A Unique Journey: Medicine Meets Technology
For most final-year medical students, life is already packed with endless study hours, ward rounds, and the pressure of exams. But for Tobiloba Adebayo, a final-year medical student at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), the challenge goes beyond stethoscopes and textbooks.
Adebayo is not only preparing for a future as a doctor but is also carving out a career in software development, aiming to build innovative health tech solutions for Africa’s healthcare sector. His story reflects the growing intersection between medicine and technology in Nigeria.
Life as a Medical Student at UNILAG
Studying medicine in Nigeria is a marathon of endurance. With nearly eight years in medical school, Adebayo describes the journey as stressful but rewarding.
“Medicine is a full-time job. Long hours, limited breaks, and the constant need to update knowledge can be draining. But seeing patients recover makes the sacrifices worth it,” he says.
Unlike other courses structured around semesters, medicine is a continuous programme that demands consistency. Even after graduation, Nigerian doctors must complete a one-year internship before securing a permanent licence.
Entering the World of Tech
Adebayo’s foray into technology began during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. With restrictions in place, he turned to UI/UX design but quickly shifted to web development after realising it better suited his interests.
He immersed himself in YouTube tutorials, Udemy courses, and Google searches, learning front-end development and later experimenting with Solidity and Web3 projects. His passion grew when he discovered health tech startups working on telemedicine and electronic medical records (EMR) in Nigeria.
“I realised medicine and technology are not mutually exclusive. I could merge both worlds and make something meaningful out of it,” Adebayo explains.
First Breakthrough in Software Development
Adebayo’s first breakthrough came when he built a Gmail UI clone and shared it on Twitter and LinkedIn. The project gained traction and landed him his first tech job, where he was mentored by a senior engineer.
Since then, he has worked with companies like GoNomad and several freelance projects, gaining hands-on experience while juggling his demanding medical school schedule.
The Struggle to Balance School and Work
Balancing medicine and tech has not been easy. With tight schedules, night calls, and exam pressure, Adebayo admits that true balance doesn’t exist.
He relies on weekly to-do lists, prioritisation, and strict time management. However, there are times when school has forced him to pause his tech career, such as in 2022 when he resigned from a role to prepare for exams.
“It’s overwhelming to combine both. Sometimes, I sacrifice leisure, but I know the bigger picture is worth it,” he says.
Choosing Between Medicine and Tech
When asked which path he prefers, Adebayo leans towards technology—but not in isolation. His ambition is to create a hybrid career, using his medical expertise to design digital health solutions that address Africa’s healthcare challenges.
With few doctors in Nigeria also skilled in coding, Adebayo sees himself as uniquely positioned to fill the gap. From EMR systems to telemedicine platforms, he believes health tech is still in its early stages in Africa, and he wants to be part of the revolution.
Building for the Future of African Healthcare
One of Adebayo’s notable projects is MAYA, developed with a colleague to improve post-maternity care.
The platform focuses on the critical six-week period after childbirth, offering mothers emergency services, hospital notifications, and ambulance requests in case of complications.
This solution, still in development, aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in Nigeria—a pressing public health concern.
Final Thoughts
Adebayo’s story is more than just about balancing two demanding careers. It highlights a new generation of African innovators determined to bridge gaps in healthcare through technology.
As he prepares for his medical finals and continues coding, one thing is clear: his dual expertise in medicine and technology places him at the forefront of health tech transformation in Africa.