Quick Fire 🔥 with Tumilara Hassan

Tumilara Hassan is a tech leader, product development expert, AI advocate and a Perplexity AI Business Fellow with a career spanning fintech, digital banking, and AI-driven innovation. From managing the Cowry Card expansion at Touch and Pay Technologies to leading mobile banking at Fast Credit Limited, she has played a key role in shaping Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. As co-founder of NucleusIS Africa, she is building innovative financial solutions for the healthcare sector. Beyond her work, Tumilara is a thought leader, mentor, and event host, driving conversations on AI, product management, and the future of technology.

• You’ve had a dynamic career across banking, fintech, and AI-driven innovation. What sparked your journey into tech?

I started my career as a Relationship Manager at Cooperative Mortgage Bank, focusing on client management and business development. That role opened my eyes to the potential of technology in transforming financial services. My interest in business analysis grew from there, eventually pulling me into product management and fintech.

• You played a key role in the Cowry Card’s expansion at Touch and Pay Technologies. What was that experience like?

It was incredibly rewarding. The Cowry Card is a tap-payment system used in over 55,000 buses across Lagos State, and I was responsible for overseeing its product development. Managing a product at that scale meant tackling issues like user adoption, security, and overseeing transaction successes—all while ensuring it could scale across different transportation modes.

• You later transitioned into mobile banking, leading innovation at Fast Credit Limited. What were some standout projects?

As Head of Mobile Banking, I led the development of several digital banking solutions, including fund transfers, biometric KYC verification, and account onboarding. These features helped improve accessibility and security for users, making banking more efficient.

• You co-founded NucleusIS Africa. What problem are you solving, and what impact have you made so far?

At NucleusIS Africa, we’re revolutionizing financial services for the healthcare sector. Our platform provides loans, cross-border payments, and collections, helping hospitals and healthcare providers manage their finances more efficiently. It’s exciting to see how fintech can create real impact beyond traditional banking.

• AI plays a huge role in your work. What excites you most about AI’s potential in product management?

AI is a game-changer! I’ve integrated AI into predictive analytics, fraud detection, and customer insights to enhance operational efficiency. The ability of AI to automate processes, improve decision-making, and personalise user experiences is something every product leader should be paying attention to.

• What inspired you to fireside chats on AI and innovation

I wanted to bridge the gap between tech builders, tech newbies, regulators, and industry leaders. My fireside chats have covered topics like “The AI Advantage for Product Management”, “Innovation or Regulation: Which Way for AI?” and  AI and the Future of Finance.

I’ve had the privilege of hosting incredible speakers from Paystack, Busha, Sabi, and Interswitch. Distinguished speakers like Laolu Samuel-Biyi, Co-founder of Busha; Olumide Okubadejo, Head of Products, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning at Sabi; Dapo Awobokun, Startup Partner at Paystack; Eyituoyo Mogbeyi, Head of Compliance and Risk at Budpay; Demola Adeniran, Divisional Head for Paytoken Business at Interswitch; and Ayo Popoola, Lead Product Manager at 54 Collective.

These discussions are important and the goal is to make them global.

• As a tech leader and speaker, what’s your biggest takeaway from engaging with Nigeria’s startup ecosystem?

In 2024, I was a panel speaker at Lagos Startup Week, one of Nigeria’s most influential events for the startup ecosystem, where I shared insights on the evolving tech landscape as it relates to the synergy between designers and developers in creating innovative solutions.

Nigeria’s tech ecosystem is fast-moving and resilient. I’ve seen startups tackle financial inclusion, digital identity, and AI adoption in impressive ways. We’ve come a long way and we can do even more.

• You’ve also mentored young entrepreneurs and judged major competitions like the AI for Social Impact Hackathon and Hult Prize. What do you look for in a winning idea?

I also spend my time between mentoring and advisory roles. I have facilitated design thinking advisory sessions for young entrepreneurs as part of the Orange Corners initiative, a program supported by the government of the Netherlands. Additionally, I led and coordinated an innovative team of forward-thinking students that won the Hult Prize Nigeria finals in 2018 and qualified for the global regional finals in Boston, USA.

I recently served as a judge for the Artificial Intelligence for Social Impact Hackathon, an event dedicated to harnessing AI solutions to address pressing societal challenges. This allowed me to evaluate groundbreaking projects aimed at creating meaningful social impact through AI. I am also contributing as a judge for the 2025 Hult Prize competition at the University of Ibadan, assessing innovative solutions proposed by emerging leaders committed to effecting positive change.

For me, a product-winning idea is all about impact, scalability, and execution. I love seeing ideas that use technology to solve real problems, whether it’s in finance, healthcare, or sustainability. Startups need to think beyond just innovation—they must be practical, sustainable, and user-focused.

• Aside from product, AI, and mentoring young leaders, what passion projects do you split your time on?

I love contributing to women-led initiatives that empower them to just do things. I am an active member of Women in AI, a nonprofit community-driven initiative bringing awareness and knowledge through education and events, and Women in Tech Global, a community that connects, shares, and grows with fellow members passionate about tech and empowerment.

So yes, women empowerment causes are also a big deal to me.

• What’s next for you in 2025?

I’m focused on growing NucleusIS Africa and expanding my fireside chat series globally. I’m also looking to build partnerships that drive AI and fintech conversations forward. The goal is to shape the future of technology while creating meaningful impact.