Dr. Tajudeen Mohammed Entrepreneurship Journey: From Computer Village to M&D Suites
The Tajudeen Mohammed entrepreneurship journey began in Lagos’ Computer Village, where he was one of the first to repair mobile phones in Nigeria. From these humble beginnings, he became a Samsung major distributor and later expanded into hospitality with M&D Suites (Mayor and Diplomat Hotels). His story reflects resilience, foresight, and the courage to diversify.
As Peter Drucker said, “The entrepreneur always searches for change, responds to it, and exploits it as an opportunity” (Drucker, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 1985). This entrepreneurial spirit is the thread that runs through Dr. Mohammed’s story.
For over three decades, he has remained a constant presence in Nigeria, adapting, learning, and mentoring. His reflections at 50 are not just a recount of achievements but an invitation to younger entrepreneurs to embrace risk, seize opportunities, and grow.
Early Days in Computer Village: Dr. Tajudeen Mohammed Entrepreneurship Journey
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Computer Village Lagos was a chaotic but promising hub. I was among the first to repair mobile phones in this environment, which made me a true pioneer.
With limited resources but boundless determination, I faced obstacles that could have discouraged others. From sourcing spare parts to earning customer trust, every day required innovation and patience.
Learn more about Computer Village Lagos here.
Transition to Samsung Distribution: Expanding My Entrepreneurship Journey
After phone repairs, I made a bold leap into distribution. Aligning with Samsung was a mark of credibility and a sign of my ability to think beyond immediate gains.
As a Samsung distributor, I became a bridge between global technology and local demand in Nigeria. My story shows the power of adaptability in a growing tech market.
Explore Samsung’s official growth in Africa here.
Diversification into Hospitality: Growing the Tajudeen Mohammed Entrepreneurship Journey
Having succeeded in technology, I turned to hospitality. Venturing into hotel ownership was a calculated risk. I started small with a seven-room guesthouse, which eventually grew into M&D Suites, now comprising three hotels.
Hospitality was not just about profit. It allowed me to create jobs and establish a customer service culture that reflected my values of excellence and reliability.
Learn more about Nigeria’s hospitality sector here.
Leadership and Mentorship: Guiding the Next Generation
Mentorship is important to me. Over 10 young entrepreneurs have passed through me, many now running successful businesses. I believe that sustainable success requires guiding others and sharing experience.
Read about entrepreneurship mentorship here.
Interview Highlights with Top Society
How would you assess your life at 50?
“I give glory to God. The last 15 years have been very eventful, and I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate my Golden Jubilee recently. Looking back, I am thankful for all I have achieved in over 30 years of adulthood in business. My journey has been full of activity, challenges, and victories, and I remain deeply grateful for the grace of God that has sustained me. The celebration at Sheraton Hotels, Lagos included family, friends, and performances by King Wasiu Ayinde Marchal, KWAM1, and 9Nice. It was truly a day of thanksgiving to God.”
What inspired you to venture into entrepreneurship?
“Honestly, I went into business almost by accident. I studied Computer Science, and during my Industrial Training in 1995, I worked at Whiz-Tech Limited located in what we now know as Computer Village. At the time, there were just four companies in that area. My boss welcomed me back during school strikes and later for my NYSC in 1999. By 2001, at only 26 years old, I decided to start my own company, Foramot Technologies. To the glory of God, the company still exists today.”
What drove your passion as a young graduate?
“For me, entrepreneurship was the only real opportunity I saw. After NYSC, I was initially posted to Kano, but I was rejected at my placement and had to redeploy back to Lagos. Working there gave me exposure, and I realised that the business side of computers was more lucrative than simply working for a salary. That pushed me to take the bold step of starting my company in 2001.”
Why didn’t you pursue a salary job?
“I was more focused on the business aspect of computers. Early in life, I discovered this path by repairing mobile phones. In those early days, when most people had issues with their phones, I would repair them for a fee and often worked from dusk to dawn. Later, when I went back for my HND, I saw colleagues driving their own cars and realised the potential of entrepreneurship. I caught up quickly by staying focused and consistent.”
As Managing Director, how do you balance responsibilities across both companies?
“From 2001 to 2012, I focused fully on Foramot Nigeria Limited. In 2012, I attended Lagos Business School for an executive programme, which changed my perspective. I realised that if a business cannot run without you daily, then you are not truly an entrepreneur but a trader. This insight motivated me to diversify into hospitality.”
What knowledge did you gain from Lagos Business School?
“The facilitator, Mr. Bankole, said two things that stayed with me: first, many of us remain in one business because it is all we know, but we must explore other opportunities. Second, whatever you can lease, you do not need to buy. This shaped my diversification.”
What role does mentorship play in your life?
“Mentorship is very important. Some people mentor you directly, others indirectly. Today, I mentor others. Over 10 people have passed through me in Computer Village, and many now own successful businesses.”
How do you stay ahead of industry trends in hospitality and IT?
“The IT sector is dynamic. Many started as traditional traders, but the industry evolves rapidly. You must remain open-minded, keep learning, and adapt to new trends. Flexibility is key.”
What values or principles guide your companies?
“I am calm and straightforward. My word is my bond. Trust and after-sales support are vital. These values helped my businesses grow.”
How do you approach corporate responsibility?
“My CSR comes from my roots. I support friends, young entrepreneurs, and the community whenever I can. It is important to give back.”
Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in IT and hospitality
“It is easier now than before, but do not rely only on social media followers. Build real, sustainable businesses with strong foundations.”
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals?
“We have over 50 staff and are registered taxpayers. I plan to retire in ten years and ensure both M&D Suites and IT businesses run without my daily involvement.”
Biggest entrepreneurial challenge
“Managing facilities was tough. Distributor credit, overdrafts, and capital turnover tested me. I learnt that profit is not about size but financial discipline.”
Biggest entrepreneurial mistake?
“I once made a wrong investment due to lack of due diligence. Later, it became one of my most successful ventures. Mistakes can hide opportunities.”
What does success mean to you?
“Success is navigating through a process and achieving positive results. In business, breaking even is success.”
Fast Facts about Tajudeen Mohammed
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30 years in Computer Village
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25 years as a businessman
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Samsung major distributor
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Among the first to repair phones in Nigeria
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Founded Foramot Technologies in 2001
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Acquired Commercial building in 2020
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Started hospitality venture in 2014
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Owns 3 hotels under M&D Suites
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Runs an e-commerce platform
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Holds HND and Master’s in Information Technology
The Tajudeen Mohammed Entrepreneurship Journey
From Computer Village to boardrooms and hotel suites, the Tajudeen Mohammed entrepreneurship journey demonstrates determination, vision, and mentorship. His story proves that entrepreneurship is about building legacies and empowering communities.
Will the next generation rise to follow in his footsteps?
“If your business cannot run without you, then you are not truly an entrepreneur, you are just a trader.” Dr. Tajudeen Mohammed’s story is more than a timeline of achievements; it is a lesson in resilience, vision, and the courage to embrace new paths. From repairing computers, phones in a fledgling Computer Village to running three hotels and mentoring future entrepreneurs, his journey captures the essence of adaptability in a fast-changing world.
At Top Society, we believe in amplifying such inspiring entrepreneurship stories not only to celebrate individual triumphs but to inspire readers to see possibilities where others see limitations. After all, the future belongs to those who dare. If Dr. Mohammed’s journey teaches us anything, it is that entrepreneurship is not simply about building businesses, it is about building legacies.
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