A Feast of Champions
In this edition of the newsletter, we’re opening the door to a candid conversation with everyone who has helped to put the faculty of Computing Science and Engineering in the spotlight in Q4 of 2024.
In this January 2025 edition of the newsletter, we’re trying something new. Rather than our usual recap of events, we’re opening the door to a candid conversation with everyone who has helped to put the Faculty of Computing Science and Engineering in the spotlight.
From the best graduating student to the presidents of student associations, from builders of world‑bank‑funded ICT centres to award‑winning lecturers, this issue is dedicated to you. Wherever you see [Interview Link], that’s your gateway to the full conversation.
Celebrating the Class of 2024
Every ending is a new beginning. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2024 as they conclude their undergraduate journey and embark on the next chapter of their lives.
The convocation ceremony on 13 December 2024 at Obafemi Awolowo University was a joyous occasion for students, staff, and the wider community. While we can’t share every graduate’s story here, we highlight two remarkable journeys.
What does it take to become the Best Graduating Student?
Many attribute academic success to grace, a strict reading schedule or diligent lecture attendance. But who better to answer this question than the current Best Graduating Student herself?
Miss Tenifayo Oluwaseun Fagbemi, Best Graduating Student of the Class of 2024, began with a GPA of 4.96 in 100 level and achieved a perfect 5.00 in 400 level. She credits her success to:
A strong mathematics background
Personalised reading techniques
Supplementing lectures with tutorials from Indian educators on YouTube
For more tips and insights, read her full interview: [Interview Link]
Her advice to students: identify what works for you, integrate past questions into your study routine and maintain a positive mindset. She also regrets not socialising more and not using her free time to develop a tech skill. Connect with her on LinkedIn: [LinkedIn Profile]
Balancing Leadership, Academics and a Tech Career
Need lessons on juggling student life, leadership and a budding tech career? Look no further than Olaniran Olarotimi (OTG), former NACOS‑OAU President and TSRC Speaker.
Studying Computer Engineering is demanding, yet OTG served as NACOS‑OAU President, TSRC Speaker and NACOS Southwest Director of Media and Publicity, all in his final year while building his career as a full‑stack developer.
Discover his expert advice on maintaining balance and mental well‑being in our exclusive interview: [Interview Link]. Connect with him on LinkedIn: [LinkedIn Profile]
A Decade of Innovation: ACE OAK‑Park
What does it take to transform a dream into reality? We reflect on ten years of the Africa Centre of Excellence – OAU ICT‑Driven Knowledge Park (ACE OAK‑Park) through interviews with key visionaries. While the team was not able to interview Professor G.A Aderounmu, the visioneer behind the ACE OAK-Park, we were privileged to interview a host of key individuals who have contributed to the success of this programme over the last decade.
Meet the Patriarchs
Professor Michael Faborode, former Vice‑Chancellor, OAU.
Professor L. O. Adekoya
Professor Tiwalade Adewale Olugbade.
Professor Faborode recalls: “When we started between 2001 and 2005, few imagined how far we’d go. Funding grew from $300,000 to $7.7 million across six projects. Patience and resilience were vital.”
Professor Olugbade advises respecting institutional master plans: “One early building’s colour clashed with the university’s guidelines, requiring costly repainting. Alignment from the outset prevents conflicts.”
Professor Adekoya emphasises vision and determination: “We began on bushland. Despite initial funding setbacks, our first building inspired others. Hard work and proof of results attract support.”
Read the full interview: [Interview Link]
Looking Ahead with the Deputy Centre Lead
Professor Emmanuel Rotimi Adagunodo, Deputy Centre Lead and Planning Committee Chair, shared current challenges and future plans. The new ACE Design Studio and ICT Garden aims to:
Foster alumni and industry collaboration.
Provide start‑ups and testing sites for students.
Expand accommodation for international researchers.
Discover what comes next: [Interview Link]
Perspectives from Distinguished Guests
We also spoke with two distinguished guests:
Ms Millicent Afriyie Kyei, Communications Officer, ACE IMPACT, AAU
Ms Yvonne Obiaga‑Orekye, Principal Information Officer, NUC
Ms Afriyie Kyei was impressed: “This centre exceeds expectations. Your ICT‑driven approach is outstanding. However, you need more publicity—your achievements deserve wider recognition.”
Ms Obiaga‑Orekye affirmed: “ACE OAK‑Park already has global impact. It competes internationally and performs exceptionally well.”
Read their full interviews: [Interview Link]
Voices of Our Lecturers
Dr Aderonke Lawal praised the facilities: “During my PhD, the computer engineering lab was ideal—comfortable, reliable and conducive to deep research.”
Dr Segun Aina compared postgraduate studies to those abroad: “ACE provides world‑class equipment and support, matching US and UK standards.”
Full interviews: [Interview Link]
Spotlight on Professor Adeniran Isola Oluwaranti
Awarded as one of the “100 Leading Telecoms & Digital Economy Personalities in Nigeria” by ATCON, Professor Oluwaranti shared insights on telecom careers:
“Telecommunications offers vast opportunities, especially with 5G. Build a foundation in data communication and networking. Take advantage of on‑campus initiatives like the Huawei ICT Academy. Beyond classroom credits, practice independently—master tour skills, explore creatively and commit to continuous learning.”
His mantra: “Do everything with excellence. Knowledge attracts opportunity—money follows expertise. Go beyond the minimum, challenge yourself and treat your tools as assets.”
Read the full interview: [Interview Link]
Leading Tech Communities
What does it take to lead a major tech gathering? We asked four community leaders:
Abdulroheem Arogundade, Director of Innovation and Research, NACOS National shared how stressful leadership roles can be with impromptu trips but he has managed to maintain a healthy balance by keeping his priorities right, which of course at its core is his academics. How? Read the full interview to find out. [Interview Link]
Faisal Yusuf, Campus Director, Microsoft Learn Students Ambassador, OAU highlighted the importance of continuous learning. He attributes a percentage of his leadership success to the welcoming arms and training of his predecessors.
Oreoluwa Joseph Olowosile, Regional Coordinator, NACOS Southwest who happens to be the first third year student to hold this position in 30 years revealed to us that giving up is never an option. With three consecutive losses at the polls in previous elections, he attributes his success to GRACE. But that’s not all, this serial entrepreneur says he has a lot in store for NACOSites this year.
Godwin Adesite, Campus Lead, Google Developer Group, OAU amidst everything he said has a simple advice for anyone wondering whether GDG is worth joining; “Take the leap. Get involved. Your future self will thank you.”
Their journeys and advice for aspiring leaders are all in the full interview: [Interview Link]
Acknowledgements
Thank you to everyone who made this edition possible:
Professor Ayodeji Oluwatope, for supporting the newsletter.
Mokorede Adelana, for the graphics and interviews.
Oladipo Divine, for detailed interviews.
Eniafe Bada, for engaging conversations.
Ebunoluwa Sharon Adesiyan, for excellent interview sessions.
Daluchi Godswill‑Nwankwo, for writing and compiling this edition.
Until next time, stay inspired and keep shining.