Michael Ekeagbara, the visionary CEO of Microware Solutions Limited, reflects on the inception of his company as a profound “journey fueled by hope.”
Featured in today’s Day 1-1000 series, Ekeagbara’s path began modestly in Kaduna, where he repaired computers. From these humble beginnings, he navigated through adversity, setbacks, and relentless challenges to establish a prestigious Systems, Applications & Products in Data Processing (SAP) Gold Partner firm. His narrative is one of perseverance, driven by necessity, learning through failure, and an unwavering determination to succeed against all odds.
From Necessity to Entrepreneurship: An Unplanned Beginning
Entrepreneurship was never a planned destination for me; it was a path I was compelled to take. After earning my Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computer Science in 1998-a qualification often undervalued compared to a Bachelor’s degree in Nigeria-I sought employment during my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kaduna. Despite applying to numerous banks and attending interviews, I was repeatedly rejected with the excuse, “We don’t hire HND holders.”
Without influential connections or family support, I faced stark hunger and uncertainty. I turned to what I knew best: fixing computers and teaching programming part-time. A breakthrough came when a student employed at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) requested software for internal audits. I developed the application, which was successfully adopted across their subsidiaries.
Though my earnings were modest, my primary goal was survival-simply putting food on the table.
Trials by Fire: Overcoming Loss and Displacement
On February 22, 2000, violent clashes erupted in Kaduna between Fulani herders and local communities, resulting in the destruction of my office and home by fire. With nothing but the software I had created, I sought refuge at the Nigerian Defence Academy before relocating south.
By June 2000, I secured a position at Magic Software in Victoria Island after demonstrating my software. My employer was impressed that I single-handedly handled analysis, coding, and database management. At Magic, I developed financial and payroll systems for oil companies and banks, which bolstered my confidence in my technical abilities.
Climbing the Corporate Ladder and Facing Prejudice
Following Magic Software, I joined MTS First Wireless, where I worked on billing and data systems. Later, I was selected as IT Manager at a leading oil and gas company, chosen from over 1,000 applicants. Despite the management’s support, the chairman vetoed my appointment, citing a strict policy against hiring HND holders.
This rejection was a turning point. I resolved never to apply for another job and vowed to prove that with my HND, I could build a company that would employ graduates with Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees. This determination led me back to entrepreneurship.
The Challenging Years: Lessons from the Desert
In 2008, I rebranded my business as Microware Solutions, only to enter what I call my “desert years”-a six-year period marked by struggle and experimentation. I ventured into unrelated trades like carpet sales and importing Italian red wine, both resulting in losses. This taught me a costly lesson: never engage in businesses outside your expertise.
Returning to software, I self-taught Oracle JDeveloper, revamped the NNPC system into a web application, and secured some contracts. Although Oracle recognized me as a partner, I was relegated to a support role without sales opportunities. For four years, I survived on minimal income, often sleeping in my empty office just to find fresh air. Despite the hardships, I refused to give up.
The Huawei Partnership: A Turning Point
Opportunity arrived when Huawei began deploying thousands of base stations for MTN and Glo, seeking local partners. When they announced a visit to my office, I scrambled to prepare-drafting Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) policies, borrowing a fire extinguisher, renting a generator, and even enlisting a friend to pose as our general manager. On the day of their visit, power was restored just as they arrived, only to go out again after they left-a moment I celebrated with laughter.
Huawei awarded us contracts, paying ₦15,000 per mast. Though modest, this was a crucial breakthrough. Remarkably, one of our first major sites belonged to the same chairman who had once rejected me. This time, I met him as a business partner, not a job seeker-same HND, but a transformed narrative.
Conquering SAP: Innovation and Persistence
My next ambition was to partner with SAP. Initially, they declined, citing my lack of sales personnel and experience. Undeterred, I personally developed Microware’s website, leveraging SEO strategies to dominate search results for “SAP in Nigeria” and “ERP implementation West Africa.” Within three months, our site outranked SAP’s own.
Armed with this achievement, I convinced SAP to collaborate with us. By 2017, we secured two SAP projects. In 2018, Microware became the first Nigerian company to deploy SAP Business ByDesign and earned the Best Partner award in West Africa. By 2020, we attained Gold Partner status and certification for SAP Business Suite 4 SAP HANA (S/4HANA).
These milestones marked the transformation of years of struggle into tangible success.
Growth Through Self-Reliance: Building Without External Funding
From our early days in Ojuelegba to our current headquarters in Ogba, Lagos, Microware has expanded to a team of 45 professionals managing projects across Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Madagascar, and even Manchester, UK.
Notably, we have grown entirely through bootstrapping-without bank loans or foreign investments. Today, Microware is valued at $5 million, with ambitious plans to reach $10 million within two years, $100 million in five, and potentially achieve unicorn status within a decade.
Would I embark on this journey again? Absolutely-though this time, I would partner with someone who complements my technical skills with sales and marketing expertise. Initially, my lack of focus on these areas delayed growth, but investing in them has been pivotal.
My story embodies the Nigerian spirit: driven by hunger, sustained by hope, and fortified by resilience. With the same HND that once closed doors, I now engage confidently with banks, oil companies, and multinational corporations.
Success is attainable regardless of your starting point.
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