Usman Abdulsalam
@usmanabdulsalam
Backend software engineer building scalable APIs and AI-powered accessibility solutions.
NigeriaWhat I'm looking for
I am a backend software engineer specializing in Python and FastAPI, focused on building scalable APIs and AI-powered applications that bridge real-world communication gaps. I combine cloud and DevOps practices with strong networking foundations to deliver reliable production systems.
I founded and lead Deaf7er, Nigeria's first multi-language Speech-to-Nigerian Sign Language translation platform, designing the FastAPI backend, integrating OpenAI Whisper for STT, and delivering 15+ production endpoints for translation, transcription, and NSL video streaming.
My background also includes building a production-ready Quran learning platform with optimized APIs, JWT role-based auth, PostgreSQL schemas with SQLAlchemy, and experience supporting enterprise networks and infrastructure through Cisco and Huawei certifications.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Founder & Lead Engineer
Deaf7er
Jan 2025 - Present (1 year 2 months)
Built Nigeria's first AI-powered multi-language (Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, English) speech-to-Nigerian Sign Language real-time translation platform, designing the FastAPI backend and 15+ REST endpoints to enable transcription and NSL sign video streaming.
Backend Developer
Murajaah AI Platform
Jan 2025 - Present (1 year 2 months)
Developed a production-ready Quran learning platform with FastAPI serving 250+ endpoints, integrated OpenAI Whisper for Arabic STT achieving ~85% pronunciation detection accuracy, and optimised APIs to <100ms for frequent queries.
Backend Software Engineer
Deaf7er
Jan 2025 - Present (1 year 2 months)
Founder and lead engineer building Nigeria's first AI-powered multi-language Speech-to-Nigerian Sign Language platform; designed FastAPI backend, OpenAI Whisper integration, and 15+ production REST endpoints to enable real-time multi-language translation.
IT Support Engineer
Galaxy Backbone Ltd
Jan 2024 - Apr 2025 (1 year 3 months)
Provided enterprise IT and network support during NYSC, troubleshooting production systems, resolving incidents to minimise downtime, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to maintain high availability.
Volunteer Network Engineer
Ahmadu Bello University
Jan 2019 - Jan 2024 (5 years)
Supported campus network operations for thousands of users, conducted infrastructure upgrades that reduced downtime by 20%, and performed performance optimisation using Cisco and Huawei tools.
Network Engineering Intern
Ahmadu Bello University
Jan 2017 - Jan 2018 (1 year)
Assisted in maintaining enterprise network systems, upgraded infrastructure hardware and security, and documented system architecture improvements to support campus operations.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
Bachelor of Engineering, Computer Engineering
2016 - 2023
Activities and societies: Volunteer Network Engineer (2019–2024); Network Engineering Intern (2017–2018); campus IT and networking projects
Completed a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering with coursework and projects in networking, embedded systems, and software development.
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
Diploma in Computer Engineering, Computer Engineering
2014 - 2016
Activities and societies: Practical lab work and coursework supporting later network engineering roles
Completed a Diploma in Computer Engineering covering foundational topics in electronics, networking, and computer systems.
Availability
Location
NigeriaAuthorized to work in
Job categories
Skills
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