I see university as environment where people make decisions that determine success or failure —Elizabeth Rotimi, FUTA’s First Class Computer Science graduate

Elizabeth Boluwatife Rotimi graduated from the Department of Computer Science at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), with a First Class for the 2024-2025 session. She finished with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.52 on a scale of 5.0. In this interview by KINGSLEY ALUMONA, she speaks about her academic journey, among other issues.

How did the secondary school you attended prepare you for your university education? And what was your idea or perception of a university or university life before you gained admission into one?

From an early stage, in my secondary school, I was constantly taught the importance of excellence. Excellence was presented as a standard, and this shaped my mindset going forward. As a result, I entered the university with a clear goal of being an excellent student who takes learning seriously and strives for high standards.

Before gaining admission into the university, my perception of university life was that it was a place of independence. I believed it was an environment where individuals are free to make their own decisions and where those decisions ultimately determine success or failure.

What inspired you, or how did you come to study computer science? And why choose the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), to study it?

My interest in computer science began during my secondary school years when I had my first opportunity to work with a computer. I was fascinated by technology and curious about the many ways it could be used to change the world. This curiosity led me to ask my computer teacher questions about how computers work and the possibilities within the field.

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I chose FUTA for a combination of personal and academic reasons. Being from Ondo State, I wanted to experience and better understand my home state. After conducting my own research, I discovered that FUTA is one of the leading universities of technology in Nigeria, so it was an excellent choice. Overall, studying computer science at FUTA was a valuable experience. While it did not entirely match all of my expectations, the academic environment was enriching, and I am always grateful to all my lecturers.

In the course of your programme, which area(s) or aspect(s) of computer science interested you more and why?

During my programme, I was particularly interested in areas of computer science that are strongly rooted in mathematics and logical reasoning. I have always enjoyed the technical and analytical aspects, especially courses that required structured thinking and problem-solving.

Some of the areas that interested me most include data analysis, graph theory, discrete structures and mathematics, HCI, and digital signal processing, to mention a few. These subjects appealed to me because they combine mathematical rigour with real-world applications. Overall, my interest lies at the intersection of mathematics, technology, and product development, using analytical thinking to design solutions that can positively impact society and make the world better.

What was your best moment as an undergraduate, and also your worst moment? How did you manage the worst moment?

One of my best moments as an undergraduate was when I achieved a GPA of 4.88, which earned me my first appearance on the Dean’s List. Another memorable highlight was when I organised one of the largest impact-driven events for young people in Akure. It was deeply fulfilling.

My worst moment as an undergraduate occurred during my 300-level year, when my academic results dropped noticeably. I cried a lot. I took time to reflect, pray, and reassess my study methods. I sought advice from friends who were performing well academically, learned from their approaches, and made deliberate changes to my routine.

What is your final-year project about, and what are its major findings and its significance to society?

My final-year project focused on the development of an AI-powered web application for Lassa fever surveillance using social media data and news reports. The goal of the project was to explore how artificial intelligence and data-driven techniques can support early detection and monitoring of disease outbreaks, particularly in regions where traditional surveillance systems may be limited.

The application collected and analysed publicly available data from social media platforms and online news sources to identify trends, keywords, and patterns related to Lassa fever outbreaks. The significance of this project lies in its potential impact on public health. Over the past few years, Lassa fever has recorded a high mortality rate, and delayed detection worsens outcomes.

Many innovations and solutions are springing up from computer science applications. As a first-class computer science graduate, which tech or computer project/solution have you produced or intend to produce, and what unique problem would this product solve?

One solution I am deeply interested in producing is a digital inclusion and opportunity-access platform for young people, particularly those limited by financial constraints. This idea is personal to me because I experienced firsthand how difficult it can be for talented young people to access quality opportunities due to a lack of resources, exposure, or guidance.

Over the years, I have organised programmes and initiatives aimed at helping young people gain entry into the technology space through mentorship, training, and exposure to opportunities. However, I recognise that these efforts are limited in scale.

The platform I intend to build would serve as a centralised space where young people can access curated opportunities such as scholarships, internships, training programs, mentorship, and entry-level tech roles, regardless of their financial background.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are changing the way things are done in virtually all areas of life and business. However, they also have their drawbacks. What advice do you have for people and businesses on the best ways to leverage AI and ML for effectively solving their problems?

My key advice to people and businesses is to view AI and machine learning as tools for augmentation, not replacement. AI should support human decision-making, improve efficiency, and handle repetitive or data-intensive tasks, but it should not replace human judgment, creativity, or accountability.

Organisations must first clearly understand the problem they are trying to solve. Applying AI without a defined objective often leads to poor outcomes, especially in sensitive areas such as healthcare, finance, and public policy.

If you were to solve three national problems facing Nigeria with your computer science expertise, which problems would they be, and how would you go about solving them?

If I were to address three national problems facing Nigeria using my computer science expertise, they would be access to quality education and opportunities, healthcare delivery, and corruption.

First, access to quality education and opportunities remains a major challenge, especially for young people from underserved communities. I would address this by building scalable digital platforms that provide access to learning resources, mentorship, scholarships, internships, and career opportunities.

Second, the healthcare sector faces challenges such as poor disease surveillance, delayed response, and limited data-driven decision-making. I would develop digital health solutions that support early disease detection, health monitoring, and efficient resource allocation.

Third, corruption continues to undermine trust and efficiency in public systems. Technology can help reduce this by increasing transparency and accountability. I would explore the use of secure digital platforms to track government processes and public spending.

What skills or tools do you think young tech practitioners need to acquire to be among the top one per cent of innovators or techpreneurs in the industry?

First, a solid understanding of the core computer science fundamentals, such as algorithms, data structures, databases, and system design, is essential. Second, practitioners should stay informed about emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, blockchain, and cloud computing, and understand how to apply them effectively.

Third, adaptability and a continuous learning mindset are crucial. The tech landscape changes rapidly, and the ability to pivot, learn new skills, and apply them creatively separates innovators from followers.

Finally, soft skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and resilience are equally important.

In the course of your undergraduate studies, what would you say were your social, entrepreneurial, and leadership achievements?

During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to speak at over 100 events, both online and in person, sharing knowledge and inspiring young people. I also organised one of the largest impact-driven events in Akure, which attracted over 1,000 attendees, and I served as Director of Software for the Computer Science Association.

I contributed as a trainer in the Leadership Hub at my church, mentored young students, and engaged with the Junior Chamber International (JCI) to support community development. I received various awards recognising my contributions to technology and community service.

Your profile states that you are the founder and team lead of Techies on LinkedIn. When and how did you found this platform, and what impact are you making with it?

I founded Techies on LinkedIn about two years ago because I wanted to create a dedicated space for young people to access opportunities in technology. I noticed there was no strong community specifically for tech enthusiasts on LinkedIn. It was challenging, but I was intentional about setting priorities and managing my time. I created clear schedules and knew when to dedicate my full attention to either my studies or growing the community.

The platform has connected thousands of young people to mentorship, resources, and jobs, helping them navigate the tech ecosystem more effectively.

If you were given a fully funded postgraduate scholarship to study in any university in the world, which course would you study and at which university?

If I were given a fully funded postgraduate scholarship, I would love to study Artificial Intelligence or core Computer Science and Programming at Stanford, MIT, or Cambridge. They are globally recognised hubs for innovation, research, and technology. I want to immerse myself in an environment where I can learn from the best and collaborate on cutting-edge projects.