“True innovation begins where resilience meets purpose. In every secure connection we build, we shape a safer world. As an African technologist, I carry the vision of a continent rising through knowledge and impact.” — Michael Akinsanya
Michael Oladipo Akinsanya stands as a compelling example of technical brilliance merged with purposeful dedication. With over six years of industry experience, he has carved out a distinguished career in the fields of Cybersecurity, Network Engineering, and Telecoms, both in Africa and across the United States. Currently serving as an Advanced Services Engineer at Fortinet, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, Michael brings a deep reservoir of expertise to the design, management, and optimization of secure network infrastructures for clients around the world.
His academic journey underscores his drive for excellence. Michael holds a Master of Science in Computing from Wichita State University, where he graduated with a stellar 3.95 GPA. His educational and professional pursuits have earned him several prestigious recognitions, including the Lee R. Riley Distinguished Graduate Assistantship Award, the Garvey International Center Scholarship, and the Global Select Scholarship, each a testament to his consistent pursuit of knowledge and global excellence.
What distinguishes Michael is not just his technical acumen but his ability to translate complex engineering challenges into real-world solutions. From his early days as a Technical Support Engineer in Lagos, Nigeria, to his advanced role at Fortinet in Texas, he has consistently delivered innovations that address security vulnerabilities, optimize digital ecosystems, and fortify national digital infrastructure. His work often bridges local insights and global applications, particularly through initiatives like configuration hardening, security audits, and tailored customer workshops that safeguard data across multi-cloud environments.
Michael’s contributions also extend to thought leadership. He has authored several in-depth publications exploring critical areas such as Cyber Resilience Frameworks in Network Security, Data Sovereignty, and Security Paradigms for IoT in Telecom Networks. These works have become valuable resources for researchers and policymakers navigating the evolving cybersecurity landscape.
READ ALSO: BAT Most Influential Women In Tech In Nigeria -Awards
A 2024 recipient of the BAT Award of Excellence in Data Innovation and Cybersecurity, Michael has proven himself to be more than a practitioner. He is a pioneer shaping the future of secure communications and resilient network design. His leadership is grounded in both theory and practice, and he continues to inspire emerging engineers, particularly from Africa, to pursue excellence on the global stage.
Looking ahead, Michael is committed to driving digital transformation across emerging markets, strengthening cyber defenses, and mentoring the next generation of African technologists. With a blend of technical skill, strategic thinking, and global perspective, he remains a vital contributor to the digital future, one grounded in resilience, innovation, and ethical responsibility.
Interview with Michael Akinsanya: Bridging Innovation and Security in a Digital Age
1. Michael, can you walk us through your journey from Nigeria to becoming an Advanced Services Engineer at Fortinet? What inspired you to pursue this path in network engineering and cybersecurity?
Michael: Absolutely. My journey began in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria, where I earned a degree in Information and Communication Engineering from Covenant University. From the outset, I was fascinated by how interconnected systems function and how vulnerabilities within those systems could either empower or jeopardize global operations. My early experiences in Lagos, particularly at Outcess Solutions and Vodacom Business, exposed me to the practical realities of managing networks in dynamic environments.
But I knew that to truly grow and contribute at a higher level, I needed to expand my knowledge and exposure. That’s what led me to pursue a Master’s in Computing at Wichita State University in the U.S. There, I not only deepened my technical expertise but also had the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research in cybersecurity. My current role at Fortinet allows me to solve complex security challenges daily, support large enterprise environments, and be part of something greater, protecting the digital infrastructure that powers today’s world.
2. You’ve been recognized with awards like the Garvey International Center Scholarship, the Global Select Scholarship, and the Lee R. Riley Distinguished Graduate Assistantship. How have these accolades shaped your academic and professional growth?
Michael: Each of those awards meant more than just financial assistance; they were votes of confidence. The Garvey International Center and Global Select scholarships recognized my potential as an international student, and they motivated me to uphold the high standards expected of me. The Lee R. Riley Distinguished Graduate Assistantship, in particular, was a profound moment. It validated my dedication to both research and service, balancing my responsibilities at the WSU Libraries while still maintaining academic excellence.
These recognitions pushed me to never settle. They reinforced the importance of community, discipline, and consistency, qualities that continue to guide my professional conduct and personal ethos.
3. In 2024, you received the Bridge Africa Technologies (BAT) Award of Excellence in the Network Engineering and Cybersecurity category. What did that recognition mean to you, particularly as a Nigerian excelling abroad?
Michael: The BAT Award was deeply personal. Being recognized on a continental platform like that, especially among brilliant African innovators, was humbling and affirming. As a Nigerian working in the U.S., I’ve often had to navigate unfamiliar systems, adapt to fast-changing technologies, and still hold on to my roots.
That award wasn’t just for me, it was for every young African engineer who’s ever wondered if they belonged at the global table. It underscored that innovation isn’t bound by geography. What matters is your contribution, your consistency, and your willingness to push boundaries. Receiving that honor reminded me of why I began this journey in the first place: to serve, to solve, and to lead.
4. Your technical career spans both African and American systems. What are some key lessons you’ve learned navigating these two vastly different tech ecosystems?
Michael: Working in Nigeria taught me adaptability. Infrastructure challenges meant we had to be creative, resourceful, and proactive. You can’t wait for the perfect system; you learn to make things work with what you have. In contrast, the American ecosystem emphasizes structure, precision, and foresight. Here, you’re dealing with massive networks, multi-cloud integrations, and the constant threat of cyber intrusions on a national scale.
Bridging these experiences taught me balance, knowing when to innovate and when to standardize. It also gave me an edge when working with international clients because I understand both the constraints and the capabilities of different environments.
5. Fortinet is a leader in cybersecurity solutions. What does your role as an Advanced Services Engineer entail, and how do you approach solving the real-world security challenges of your clients?
Michael: My role is highly dynamic. On a daily basis, I provide technical support and proactive security guidance to enterprise clients. This ranges from managing Fortinet products like FortiGate, FortiAnalyzer, FortiSASE, to conducting health checks, configuration hardening, and leading technical workshops.
One of the things I prioritize is replicating client environments in lab settings to isolate issues. It’s about being surgical in your approach; understanding what’s happening under the hood, analyzing behavior patterns, and proposing long-term solutions, not just quick fixes. At its core, the role is about building trust. Clients trust you with their networks, and in a world of escalating cyber threats, that trust is everything.
6. You’ve also published multiple conceptual analyses around SD-WAN, VPN protocols, IoT in Telecom, and cyber resilience. What drives your passion for research and knowledge-sharing?
Michael: I believe that knowledge is only powerful when it’s shared. Throughout my academic journey, especially during my master’s program, I saw the gap between technical theory and practical application. Publishing my research was a way to bridge that gap, contributing to global conversations while making complex concepts more accessible.
Topics like cyber resilience frameworks and data sovereignty aren’t just academic buzzwords, they’re real challenges that governments, organizations, and even SMEs face. Through my publications, I aim to provide frameworks and solutions that spark further inquiry and practical adaptation. It’s my own way of contributing to the body of knowledge that shaped me.
7. As someone who has worked across continents and earned respect in the global cybersecurity landscape, how do you view your role in inspiring the next generation of African tech leaders?
Michael: I see it as both a responsibility and a privilege. There’s an immense pool of talent across Africa, but what’s often missing is access—access to information, platforms, and mentorship. That’s why I try to be visible and vocal about my journey not to boast, but to show what’s possible.
Whether through speaking engagements, mentorship, or simply sharing insights online, I want young Africans to know that they don’t have to shrink themselves to fit into global narratives. We have the talent; we just need the ecosystem. If my story encourages even one young person to stay the course in tech or research, then I’m doing something right.
8. Looking ahead, what are your aspirations in the field of cybersecurity and engineering? What kind of impact do you hope to leave behind?
Michael: My long-term goal is to contribute to building more secure, inclusive, and resilient digital infrastructures—particularly in developing regions. I’m especially passionate about driving cybersecurity awareness, influencing policy, and mentoring tech professionals in Africa.
I want to be part of a generation that doesn’t just consume technology but defines it by setting standards, creating platforms, and writing our own codes, literally and figuratively. Ultimately, I hope to be remembered not just as a skilled engineer, but as someone who uplifted others, protected digital spaces, and helped bridge the gap between Africa and the rest of the digital world.
Closing Statement – Interview with Michael Akinsanya
As our conversation draws to a close, one cannot help but reflect on the clarity, purpose, and depth that define Michael Akinsanya’s journey. From his formative years in Nigeria to his current role as an Advanced Services Engineer at Fortinet, Michael has consistently demonstrated a rare blend of technical expertise, intellectual rigor, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With six years of impactful work in network engineering and cybersecurity, his story is a testament to the power of persistence, vision, and the courage to pursue a global standard without losing sight of one’s roots.
Throughout this interview, Michael shared key milestones: his academic distinction at Wichita State University, prestigious awards such as the Garvey International Center Scholarship and the Lee R. Riley Distinguished Graduate Assistantship, and his profound contributions to global cybersecurity architecture through Fortinet. His research work on cyber resilience, data sovereignty, and SD-WAN technologies adds another layer to his profile, positioning him not only as a practitioner but also a thought leader in the space.
The 2024 BAT Award for Excellence in Network Engineering and Cybersecurity is more than a feather in his cap; it is a recognition of his role as one of the Nigerians shaping the digital security landscape abroad. Bridge Africa Technologies, in spotlighting professionals like Michael, reminds us that the African story is no longer confined to challenges, it now speaks loudly of innovation, leadership, and excellence on the world stage.
To the next generation watching from across the continent and beyond, Michael’s story offers a powerful lesson: that discipline, depth, and dedication can take you from the heart of Ota to the forefront of global tech solutions. His work proves that excellence has no borders and that the future belongs to those who dare to think beyond them.
