Nigerian cybersecurity entrepreneur Valeen Oseh-Ovarah has been appointed as one of just 16 women innovators selected nationwide to serve on the inaugural Women in Innovation Community Forum by Innovate UK, the United Kingdom’s national innovation agency.

Oseh-Ovarah, who hails from Delta State, is the founder of TisOva, the world’s first AI-powered platform designed to protect students from online scams.

Her appointment marks a significant milestone, positioning her among the UK’s most influential women driving technological advancement and policy change.

In an official letter signed by Karen Souza of the Innovate UK Knowledge Base Centre, Oseh-Ovarah was formally invited to join the elite forum that will help shape future innovation strategies and steer funding priorities with a particular focus on women-led initiatives.

“This selection demonstrates that Nigerian talent can compete and lead at the highest levels of global innovation,” said Oseh-Ovarah in a note to The PUNCH.

“Being chosen as one of only 16 women nationwide to help shape UK innovation policy is both an honour and a responsibility,” added Oseh-Ovarah.

Her one-year tenure will see her contribute to Innovate UK’s ‘Pledge for Progress’ commitments, working closely with the agency’s leadership and other high-profile innovators to push for equitable investment and visibility for female founders.

 Oseh-Ovarah’s inclusion in the forum builds on her previous advocacy success. In 2024, she led the Female Founders First initiative, securing £1.875m in additional government funding for women innovators. The initiative showcased her ability to identify systemic policy gaps and deliver results through focused campaigning.

A former best graduating student of Delta State University and a trained cybercrime investigator, Oseh-Ovarah’s track record includes being named among the Top 50 UK Women in Tech, Top 76 Global Women Inventors and Innovators, and recognition as a Top 10 cybersecurity startup founder in the UK.

She has also received competitive grants from the Royal Academy of Engineering and Innovate UK, underlining her strong contributions to both the technical and strategic aspects of cybersecurity innovation.