‘What kept me going in my research’

The 2017 Global Information Security Workforce Study, ‘Women in Cyber Security’, states that women still only make up 11 per cent of the global cyber security workforce. According to research, this number has remained stagnant since 2013, and cyber security workforce gap is expected to reach 1.8 million by 2022. Indeed, Cyber Security is still a relatively new area of knowledge in Nigeria’s university curriculum, offered only by still very few institutions.  Tiwalade Adelola on December 18, 2017 joined this elite crop of experts, as she bagged a doctorate in Cyber Security at the Loughborough University, United Kingdom. She spoke with Saturday Tribune.

Give us a brief history of your educational pursuits here in Nigeria and your eventual movement to England, and why.

I attended Apata Memorial Primary School, Okota, in Lagos. My secondary school education was at Faith Academy, Canaan Land, Ota Ogun State, after which I studied at the Covenant University and graduated in 2012 with Bachelor of Engineering degree in Information and Communication Technology. The United Kingdom had the courses I was interested in pursuing.

What was the focus of your doctoral research at Loughborough University, and what was your motivation to venture into this line of research?

Various countries have developed and implemented cyber-security awareness measures to counter the current cyber crime wave. However, there is currently a definite lack in this regard in Nigeria, as there are currently no effective Internet security awareness initiatives. Part of my research attempts to find a means to understand the privacy and data protection issues by analysing the current privacy practices, Internet users’ perceptions and awareness knowledge, and by identifying factors specific to Nigeria that influence their current privacy and data protection situation. In addition, it seeks to provide a solution focusing on improving Internet security culture rather than focusing solely (on) technological solutions. In the case of Nigeria, the stakeholders are the government and organisations responsible for personal information security; and an awareness training method has been created to take into account Nigeria’s unique factors. This training method encompasses promoting Internet security awareness through contextual training and promoting awareness programmes.

The reasons for researching this topic area is the distinct lack of literature that focuses on finding solutions to the apparent cyber security issue in Nigeria, while considering the unique factors and situation in Nigeria that would (ensure) that the solutions are applicable and effective.

There are still very few women in Cyber Security. Why do you think this is so? And, do you see women tipping the scale, so to say, in the foreseeable future?

The lack of women in this area (is) clearly a function of the minority of women in technology jobs in general. Furthermore, there has been an ingrained mentality that cyber-security and generally technology-focused career paths are more suited to men. However, I can definitely see a change in this trend. There are now initiatives that encourage high school girls and women to study and apply for technological roles. For instance, the Women in Cyber Security conference provides support and encouragement for women in cyber security and tries to generate interest among students to consider cyber security as a viable and promising career path. Even during my studies, there were a number of very brilliant women studying cyber security-related topics. Therefore, to answer your question, yes, I definitely see women taking a bigger role in cyber security in the future.

What are the opportunities you think Nigeria as a country can explore to become a leader in this field? And what benefits does it stand to gain as a nation?

As I pointed out in my research, any cyber crime preventive measure developed will be inefficient if the underlying awareness and knowledge is lacking amongst Internet users. I believe that having an effective and easy-to-access cyber-security awareness programme and cyber crime prevention body will be a stepping stone into being recognized in this field.

 Speaking from your vantage position, having studied both in and outside Nigeria, what new areas of knowledge would you suggest that policymakers in Nigeria should introduce (or pay closer attention to) in the curriculum?

Generally, in Information Technology, I think there should be more focus on the practical aspect of the course. That was a big difference in studying in Nigeria and the UK. Most of the curriculum in Nigeria focuses mainly on theory even in areas where practical hands-on approach would have been more beneficial. This made my studies in the UK much more satisfying as I had the opportunity to implement most of the topics discussed in class. It would also be good to have cyber security curriculum in tertiary education in Nigeria. Government should also fund researchers in the area.

 Are there significant life-changing experiences or lessons you had in the course of your scholarship in Britain that you want to share?

One thing that kept me going and made my journey smooth and fulfilling was a very positive attitude. This might sound (like a) cliché, but I always expected the best in everything I did; and even when I had a setback, it was that positive outlook that prevented me from being disappointed or stressed. This is an attitude that has been ingrained in me by my parents. It is very usual to have disappointing and stressful situation when doing a PhD, and this can be understandably discouraging. I know people who dropped out halfway due to this.

 What is the next thing on the card for you after your doctorate? Are you staying back in England?

I am planning to use my knowledge in the IT field, likely in consultancy. I will be currently based in the UK.

In what ways are you thinking of using your expertise to add value to what is happening back at home in Nigeria?

I aspire to use my knowledge in a consultancy capacity and assist understanding the cyber-crime issues in companies and Nigeria as a whole and provide guidance on creating an effective awareness programme.