Heyooo, IbiFounders! Have you ever met someone who makes you rethink your entire fitness routine?
You see them at the gym, lifting weights, running miles effortlessly, and you think, Can I even do this?
Heyoooo, guys! It's your boy Simon Zaku, founder, and CEO of IbiFoundry Limited—and today, we’re putting the spotlight on our very own Taraba-born powerhouse: Habiba Ishaya (AKA 'Biba')!
Not just a fitness enthusiast, Biba is a beast in the gym, a disciplined athlete, and an inspiration to anyone looking to take their health seriously. But here’s the twist: she’s also a Software Engineer.
And not just any software engineer—one who graduated from the renowned American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, one of the best universities in the country.
Born in Kurmi Local Government, Taraba State, but having spent most of her life in Abuja, Habiba is proof that you don’t have to choose between brains and brawn.
She excels in a field dominated by logic and code while maintaining a level of fitness that many professional athletes would admire.
Table of Content (Meet Habiba Ishaya - Click to Navigate):
From Kurmi to Tech & Sports Greatness
Growing up in Kurmi, a place known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich culture, Biba had big dreams. She wanted more than just a typical career path—she wanted to break boundaries.
That’s what led her to AUN Yola, where she pursued software engineering, a field that’s shaping the future of Nigeria and Africa at large.
But one thing remained constant throughout her academic journey: her love for sports.
While in AUN, Biba was part of the school’s sports team and represented AUN in several sporting events. In 2017, she competed in the Nigerian Private University Games Association (NPUGA) and won a gold medal in the 4x100m relay race.
She was also an active player in AUN’s female soccer team.
Even with all these achievements, fitness wasn’t just a phase—it was a lifestyle.
Balancing Code and Cardio
Most people in tech struggle to maintain a work-life balance.
Long hours in front of a computer screen often mean little time for exercise. But Biba isn’t like most people.
She prioritizes fitness just as much as she prioritizes her career.
Her Instagram feed is proof of this, filled with daily workouts, fitness tips, and motivational posts that will make you want to drop everything and hit the gym.
Whether it’s:
✅ Heavy deadlifts that put most men to shame
✅ Core workouts that look impossible
✅ Intense HIIT sessions that leave you sweating just by watching
She does it all with discipline, consistency, and a level of motivation that’s contagious.
She’s Got Hands! Boxing & Tennis Are Her New Passions
If you thought she was just about lifting weights and running, think again.
Biba has also taken a liking to boxing and long tennis.
Now, she’s not a professional boxer—but she trains for fun and loves the sport. Her training sessions include:
Speed & Precision – Her jabs are fast and sharp.
Footwork & Agility – She moves with a level of control that takes years to master.
Discipline & Strength – Boxing isn’t just about punches; it’s about mental and physical endurance.
But boxing isn’t her only newfound passion—she’s now actively learning lawn tennis as well!
(Watch her sparring session here! 👇🏽)
Meet the Techpreneur: Co-founder of HAID Tech
Biba isn’t just a software engineer—she’s also a tech entrepreneur.
“My name is Habiba Ishaya, but most people call me Biba. I am from Kurmi, but based in Abuja. I’m a Co-founder at HAID Tech, a dedicated software development team in Abuja, Nigeria. We provide IT Consulting & Advisory, Branding & Design, Web & Mobile Development, AI Solutions—you name it.”
HAID Tech is a fast-growing tech company, leverages innovative software solutions, digital transformation, and cutting-edge technology to solve real-world problems.
Check out HAID Technologies here: www.haidtechnologies.com
Even while leading a remote-first company, Biba continues to balance her fitness and tech career effortlessly.
It’s rare to see someone coding by day and throwing powerful jabs in the ring by night—but that’s exactly what makes her stand out.
Exclusive IbiFoundry Interview: Habiba Ishaya on Fitness, Boxing, Tech & Life
To make this even more special, I (Simon Zaku) sat down with Habiba Ishaya to talk about her fitness journey, her love for boxing and tennis, and how she balances it all with her career in tech.
Simon Zaku: Biba, first off—massive respect for what you’re doing. You’re killing it in fitness, sports, and tech. Tell us, how did this journey start for you?
Habiba Ishaya: Thanks, Simon! Honestly, fitness has always been a part of my life. Growing up in Kurmi, I remember being the only girl playing football with the boys as a kid. I’ve always liked sports, right from my primary school days to secondary then university. I would always participate in sporting competitions representing my school. It has always being a part of me.
Simon: That’s incredible! Most people either focus on sports or academics, but you did both. How did you manage that?
Biba: Haha, I won’t lie—it wasn’t easy! But I believe discipline is everything. I made sure my schedule had room for both. Mornings were for training, afternoons for lectures, and evenings for studying. Balancing fitness and tech is all about structure and consistency.
Simon: Speaking of fitness, your Instagram is wild! You lift heavy, box, and now you’re learning long tennis. Why boxing though?
Habiba: Haha, I get that question a lot! I’m not a professional boxer—I do it for fun. But boxing is an amazing workout for the body and mind. It teaches discipline, endurance, and mental sharpness. Plus, there’s something really empowering about knowing how to throw a punch!
Simon: I love that! Do you think more women should take up boxing?
Habiba: 100%. Women need to know strength isn’t just for men. Boxing builds confidence, helps with self-defense, and is an insane cardio workout. Every woman should at least try it once!
Simon: Okay, now let’s talk about tech. You’re a software engineer and co-founder of HAID Tech. What’s it like leading a tech company and still staying fit?
Habiba: It’s all about time management. I make fitness non-negotiable in my routine. Sometimes, I even take calls while working out. The key is prioritization—tech and fitness aren’t separate for me, they’re both part of my lifestyle.
Simon: You’ve built such an inspiring brand. What’s next for you?
Biba: More growth! I want to keep learning, keep pushing, and maybe even train in boxing more seriously. I also want HAID Tech to expand and help more businesses with tech solutions that truly make a difference.
Simon: Love it! Final question: If someone reading this wants to start their fitness journey but feels overwhelmed, what advice would you give them?
Habiba: Start small. You don’t have to lift heavy or run marathons overnight. Just start moving. Do 10 push-ups a day, take the stairs, go for a walk. The most important thing is to start. The rest will follow!
Final Thoughts: Now Based in Abuja – Brands & Influencers, Take Note!
Habiba Ishaya is now based in Abuja, and she’s taking things to the next level. Whether it’s fitness, or tech, she’s constantly growing and looking for new opportunities.
If you’re:
A fitness brand looking for an ambassador who embodies strength and dedication
An influencer or media brand looking for an inspiring story
A tech company interested in someone who combines brains and athleticism
She’s the person you need!
For collaborations, sponsorships, and business inquiries, contact her via:
Email: habibaishaya9@gmail.com
She’s not just building a career—she’s building a movement.
And trust me, you’ll want to be part of it.
Cheers, IbiFounders!
Simon Taki Zaku,
Founder, CEO, IbiFoundry.com.ng
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