking up technical skills. I took online courses, spent hours learning on YouTube, and gradually built the knowledge I needed.

The excitement (and fear) of building for millions

One of the most exhilarating—and sometimes scary—aspects of my role is the constant reminder that millions of people rely on the products I work on.

Sometimes, it feels overwhelming. I’m not just building for one person or 10,000—I’m building for millions. The weight of that responsibility can be intense, but I’ve learnt to embrace it. When I see good results, I remind myself that I’m doing something right.

For example, after launching a product update to improve transaction speed, I saw a 21.31% increase in successful airtime transactions in just one month. Another feature I worked on—making bill payments more seamless—led to a 16.80% increase in July, and by October, transactions had surged by 36.28%.

Even with these wins, self-doubt still creeps in. But I lean on my support system. I talk to my friends, and they reassure me that I can do this. It helps to hear that from people who understand what I’m going through.

Building impactful products: from idea to implementation

As an Associate Product Manager in the Value-Added Services team, I ensure that financial services are easily accessible to businesses and individuals. My role involves gathering insights from customers, prioritising improvements, defining requirements, and collaborating with engineers to bring solutions to life.

A single feature can take up to a month to refine, ensuring Moniepoint delivers seamless financial solutions that truly serve its users.

Beyond work: music and microwave chocolate cakes

Outside work, I enjoy music, hosting karaoke nights at home, and attending live DJ sets. I also love baking chocolate cakes in my microwave—something my friends swear by.

My journey has been shaped by the support of my family. My parents have always backed my decisions. That has been really helpful in keeping me going. They constantly pray for me and encourage me to find a mentor—someone I can talk to for guidance.

Driving impact, one product at a time

My story is proof that no career path is linear—and that the best roles are often the ones that build on your natural strengths.

There’s nothing like knowing that something I worked on is making a difference. By staying connected to customers, I ensure Moniepoint remains a trusted partner for business owners nationwide. Sometimes, the best way to build great products is to simply start by listening.

If you found this fascinating and would like to build products for millions of Africans too, here’s where you need to go. I can’t wait for you to join us!