Oluwatobi Oyinlola — The Nigerian Mind Behind the World’s Smallest GPS Device.
Jerry Adesewo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian innovator Oluwatobi Oyinlola on his invention of the world’s smallest GPS tracking device, hailing it as “a remarkable feat that showcases the ingenuity and global relevance of young Nigerian minds.” The President praised Oyinlola’s commitment to innovation and noted that such achievements reinforce Nigeria’s position as a reservoir of untapped technological brilliance.
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Developed at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States, where Oyinlola is currently pursuing a PhD at the MIT Media Lab, the device—no larger than a grain of rice—delivers real-time, high-precision tracking. The miniature innovation has vast applications in security, logistics, agriculture, and environmental monitoring, and is already being described as a technological game-changer.
Who Is Oluwatobi Oyinlola?
Born and raised in Ibadan, Nigeria, Oluwatobi Oyinlola is a first-class graduate of Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Ibadan. He later obtained a Master’s degree in Technology Policy from the University of Cambridge before moving to MIT, where he focuses his research on artificial intelligence, microelectronics, and embedded systems.
His academic and professional journey reflects a consistent pattern of excellence and purpose—qualities that continue to distinguish him on the global innovation stage. More about his work and profile can be found on his MIT webpage.
Reactions and Reflections
Reacting to the news, Professor Ademola Ojo, a leading voice in science and technology policy, praised Oyinlola’s ingenuity, stating:
“This is a bold testament to what young Nigerian minds can achieve when empowered through education and exposure. Oluwatobi’s work highlights the urgent need for Nigeria to invest in research and innovation ecosystems that nurture such brilliance locally. We must move from celebration to strategic investment.”
Indeed, Professor Ademola’s charge is one that cannot be ignored. I align completely with his call, and would like to emphasize the need for Nigeria to declare a state of emergency in our education sector. There are many more ‘Oluwatobis’ in Nigeria—brilliant young people whose dreams may never see the light of day simply because they cannot access the opportunities and resources that institutions like MIT provide.
This invention is more than a personal milestone—it is a national wake-up call. Moment for policymakers, industry leaders, and citizens to reflect and act. If one Oluwatobi can do this, imagine what a thousand could accomplish with the right support.
Hurray to our newsmaker of the week.
Oluwatobi Oyinlola — The Nigerian Mind Behind the World’s Smallest GPS Device.