Daniel Obiyo

Daniel Obiyo — widely known as "The MAD (Making A Difference) Advocate" — is a dynamic academic, tech leader, productivity coach, and public speaking coach based in Abia State, Nigeria. Guided by his core philosophy, "Be Intentional or Be Forgotten," Daniel brings together over six years of corporate experience across the energy, banking, and education sectors with a deep passion for youth empowerment and technological innovation.

As a Computer Science lecturer at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Daniel is deeply invested in the frontiers of AI and Data Science, with research interests spanning Predictive Modelling, Machine Learning, and Responsible and Explainable AI. As Regional Coordinator for the Nigerian National AI Hackathon (Deepfunding/SingularityNet) and Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Computer Society's Abia State Chapter, he is a recognized voice in Southeast Nigeria's tech ecosystem. A Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate and Google Mobile Web Development Scholar, Daniel also provides strategic advisory services to startups — particularly those focused on environmental sustainability, health, and agriculture — helping SMEs navigate the journey from ideation to execution.

Beyond the classroom, Daniel is a passionate community builder and an exceptional communicator. He is the visionary behind TEDxUmudike and serves as a Director at Beacon and Guide Institutes and Bedrock Initiatives, curating platforms that equip and inspire young people across the region. A highly decorated debater — recognized as the Second Best Public Speaker in the World at the 2015 WUDC in Malaysia — he now channels that excellence into the next generation as Head Coach for Debate and Public Speaking at the MOUAU Debate Club. He is also the founder of the Quint Impact Initiative and leads the Focus Reading Accountability Groups (FRAG).

Daniel's commitment to service spans over 15 years of volunteerism with organizations including the Nigerian Red Cross, the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), and the World Youth Alliance. He serves as an SDG Development Knowledge Facilitator, a Digital Skills Advocate, and a Model United Nations Ambassador.

Anchoring all of his professional and civic pursuits is a deep Christian faith and a steadfast commitment to doing God's will. At his core, Daniel is devoted to helping individuals discover their potential, pursue their wildest dreams, and genuinely make a difference — wherever they are planted.

Technically still single. Practically married to Purpose — and a proud father of many 😄

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