In a moment that has sparked both national pride and global curiosity, Nigerian-born innovator Oluwatobi Oyinlola has made history by unveiling what is now officially recognized as the world’s smallest GPS tracking device.
Measuring just 22.93 by 11.92 millimeters, the micro-sized prototype is no bigger than a fingernail—yet it carries potential that spans across industries from healthcare and security to logistics and wearable tech. The Guinness World Records has confirmed the device as the smallest of its kind ever developed.
Oyinlola, a researcher and technological visionary currently working at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States, said the journey to miniaturizing this complex technology has been “one of curiosity, persistence, and belief in African ingenuity.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined a growing chorus of admiration for the young inventor, describing the achievement as a landmark moment not just for Oyinlola, but for Nigeria’s entire innovation ecosystem.
“Oluwatobi’s invention is a testament to the brilliance and potential of our young people,” President Tinubu said in a congratulatory message released on Tuesday. “His work on the world’s smallest GPS tracking device is not just a personal achievement but a national pride.”
The president stressed that Oyinlola’s breakthrough should serve as both a motivation and a wake-up call to invest more in young minds who are pushing boundaries in science and technology. “We must continue to invest in our youth, providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to turn their ideas into reality,” he added.
Also, read: Ghana and Algeria Sign Landmark Visa-Free Deal to Boost African Unity and Economic Ties
Innovation Born from Necessity
While exact details about the tracker’s technical specs and potential use cases remain under wraps due to ongoing research, Oyinlola hinted at applications that could redefine how we track and protect assets, people, and even wildlife.
In an era where devices are getting smaller, faster, and smarter, Oyinlola’s innovation stands out not just for its size but for what it symbolizes—a shift in who gets to lead in global innovation. He credits his Nigerian roots for shaping his perspective, saying, “Growing up in Lagos taught me to think practically, to solve problems with what you have, and never to stop asking how something could be done better.”
Opening Doors for the Next Generation
Tech experts across Africa and the diaspora have hailed the development as a sign that African inventors are moving from the sidelines to center stage in global technology conversations. Industry analysts say the innovation could attract investor interest in hardware startups from the continent, a space traditionally dominated by Western and Asian firms.
Educational and innovation hubs in Nigeria are already buzzing with excitement, with many hoping Oyinlola’s success will open new doors for young inventors back home.
As for Oyinlola, he’s staying grounded. “This isn’t the finish line,” he said in a recent statement. “It’s just the start of something much bigger—for me, and hopefully for a new wave of African inventors coming behind me.”
