Keypoints:
- Guinness World Record set for smallest GPS
- Invention by Nigerian MIT researcher
- Government hails breakthrough innovation
A YOUNG Nigerian tech innovator has entered the Guinness World Records after inventing the smallest GPS tracking device prototype ever made, marking a milestone in miniaturised technology and earning high praise from both international and national figures.
Oluwatobi Oyinlola, a Nigerian-born researcher at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States, developed the prototype device which measures just 22.93 mm by 11.92 mm — roughly the size of a standard mobile SIM card.
In a statement, Guinness World Records (GWR) described the invention as a major advancement in the trend toward more compact and powerful electronics.
‘Oluwatobi believes in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, especially when it comes to miniaturising technology,’ GWR said, adding that the prototype is a leap forward in global positioning system innovation.
Global praise for a local talent
The achievement has sparked widespread acclaim, including from President Bola Tinubu, who took to the X platform to applaud the young inventor.
‘Congratulations, Oluwatobi, on this feat. You have just shown the world that Nigerian youth can!’ Tinubu posted, calling the invention a step toward ‘endless possibilities for use in various industries and spheres of life.’
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, also praised Oyinlola, calling him a reflection of the ‘extraordinary potential within our ecosystem.’ He reiterated the government’s commitment to nurturing science and technology talent nationwide.
‘Oluwatobi’s success reinforces our mission to nurture and invest in local talent,’ Tijani said in a separate post. ‘As we empower more young innovators to break barriers and lead in cutting-edge technologies, we secure Nigeria’s rightful place on the global innovation map.’
Engineering precision and impact
The Global Positioning System (GPS) technology used in Oyinlola’s invention enables real-time tracking of devices embedded with receivers. Miniaturising such systems could open doors in logistics, defence, security, healthcare, and consumer electronics, allowing for more seamless integration of tracking technology into compact or wearable devices.
Oyinlola, who hails from Ibadan in Nigeria’s south-west, has a background in engineering and research and is known for exploring innovations in micro-electronics and embedded systems.
Nigeria’s growing Guinness Record culture
Oyinlola’s success comes as Nigeria experiences a surge in public interest around world records. In recent years, Nigerians have set Guinness World Records for feats ranging from the most headshot photographs taken in an hour to the longest football video game marathon and most skips on one foot.
While some of these records have drawn global attention and light-hearted debate, Oyinlola’s achievement stands out for its technical complexity and real-world impact.
Observers say his GPS innovation is more than a personal milestone — it is a signal of Africa’s emerging presence in high-tech innovation and a call to invest in the next generation of talent.
