Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Olufolahan Olumide embarked on his academic journey at Swansea University in the 1960s after receiving a scholarship from Shell-BP Nigeria Ltd. He initially pursued mechanical engineering before switching to civil engineering under the mentorship of Professor Olek Zienkiewicz.
After graduating in 1972, Olumide began his career with Swansea City Council's highway bridges department. He later returned to Nigeria to work for Shell-BP and then continued his studies in North America. He obtained a master's degree in structural engineering from the University of Toronto and gained practical experience as an intern engineer in Canada. He furthered his education by earning a second master's degree in architecture from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Olumide's career spans globally, bridging engineering and architecture. Upon returning to Nigeria, he lectured at the University of Ilorin and joined Modulor Group Architects, becoming a registered architect and member of the Nigerian Institute of Architects.
In 1987, he founded Folio Designs and Folio Construction Ltd in Lagos. In 2004, he expanded by establishing Folio Designs Development & Investment, Inc in Baltimore, USA.
Currently serving as CEO of Folio Designs and Folio Construction Ltd in Lagos, Olumide is also the founder of Folio Tech Institute. Beyond professional achievements, he is an artist and community leader. He founded the Iroko African Art Gallery & Café in Baltimore and is a founding member of the African Chamber of Commerce there.
Now Chairperson of Swansea University's Alumni Nigeria Board of Trustees, Olumide remains connected to his alma mater. Upon receiving an honorary award from Swansea University, he expressed gratitude: "I am very much overwhelmed and humbly grateful for the award."