Ibikunle Peters is a seasoned professional in IT and telecommunications infrastructure, boasting over ten years of expertise. He has played a pivotal role in deploying some of Nigeria’s most extensive network infrastructures and managing large-scale digital initiatives nationwide. His career spans key positions at Airtel Networks Nigeria, 9mobile, and Huawei, where he has overseen critical systems that support secure elections, national censuses, and essential telecom services relied upon by millions.
His core competencies include integrating complex network systems, ensuring application reliability and uptime, managing enterprise software solutions, and troubleshooting operational issues in real time. Peters’ insights influence how technology underpins national stability, expands digital inclusion, and drives business innovation across Africa’s rapidly changing markets.
- How would you describe your job to a young child?
Think of me as the person who makes sure your phone and computer can “talk” to each other without any problems. If your favourite cartoon suddenly stops playing or your mom can’t reach grandma on the phone, I’m the one working behind the scenes to fix it so you can keep enjoying those happy moments.
- You spent nearly a decade as a Billing Application Engineer at Huawei. What did that role involve?
At Huawei, I managed the billing and charging platforms used by leading telecom providers. These systems handled millions of daily transactions-calls, messages, and internet usage. My job was to ensure these platforms were accurate, secure, and always operational, meeting strict regulatory requirements. I also leveraged data analytics to spot unusual transaction patterns, optimize system efficiency, and support nationwide initiatives like SIM registration and number portability. It was a demanding role that taught me how to build scalable, resilient systems.
- What does a typical high-pressure day look like when you’re maintaining Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure?
My day usually begins by reviewing custom dashboards and alerts. If a critical issue arises-such as a billing failure or network outage-I coordinate the response, working closely with vendors and internal teams to restore service swiftly within agreed timelines. Sometimes, I oversee software updates that must be deployed without disrupting millions of users. Other times, I prepare systems for major national events like elections or censuses, where downtime is simply not an option.
- Can you share a major challenge you faced that left a lasting impact on your approach?
During a nationwide SIM and KYC registration drive, a backend system unexpectedly crashed due to heavy traffic. I led the recovery efforts overnight, collaborating with multiple teams to bring services back online. Beyond fixing the immediate problem, I used data analysis to identify bottlenecks and forecast future demand, which informed a redesign for improved scalability. This experience reinforced the value of calm leadership, thorough contingency planning, and data-driven strategies.
- What misconceptions do people often have about how telecom networks function?
Many assume telecom is just about antennas and signal towers, but the real complexity lies in the backend infrastructure-base stations, controllers, billing platforms, databases, APIs, and integrations that keep everything running smoothly. These systems handle user authentication, billing, fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance. It’s a highly interconnected ecosystem that demands constant vigilance and fine-tuning.
- What has been the most difficult technical problem you’ve encountered?
One of the toughest issues was tracking down a memory leak in an older billing system that caused random crashes during peak usage. Resolving it required detailed log analysis, reverse engineering, and close collaboration with original equipment manufacturers. Fixing this not only stabilized the system but also enhanced its overall performance. It was a powerful reminder that even minor bugs can have significant operational consequences.
- How did your experiences at Airtel and 9mobile shape your understanding of building dependable systems?
At Airtel, I honed my skills in designing systems capable of supporting tens of millions of users reliably. At 9mobile, I learned the importance of agility and innovation, working in leaner teams where rapid decision-making and automation were essential. Both roles taught me that system reliability depends not only on technology but also on effective processes, skilled people, and proactive problem-solving.
- How do you prepare for the immense pressure of supporting national events like elections and censuses?
Preparation begins well in advance with rigorous stress testing, backup validation, and rehearsing failover procedures. I also use predictive analytics to simulate traffic spikes and identify vulnerabilities. Clear communication with all stakeholders and comprehensive contingency plans are crucial. Personally, I stay focused on the mission of fostering trust and transparency in these critical national processes, which helps me maintain composure and perform effectively under pressure.
- What advice would you offer young engineers aspiring to work on impactful infrastructure projects?
Master the basics of cloud computing and cybersecurity, but also develop a deep understanding of how different systems interact. Cultivate skills in data analysis, as it’s essential for troubleshooting, forecasting demand, and enhancing system reliability. Stay curious, dependable, and ready to innovate under pressure. Infrastructure work is fundamentally about trust, so build a reputation for reliability when it matters most.
- After intense days ensuring systems run smoothly, how do you relax?
I like to unwind by listening to music, reading technology blogs, and spending quality time with my family. Occasionally, I engage in Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges or Hack The Box (HTB) exercises-fun ways to keep sharpening my skills without the usual work stress. This balance helps me recharge while staying mentally agile.