In April 2021, Ruth Ikegah was a recent microbiology graduate with ₦70,000 (£50) to her name. A month later, she landed a $5,000-a-month (£3,800) technical writing job—and screamed in disbelief during the hiring call.
Fast forward to 2025, and Ikegah is now a leading voice in open-source advocacy, earning over $70,000 (£53,000) annually, speaking at the United Nations, and mentoring the next generation of African tech talent. Her journey—from academic struggles to international recognition—is proof that reinvention is possible with grit, curiosity, and a willingness to break the rules.
Early Years: A Quiet Rebel in the Making
Growing up in Port Harcourt, Ikegah’s childhood was marked by instability. Raised by a stepmother she describes as “overly critical,” she became painfully introverted.
“It was so overwhelming that I shrank into myself,” she admits.
But boarding school changed everything. Seeing classmates bond with their parents made her realise: “I could dream bigger.”
At the University of Port Harcourt, she initially struggled with her microbiology degree—until a friend’s joke about her grades jolted her into action. She formed a study group, condensed lecture notes, and pushed through. More importantly, she noticed two friends—already earning in dollars through open-source volunteering.
“That was my lightbulb moment,” she says.
The Pivot: From Python to Open Source
When COVID-19 delayed her NYSC (Nigeria’s compulsory national service), Ikegah used the time to teach herself data analysis. She spent months at a free tech hub in Rivers State, soaking up tutorials and joining Twitter tech communities.
But while others chased coding, she discovered something unexpected:
“I realised I loved explaining tech more than writing code.”
She began volunteering for open-source projects, including Linux and GitHub, writing documentation and managing communities—unpaid but invaluable experience*.
Then, in 2021, she became the first African woman named a GitHub Star, a prestigious recognition that opened doors to speaking gigs and her first high-paying role.
Breaking Barriers in Open Source
Ikegah’s mission? To make open source sustainable for Africans.
While many developers see it as a free CV booster, she’s working to:
✔ Monetise open source (through subscriptions, support services & grants).
✔ Boost African contributions via her role at CHAOSS Project (Linux Foundation).
✔ Mentor students—including annual trips to Namibia, where she hands out swag to spark interest in tech.
“A girl once asked me for a branded cup—it reminded me how small actions inspire big dreams,” she says.
Her Blueprint for Career Reinvention
Ikegah’s success wasn’t luck—it was strategy. Here’s what we can learn:
1. Volunteer Smartly
“Unpaid work built my reputation—it led to paid opportunities.”
2. Find Your Niche
“I don’t code much, but I excel at documentation, advocacy, and community-building.”
3. Network Relentlessly
“Most collaborations come from organic connections—always add value first.”
4. Know When to Walk Away
After saving $10K (£7,600) from her first tech role, she left to travel and refocus.
What Next?
Now based in Lagos, Ikegah is:
– Leading open-source accelerators to boost African-led projects.
– Consulting for firms on monetisation strategies.
– Researching grant-funded initiatives to expand access.
“Africa’s tech future depends on home-grown innovation,” she says. “I want us to build the next Linux.”
Final Thought: Redefine What is Possible
Ikegah’s story isn’t just about tech—it’s about daring to pivot. Whether you’re in finance, creative arts, or healthcare, her lesson is universal:
Your past doesn’t dictate your future. Sometimes, the best careers are the ones you design yourself.
