Joshua Akerele: A visionary cloud engineer shaping the future of IT infrastructure

Joshua Idowu Akerele is a highly accomplished Cloud Engineer whose career is defined by his expertise in cloud computing platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

With an unwavering passion for technology, he has become a leader in designing and implementing scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud infrastructures for businesses worldwide.

Known for his proficiency in automation, cloud security, and DevOps practices, Joshua has significantly contributed to shaping the cloud engineering landscape.

Joshua’s journey into cloud computing began with a solid foundation in Linux system administration. Before his transition to cloud engineering, he worked as a Linux System Administrator at Connexxion Telecom & Solutions in Abuja, Nigeria.

It was here that he developed key skills in server optimization, security protocols, and network management—skills that would become essential to his cloud career.

“I started with Linux administration because I believed that understanding the underlying systems would give me an edge in cloud engineering,” Joshua explains. “It was important for me to see the bigger picture from the ground up.”

In 2019, Joshua joined HiKey Limited as a Cloud Engineer, where he began to explore the full potential of cloud platforms, particularly AWS. Since then, he has worked on several transformative projects, including migrating legacy systems to microservices architectures and optimizing cloud resources for scalability and performance.

“My goal has always been to simplify complex systems,” Joshua remarks. “Cloud computing allows you to scale, secure, and manage resources with a level of flexibility that traditional infrastructures just cannot offer.”

A standout achievement in Joshua’s career has been his focus on automating cloud workflows. Through tools such as Bash scripts and Git Bash, Joshua has automated many processes that previously required manual intervention, reducing workflow time by 50%.

“I believe that automation is at the heart of any successful cloud environment,” he says. “The more you automate, the less room there is for human error, and that translates to better performance and security.”

Joshua’s work with Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) tools like Terraform and AWS CloudFormation has been instrumental in reducing provisioning time for environments and allowing for rapid scaling. His IaC solutions have enabled teams to deploy environments across development, staging, and production more consistently and securely.

“It’s about creating repeatable, scalable, and secure infrastructure,” he states. “IaC is a game-changer for DevOps teams—it allows for consistency, faster deployments, and easier troubleshooting.”

Security is another core area of Joshua’s expertise. Throughout his career, he has consistently emphasized the importance of building secure cloud environments. From managing Identity and Access Management (IAM) policies to implementing encryption techniques and firewalls, Joshua ensures that his cloud systems are robust and compliant with industry standards.

“Security is not just a feature; it’s a mindset,” he explains. “When building cloud infrastructures, you have to think about vulnerabilities from day one. A secure environment isn’t something you bolt on at the end; it needs to be integrated into every aspect of the system.”

Joshua’s expertise in cloud security has helped organizations mitigate risks and ensure that their sensitive data is protected from external threats.

Joshua’s work extends beyond the technical aspects of cloud engineering. He is also deeply committed to demonstrating how cloud technologies can revolutionize business models. His contributions to a major retail company’s migration to AWS cloud infrastructure helped improve the platform’s performance, reliability, and cost efficiency—transforming their e-commerce operations.

“Cloud infrastructure has a transformative effect on business models,” Joshua reflects. “It enables businesses to scale rapidly, experiment with new products and services, and reach customers in ways that weren’t possible with on-premise systems.”

Joshua’s research interests, which include areas like cloud-based traffic management and data security, also play a crucial role in his career. His academic contributions have been published in several peer-reviewed journals, where he discusses the real-world applications of cloud computing in fields like healthcare, retail, and finance.

“Cloud technology is not just for IT specialists. It’s about enabling organizations to innovate and streamline operations in a way that maximizes both value and impact,” Joshua says.

With a Master’s Degree in Cloud Computing from Sheffield Hallam University and a robust portfolio of research in the field, Joshua is poised to continue making significant strides in cloud engineering. His academic background and real-world experience allow him to combine theoretical insights with practical solutions that benefit businesses across industries.

“I think we’re only scratching the surface of what cloud computing can do for industries like healthcare and retail,” he shares. “The future is all about harnessing data and analytics in the cloud to provide real-time solutions that can improve lives and businesses.”

Joshua’s ongoing focus on microservices architecture, containerization, and Kubernetes orchestration further highlights his forward-thinking approach to cloud technologies.

“The cloud is the backbone of the digital economy. It enables businesses to be more agile, more secure, and more innovative,” he concludes.

Joshua’s approach to cloud engineering is not only rooted in his technical expertise but also in his commitment to lifelong learning. He has earned certifications in cloud platforms, DevOps, and Linux systems, ensuring he stays ahead in an industry that is constantly evolving. His membership in organizations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) reflects his dedication to staying connected with global trends and innovations.

“In this field, staying current is key,” Joshua says. “Technology evolves so quickly, and you have to be proactive in learning and adapting to new tools, frameworks, and methodologies.”

Joshua Akerele’s journey is a compelling example of the impact one individual can have in the rapidly advancing world of cloud engineering. His work, dedication, and passion for technology have already contributed to the transformation of businesses and industries. As he continues to explore the future of cloud computing, his vision will undoubtedly help shape the next generation of digital infrastructures.

“There’s no limit to what you can achieve with the right technology and the right mindset,” Joshua concludes. “The cloud is the future, and I’m excited to be part of it.