How Seyi Makinde’s Donation to My School Helped Me Break a World Record” – MIT Scientist

A Nigerian scientist at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Oluwatobi “Tobi” Oyinlola, has made global headlines after being awarded a Guinness World Record for inventing the world’s smallest GPS tracking device. But behind this extraordinary milestone is an inspiring story that traces back to a single act of generosity from Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde—long before he ever ventured into politics.

In an emotional reflection after receiving his award, Tobi credited his journey into science and innovation to a life-changing donation Makinde made as an alumnus of Bishop Phillips Academy, Ibadan.

“How Seyi Makinde’s donation to my Ibadan school helped me break a world record,” Tobi told Guinness World Records. “It was the first time I ever touched a computer. From that moment, I was captivated by technology.”
Makinde, then a successful engineer and CEO of Makon Group, had donated a fully equipped computer laboratory to his alma mater after recording his first major profit in business. Though the gesture was not politically motivated, it would go on to shape destinies—including that of young Tobi, who was just 13 at the time.

That computer lab sparked what Tobi described as an “endless curiosity,” leading him to spend countless hours after school exploring computer systems, teaching himself programming, and dreaming of solving real-world problems through technology.

Two decades later, the boy from Ibadan has not only become a pioneering researcher at MIT but has now built a working prototype of the smallest GPS tracking device in the world, measuring just 22.93 mm x 11.92 mm—smaller than a thumbprint.

His invention, which has applications in medicine, wildlife conservation, personal safety, and micro-technology, has been certified by Guinness World Records, and celebrated globally as a leap in miniaturized tech innovation. Even Nigerian President Bola Tinubu congratulated him publicly for the achievement.

“I wanted to create a GPS tracker so compact it could fit in wearables, medical implants, or even animal tags—without sacrificing power or functionality,” Tobi explained.

The device includes a printed circuit board, embedded antenna, and Bluetooth connectivity—all functioning independently without external attachments.

Tobi’s academic journey took him through the University of Rwanda, where he led innovations in solar energy, before moving to MIT for his postgraduate research. Along the way, he was named one of the Most Influential Young Nigerians in 2018 and 2019 for his work on smart cities, gas solutions, and clean energy technologies.

“More than anything, this milestone motivates me to keep pushing boundaries,” he said. “But I never forget where it all started—inside a small lab in Ibadan, donated by someone who believed in giving back.”

Governor Makinde, who is yet to comment on the achievement publicly, has long been praised for his contributions to education and technology infrastructure in Oyo State.