Oluwatobi Oyinlola‘s story began in the city of Ibadan, Nigeria, where a simple classroom encounter would ignite a lifelong journey. At just 13 years old, a set of computers donated to his secondary school introduced him to the world of technology. This formative experience sparked his deep interest in understanding how digital devices work, setting him on a path that would one day capture the world’s attention.
Educational Drive Behind the Brilliance
Fuelled by early passion, Oyinlola enrolled at Tai Solarin University of Education, earning his undergraduate degree in Telecommunications. However, his thirst for advanced knowledge led him beyond Nigeria’s borders. He later pursued a master’s degree in Internet of Things (IoT) and Embedded Computing Systems from the University of Rwanda, where he expanded his technical expertise and began laying the groundwork for future innovations.
Notable Projects and Technological Contributions
Long before his world record, Oyinlola made his mark in tech innovation. In 2015, he introduced Nigeria’s first pay-as-you-go solar power system—a solution aimed at improving electricity access for underserved communities. Later, while working with the Senseable City Lab at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), he co-developed advanced urban data platforms. These included the “City Scanner,” which collects real-time environmental data, and “SolarPocha,” a solar-powered smart workstation designed for learning and working outdoors.
Breaking Boundaries with Miniature GPS Innovation
Oyinlola’s most groundbreaking achievement came in the form of a miniature device smaller than a human thumb. Measuring just 22.93 mm by 11.92 mm, the GPS tracking prototype features a built-in microcontroller, onboard Bluetooth module, embedded antenna, and printed circuit board—all compacted without the need for an external antenna. Despite its size, the device accurately receives GPS signals, records positioning data, and wirelessly transmits the information.
What sets it apart is not just its record-breaking small size, but the design philosophy behind it: to create a fully functional GPS system that could easily integrate into small-scale devices while consuming minimal power.
Global Recognition and National Pride
On April 27, 2025, Oyinlola’s work received global acknowledgment when Guinness World Records certified his prototype as the smallest GPS tracking device ever built. The recognition was met with nationwide celebration in Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised the innovation, highlighting it as a demonstration of Nigeria’s untapped potential in the global tech landscape. Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, also commended Oyinlola, calling the invention a major milestone in Nigerian innovation.
Why It Matters: Real-World Applications
The technology’s small footprint opens the door to numerous real-world uses. In the medical field, the GPS tracker could be integrated into wearable devices to monitor patients discreetly. In wildlife conservation, it offers a way to track small animals without burdening them. Security, transportation logistics, and personal safety are also sectors that stand to benefit immensely from the device’s versatility and minimal power consumption.
An Ongoing Commitment to Innovation
Despite the global acclaim, Oyinlola remains focused on developing more solutions in embedded systems and the Internet of Things. He aims to refine this prototype further and explore commercialization. By solving real problems with resource-efficient technology, he believes African innovators can make an even greater impact on the global stage.
