Victor Tubotamuno is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Earlybrite. He is committed to fostering a spirit of curiosity, creativity, and a drive for innovation. Peering into the future, he foresees the IT and digital sector in Nigeria experiencing exponential growth. He speaks more on his vision.

So who is Victor Tubotamuno?
“Tubotamuno is from Buguma, Asari Toru Council of Rivers State. We are a family of five, two males and three females,” he smiles.
“His formative years were spent in Port Harcourt, where he completed his primary and secondary education. Subsequently, he earned his bachelor’s degree in theatre arts from the University of Port Harcourt.

Following his graduation as an artiste, he transitioned from a background in theatre arts to technology through a self-thought process by watching various online educational videos. Initially establishing himself professional in event management, he subsequently served as a marketing and sales executive within the hospitality sector,” Tubotamuno says.

Over the years, he has actually transitioned technology with theatre arts just a course he read, which he doesn’t practice.
Tubotamuno started his career in the corporate world as a sales and marketing executive. The roots of his journey into entrepreneurship were planted during his first venture, Wokkaholic.

“Aside from Wokkaholic, I also volunteered as a mentor at the Tony Elumelu Foundation, where I had the privilege of working with startups across Africa, guiding them through the intricacies of product development,” he says.
Spurbuddy, his second venture, was initially conceived as a consulting firm that eventually evolved into a venture studio. “At Spurbuddy, our mission was clear: to aid businesses in their digital transformation journeys,” he says.

Also, he has interned at HF. Capital, a prominent venture capital firm in San Francisco. This experience broadened his understanding of venture capital and corporate innovation, adding valuable insights to his entrepreneurial toolkit.

“As fulfilling as the journey with Spurbuddy was, my desire to tackle a more significant challenge persisted,” Tubotamuno admits amid smiles.
“Little did I anticipate that these experiences would serve as a springboard for a trajectory that harmonises my passion for technology and entrepreneurship,” he quips.

As he grew older, he recognised the need to address local challenges with global perspectives. “My drive to explore and devise innovative solutions to societal challenges has been a defining aspect of my character,” Tubotamuno confesses. “Daily, I interconnected various elements, deepening my comprehension of this principle.”

Beyond the conventional goals of generating employment and achieving financial success, his vision, he says, “encompasses a fervent desire to be a catalyst for positive change in Africa.”

According to him, “in 2016, alongside my co-founder, we launched my first venture, Wokkaholic, a freelance marketplace for skill-based services. Today, I’m a mentor, coach, author and CEO of Earlybrite — A

“My unwavering dedication to innovation and educational entrepreneurship is fueled by a deep conviction in the transformative impact of learning. I’m driven by the vision of uplifting Africans from poverty through the provision of essential life skills, ensuring they become valuable assets in the workforce.”
Recognising the potential of technology to revolutionise education, he is committed to contributing to a future where knowledge and creativity empower individuals to break the chains of poverty.

During COVID-19, a real opportunity came. Not only were schools shut down, parents were left stranded. “I decided to pivot from consulting to building a product that solved that crisis which was a critical problem for Africans at that time,” he confesses.
Thus, Earlybrite was born — an online educational platform empowering parents to discover engaging and educational activities for their kids.

Currently operational in over 10 countries, Earlybrite aims to make learning fun and accessible for children across the globe.
On how he has thrived and carved a niche for himself in such a tasking profession, has this to say: “First it has to do with passion. That’s the only thing that can keep you when the going gets tough. Thriving in the tasking profession as education entrepreneurship requires a multifaceted approach. It involves a relentless pursuit of excellence, an innate ability to adapt to emerging trends, and a steadfast commitment to continuous learning. By staying ahead of the curve and embracing change, I have successfully carved a niche for myself in this ever-evolving landscape.”

He continues, “Earlybrite stands as a testament to our dedication to forging meaningful partnerships. We have strategically aligned ourselves with both local and international institutions, tech companies, and industry leaders.”
The collaboration with Lagos State government has not only enriched their offerings, but has also allowed them to create innovative solutions in the education sector.
For him, through Earlybrite, they are aiming to redefine the learning experience by embracing the latest advancements in educational technology.

Already, the outfit has emerged as a significant contributor to societal progress by redefining the educational landscape. “Our platform empowers learners across Africa by bridging the gap between traditional education and the dynamic needs of the future. We’ve partnered with local and international organisations to train over 10,000 children across Africa.”
Through various initiatives, I actively contribute to social impact by providing mentorship, resources, and inspiration to aspiring innovators, thereby fostering the growth of future leaders in these fields.

Addressing the government, “I advocate for increased investments in education, the creation of an enabling environment for innovation, and collaborative efforts with the private sector for sustainable development.”

Peering into the future, he foresees the IT and digital sector in Nigeria experiencing exponential growth. “This trajectory will be propelled by heightened connectivity, technological advancements like Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain, and a thriving ecosystem of startups. Collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors will play a pivotal role in shaping this dynamic landscape,” Tubotamuno surmises.

This year, they are undertaking a journey to Silicon Valley in San Francisco, facilitating an exchange programme for students from Africa to engage with some of the largest tech companies globally.

“Our plans hinge on a commitment to continuous innovation, the cultivation of strategic partnerships, and an unwavering focus on meeting the evolving needs of learners and industries alike,” he reveals.
He concludes, “as we navigate the year ahead, our mission remains steadfast — to redefine education, empower individuals, and contribute to the broader landscape of societal progress.”