Hassan Taiwo Gafar
The UK-Based Cybersecurity and Software Engineering Expert Empowering Nigeria’s Next Generation of Tech InnovatorsIn the rapidly evolving world of digital technology, few Nigerians abroad combine technical excellence in cybersecurity and software engineering with a passion for youth empowerment as effectively as Hassan Gafar — a UK-based technologist committed to shaping the next generation of digital talent.
Born and raised in Nigeria, Hassan’s fascination with technology began early. What started as curiosity led him to pursue a degree in Cybersecurity and Software Development in the United Kingdom, where he has since built a thriving career designing secure digital systems and innovative applications.
Over the past few years, Hassan has worked on enterprise-grade security implementations, cloud automation, and web application development — helping organisations strengthen their cyber defences and improve software reliability.Even as he advanced abroad, Hassan stayed connected to Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem.
In 2021, he launched a mentorship and training initiative aimed at helping young Nigerians gain practical skills in software engineering, cybersecurity, and digital innovation.
What began with a handful of mentees has grown into a thriving community of over 240 learners, supported through workshops, live coding sessions, and project-based learning.Through weekly online sessions and his June 2025 bootcamp in Lagos, Hassan has trained and mentored more than 120 students directly, guiding them through topics such as web application security, penetration testing, API development, and secure software architecture.
His learners have since built secure web apps, data protection tools, and mobile applications, many of which are now used by small businesses and startups.“Cybersecurity and software development are two sides of the same coin,” Hassan explains.
“It’s not enough to build fast software — it must also be safe, scalable, and trustworthy.”His impact is measurable: over 40 mentees have landed jobs and internships in Nigerian and international tech firms, while others have launched innovative solutions — from cyber awareness platforms to AI-powered productivity tools.One of his mentees, Chidinma Okoye, shared her journey:“Before I met Mr. Gafar, I didn’t know how to start a tech career.
He helped me understand coding best practices, cybersecurity fundamentals, and professional growth. I now work as a front-end developer and mentor younger students myself.”In recognition of his contributions, Hassan received the 2025 Digital Mentorship and Cyber Awareness Award from the Nigerian Youth Development Council, honouring his work in promoting secure digital literacy and professional development.Beyond technical mentorship, Hassan also advocates for ethical hacking, digital privacy, and secure software design.
He has led online seminars on phishing prevention, secure coding standards (OWASP Top 10), and cloud data protection, reaching more than 2,000 participants across 10 Nigerian states.
Looking ahead, Hassan plans to expand his initiative to reach 1,000 students by 2026, in collaboration with schools and tech hubs across Nigeria.
His goal is to embed cybersecurity awareness and secure software principles into early-stage learning for young developers.
“If we empower our youth to code securely, we’ll not only build innovation — we’ll protect it,” he says.Hassan Gafar’s story reflects the fusion of innovation and integrity — a Software Engineer who builds, a Cybersecurity expert who safeguards, and a mentor who inspires.
From Lagos to London, his mission remains the same: to empower the next generation of Africans to create technology that is both innovative and secure.
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