May 5, 2025
By LaTunya Evans, Communications Specialist
ITTA BENA, Miss. — From coding spreadsheets for his father in Nigeria to landing a full-time job with one of the world’s most influential tech companies, Abdulbaqiy Diyaolu’s journey to Microsoft began long before he stepped foot on Mississippi Valley State University’s campus.
On Saturday, May 10, 2025, Diyaolu will walk across the stage during MVSU’s commencement ceremony to receive two Bachelor of Science degrees — one in computer science and another in mathematics. Just weeks later, he will begin his career as a software engineer at Microsoft Corporation.
“I still can’t believe it sometimes,” Diyaolu said. “It’s a dream come true.”
Raised in Nigeria, Diyaolu’s interest in technology was sparked at a young age by his father, Taoheed Kehinde Diyaolu, who ensured that he and his siblings had early access to computers and learning tools.
“My dad always emphasized the importance of understanding technology,” he said. “I was working on Excel files for him when I was very young. He made sure we were tech-savvy.”
That early foundation led Diyaolu to seek out every opportunity to learn more. He became proficient in Microsoft Office tools during grade school and later completed cybersecurity courses in high school. But it was his older brother Brian — an MVSU graduate — who inspired him to study in the United States.
“I heard all about MVSU from my brother,” he said. “He loved the school, and I knew I wanted to be part of that experience.”
Diyaolu was accepted into MVSU in 2020, but his plans were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Determined to attend in person, he waited over a year before enrolling in fall 2021.
When he finally arrived in Itta Bena, he traveled more than 6,000 miles from Nigeria with a mission to make the most of his college years. Though the adjustment to American life brought challenges, he quickly found a support system through MVSU’s Department of International Programs and other Nigerian students on campus.
“They helped me find my place,” he said. “They made the transition so much easier.”
With his focus set on academics, Diyaolu thrived in his studies — but he craved real-world experience. His sights soon turned to Microsoft, a company he had long admired.
“From the tools I used as a child to the classes I took at Valley, everything led me to that moment,” he said.
In 2024, Diyaolu was accepted into a competitive 12-week internship at Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington. The experience included full relocation support, housing, and meals — but for Diyaolu, the biggest reward was the opportunity to contribute to the company’s work in artificial intelligence and software development.
“I was able to apply what I learned at MVSU directly to my projects,” he said. “The programming practices taught by my professors really made a difference.”
Eager to secure a full-time role, Diyaolu asked his manager what it would take to turn his internship into a career. The advice was simple: work hard, be dependable, and demonstrate you're fit within the company.
He took the advice to heart.
“I worked hard to stand out and make an impression,” he said. “When I got the call with the offer, the first thing I did was call my mom, Bosede Diyaolu. She was so proud.”
Beyond the technical experience, Diyaolu said Microsoft’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion — as well as its support for international employees — made the offer even more meaningful.
“As an international student, I need a visa to work in the U.S.,” he said. “Microsoft is helping with that. They’re committed to supporting people from all backgrounds.”
With graduation approaching and his future secured, Diyaolu is filled with gratitude — for his family, for MVSU, and for the opportunities ahead.
“This is just the beginning,” he said. “I’m ready to make my mark.”