Hello, I'm O. Olaide Gabriel, a passionate software engineer. My programming journey began in 2018 as a 19-year-old freshman, when a friend of mine at IGBAJO Polytechnic, Osun State. introduced me to HTML by running it on a mobile phone. I was amazed by what the simple code could do, and since then I started exploring more on my own. I made w3schools.com my best friend.

This new exposure led me to propose a search engine project for my OND thesis. From there, I was able to build a search engine system using PHP and MySQL database. After this project, I was determined to learn more about programming. I started looking into more programming languages like JavaScript, Python, and Java. I also started exploring web development frameworks like React, Node.js, and Django.

After 2 years of learning and building projects, I decided to turn my skills into a career. My first job was at GLOBAL TECH COMPUTER Institute at YABA, Lagos State, where I worked as an instructor, teaching students web development and programming languages. During my time at GLOBAL TECH COMPUTER Institute, I was introduced to machine learning and data science by a friend named Harry, who gave me a full Udemy course on Machine Learning and Data Science.

After working and learning alongside for a year, I decided to continue my education and enrolled in the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, where I studied Computer Science. During my time at the university, I was able to learn more about computer science concepts and theories. I also had the opportunity to work on more complex projects.

Nihilism Steps In

From age 20 - 25, I faced a period of deep nihilism; existential questions about life's meaning overwhelmed me. This phase, though challenging, pushed me to seek purpose through learning and growth. I immersed myself into deep searching for the meaning of life. This made me explore programming and technology, science especially physics and philosophy, which helped me find direction and renewed passion for my career. After this phase, I was driven by simple life objectives: know more about the universe today than I did yesterday, ease existential suffering through scientific and technological innovation, and create value for humanity through my skills and knowledge .

Transition to Machine Learning and Research

After gaining admission into 200 level in LAUTECH in 2021 (which academic session began in 2022 due to a long ASUU strike in Nigeria), my skills were easily recognized by Prof. Omotosho, the HOD of the Cyber Security Department back then. She introduced me to academic research writing. From this newly gained knowledge, I was able to help Masters and PhDs students with their research work. I built machine learning models and deep learning models. It was at this time I published my first 4 research papers with Prof. Omotosho as co-author.

My interest in machine learning and data science grew more. I started exploring deep learning models and LLMs. From this, I was able to come up with MLGuard, which is a machine learning model for IDS systems. This project was my final year project, with which I graduated with a first class in October, 2025.