Nigerian Tech Genius Oluwatobi Oyinlola Sets New Guinness World Record with Smallest GPS Device
Many Nigerian leaders have come forward to celebrate a young Nigerian tech expert, Oluwatobi Oyinlola, who recently broke a Guinness World Record. He developed the smallest GPS tracking device prototype in the world. This amazing achievement was officially confirmed by Guinness World Records on April 27, 2025.
According to the record, the tiny GPS device Oluwatobi created measures only 22.93 mm by 11.92 mm (or about 0.90 by 0.46 inches). The record-setting prototype was built in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Oluwatobi shared that he strongly believes in pushing the limits of technology, especially by making things smaller and more efficient.
Nigerian Leaders Praise His Work
President Bola Tinubu was one of the first leaders to congratulate Oluwatobi. In a message he shared online, the President praised Oluwatobi’s creativity and the potential impact of the device on different industries.
He said:
“A Nigerian, Oluwatobi Oyinlola, has just developed the world’s smallest GPS Tracking Device prototype. It can be used in many ways in different industries and areas of life. Congratulations, Oluwatobi. You’ve shown the world that Nigerian youth are capable and talented!”
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, also celebrated the achievement. He described it as a great success for Nigeria and proof that investing in local talent can lead to big accomplishments. He also mentioned that Oluwatobi has always shown great intelligence and skill, especially through his tech startup that focuses on the Internet of Things (IoT). Dr. Tijani added that Oluwatobi is currently studying at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
“This is a great achievement. Oluwatobi’s success proves that Nigerian youth can lead the world in new technology. As we keep supporting young tech innovators, Nigeria will continue to gain global respect. Congratulations, Oluwatobi. The world is just starting to see what you can do,” the minister said.
Nigerians Online Celebrate Too
Many Nigerians on social media (formerly Twitter, now called “X”) also praised Oluwatobi.
One user, @ken_giami, said:
“This is a proud moment for Nigeria and Africa. Oluwatobi’s talent shows that when we believe in our own people, the world pays attention.”
Another user, @hamoye4real, encouraged the government to invite Oluwatobi to speak to young students in Nigeria so they can be inspired to do research and learn more about technology.
What is a GPS Tracker?
A GPS tracker is a small device that uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) to find the location of objects like vehicles or personal items. It connects to satellites in space to track where something is. People often use these devices to track their cars, belongings, or even loved ones.
Oluwatobi’s version is the smallest one ever made, and this is a big step for Nigeria. It also shows how powerful and creative young Nigerians can be when given the chance.
Other Nigerians Breaking Records
Oluwatobi’s big achievement comes shortly after another Nigerian, Tunde Onakoya, set a new Guinness World Record. Tunde, a famous chess master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, played chess for 64 hours straight in Times Square, New York, on April 20, 2025. He broke the previous record of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds, which was held by two Norwegians. Tunde’s record is now the longest chess marathon in the world.
Who is Oluwatobi Oyinlola?
Oluwatobi Oyinlola, also known as “Internet of Tobi,” is an award-winning Nigerian inventor and tech entrepreneur. He comes from Ibadan, a city in southwestern Nigeria. His story is very inspiring to many young people in the tech world.
Oluwatobi is an expert in embedded systems, robotics, and firmware engineering. He works with the Internet of Things (IoT) — a field that connects everyday objects to the internet to make them smarter. He is also known for giving talks about technology and has received international recognition.
In fact, Intel, a famous tech company, once named him an Intel Software Innovator, representing Africa in global innovation events. He was also featured on World IoT Day for using technology to solve important problems in Africa.
In the past, he represented Africa in a major tech competition called Hackaday, held in San Francisco. There, he created a smart lightning sensor that can detect thunder strikes and send data automatically.
He has also worked with the engineering team on Elon Musk’s Hyperloop project and has helped build and launch over 15 IoT hardware products that aim to make the world a better place.
