19/08/2026
From Computer Operator to UI/UX Designer: How Mahi Adedare Is Making His Mark in Tech, Education and Entrepreneurship
Ganiyu Mahi Kewulere, popularly known as Mahi Adedare, has built an inspiring career spanning UI/UX design, EdTech and entrepreneurship. Mahi is an Iseyin-born creative who started his journey as a computer operator before developing skills in blogging, graphic design and digital technology.
He's currently building Printnest while also working as an EdTech Specialist with Lumminx Foundation. Unlike stories that begin with major opportunities and possible influential connections, his journey into the duo fields started from the basics.
His early experience as a computer operator in Iseyin reflected to be an eye-opener for him to the possibilities of technology and opened the door to blogging and graphic design.
With curiosity and a willingness to learn, he gradually developed the skills that would later shape his career in the technology industry. Mahi, who hails from Iseyin and has roots in the Agbagi family, said his upbringing played an important role in shaping his outlook on life.
“I grew up in a God-loving, Islam-practising home, and that foundation shaped my values a lot, from discipline, humility, to always remembering where I’m coming from,” he said.
His academic journey also contributed significantly to his development. He obtained his National Diploma from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, before proceeding to the University of Ilorin, where he studied Educational Technology.
During his time at the university, he served as President of the Department of Educational Technology and held other leadership positions.
Beyond the responsibilities attached to those roles, he said the experience taught him the importance of service, leadership and helping others grow.
“I don’t just want to succeed alone, I want to be useful to the people around me,” he said.
His interest in technology eventually led him towards UI/UX design. His transition into the field was not an overnight decision, rather a gradual progression from the skills and interests he had developed over time.
“It wasn’t really a sudden discovery, it was more like everything I had already been doing was pointing me there all along,” he explained.
The journey was not without challenges. He had to contend with limited resources while trying to improve his skills and simultaneously balance his academic responsibilities, leadership roles and personal development.
Rather than allowing those limitations to stop him, he focused on learning with the resources available to him. His experience reinforced his belief that consistency and discipline can help young people make progress even when they do not have access to the best opportunities at the beginning.
Beyond UI/UX design, Mahi is also building his entrepreneurial dream through Printnest – a branding and printing business. The venture reflects his desire to create solutions while building something of his own.
“It’s proof that I’m not designing digital experiences for other people’s businesses, rather I’m also building something of my own from the ground up, small, small,” he said.
For him, design is also about solving problems rather than simply creating attractive interfaces.His approach to UI/UX focuses on understanding users, identifying their challenges and developing digital experiences that make tasks easier.
“Good design should be felt more than noticed,” he said.
His expertise has also taken him into the educational technology space. Mahi currently works as an EdTech Specialist with Lumminx Foundation, a Lagos-based platform that supports African graduates seeking fully funded international MSc and PhD opportunities.
His experience in education has also seen him tutor aspiring designers. However, he has taught UI/UX at Larva Tech Academy in Ibadan, participated in an Iseyin bootcamp, taught students abroad and supported friends at the university who wanted to learn the field.
Teaching others also challenged him to deepen his own understanding. At the time he began tutoring, some of his students were older than him, while others had higher academic qualifications. Rather than seeing this as a disadvantage, he used the experience to improve his communication skills, confidence and technical knowledge.
“You don’t need to have it all figured out before you start, you grow into it as you go, small small,” he said.
Mahi also acknowledges the people who have hugely contributed to his development, particularly Mr. Rasaq Malik Gbolahan, popularly known as RMG, whom he describes as one of his biggest inspirations.
Their relationship dates back to his childhood, and Mahi said the guidance and influence have remained important throughout his journey.
As he looks towards the future, Mahi hopes to expand his work in UI/UX design and educational technology while growing Printnest into a stronger brand. He also wants to use his experience to create opportunities for other young people who are seeking ways to build careers in technology.
For young Nigerians who may feel that they need money, connections or perfect circumstances before starting, Mahi has a simple message.
“I didn’t begin with connections or big resources, I began with curiosity and a willingness to keep learning small small” he said.
He believes young people can begin with free online resources, practise consistently and build meaningful connections along the way.
“Connections are built along the way, not before you begin,” he added.
From a computer operator in Iseyin to a UI/UX designer, educator and entrepreneur building his own venture, his story is a reminder that successful careers do not always begin with big opportunities.
Sometimes, they begin with a computer, a curious mind and the courage to start. And for him the journey is still the beginning.
Credit: fb/ Mahi Adedare
