A Humble Beginning
Born in Ibadan, Nigeria, as the youngest of five children, Dr. Olubamiji faced financial hardships from an early age. By the age of 10, she was already selling pepper on the streets to support her family. “My mother instilled in me the value of hard work, and that mindset has stayed with me,” she shared.
Determined to break the cycle of poverty, she pursued education as her pathway to a better future. She earned a degree in Physics from Olabisi Onabanjo University but aspired to achieve more. “I told my father I wanted to earn a PhD in Physics, like my uncle. I achieved that, but I didn’t want to work in fields like weapon development. That’s how I discovered Biomedical Engineering,” she explained.
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| Adebola Olubamiji is the first black person to graduate with a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada Photo Credit: Naija |
Breaking Barriers in Biomedical Engineering
With Nigerian universities not offering Biomedical Engineering at the time, Dr. Olubamiji set her sights on studying abroad. Her journey led her to Canada, where she earned her PhD and became a pioneer in 3D printing and advanced manufacturing.
Recognizing the potential of Industry 4.0 technologies, she redirected her research to focus on 3D printing, which was still in its infancy. “I knew Industry 4.0 was the future of work,” she said. “In 2011, when they introduced the concept and discussed technologies like blockchain, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing, I realized I needed to position myself in one of these fields.”
A Trailblazer in STEM
Dr. Olubamiji’s groundbreaking work has earned her numerous accolades and recognition as a leader in STEM. In 2017, she was named one of the 150 Black Women Making Canada Better. By 2019, she was honored as a L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Honoree and recognized as one of the 27 Most Influential Women in Manufacturing in the U.S.
Her achievements continued to grow, leading to her selection as one of the 130 STEP Ahead Honorees by the Manufacturing Institute in 2020. That same year, she was also named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in the Life Science and Technology category.
Empowering the Next Generation
After achieving success, Dr. Olubamiji turned her focus to empowering others. She founded the STEMHub Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing Black representation in STEM fields. “People wanted young Black individuals to have role models like me,” she said.
What began as weekend STEM workshops for children in Ontario quickly expanded, thanks to the power of social media. “Community centers started reaching out, asking us to run programs for their youth,” she recalled. “If they cannot see us, they cannot become us.”
Today, STEMHub provides mentorship to university students, offering guidance on course selection and career competitiveness. Through her foundation, Dr. Olubamiji continues to create opportunities for the next generation, proving that representation and mentorship can transform lives and shape the future.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Dr. Olubamiji’s story is a powerful reminder that no dream is too big, and no obstacle is insurmountable. From selling pepper on the streets of Ibadan to becoming a global leader in STEM, she has not only broken barriers but also paved the way for others to follow in her footsteps.
Her work in 3D printing, advanced manufacturing, and STEM education continues to inspire and empower individuals worldwide, proving that with determination, hard work, and a commitment to giving back, anything is possible.