Anthony Okonneh is a First Class graduate from the Department of Computer Science, KolaDaisi University, Ibadan, for the 2022/2023 session. He not only graduated with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.85 but was also the faculty president of the Faculty of Applied Science of his university. In this interview with Kingsley Alumona, he speaks about his academic journey.
What secondary school experience or achievements would you say prepared you most for your university education?
Attending a boarding school allowed me to meet and live with people from different backgrounds. Living in such a diverse environment contributed significantly to my interpersonal skills. The experience was a great help when I got to the university environment, containing a lot of different people too. Also, the secondary school curriculum is a great foundation for anyone pursuing a degree in whatever field. The strong emphasis on foundational subjects during my secondary education provided a solid base for the more advanced coursework at the university.
Why did you decide to study Computer Science? And why did you choose KolaDaisi University?
I always loved building things. When I applied to KolaDaisi University, my first choice was Physics and Electronics but the department was not available then. So, I opted for the next available course that had to do with innovation, and that was Computer Science. The dynamic nature of technology and its innovation potential drew me towards the subject.
I chose KolaDaisi University because it was recommended to me by my family. They highlighted the university’s commitment to education and nurturing environment for personal and academic growth.
How would you describe the kind of education you received at KolaDaisi University?
The education I received at KolaDaisi University was top-tier, in my opinion. I loved how enthusiastic the lecturers were about the courses they taught, instilling in us not just knowledge but also a genuine passion for the subject matter. Their dedication had a massive effect on our attitude to learning, fostering a culture of curiosity and academic engagement. We were also provided entrepreneurial courses by the university which goes to show how much the institution is focused on producing graduates that are a great addition to the economy of the country.
What were your best computer science courses and why?
My best computer science course was Introduction to Python Programming. I was already familiar with the framework before I found out it was part of my curriculum for my second year. The lecturer who took the course, Dr M. K. Aregbesola, was not only passionate and brilliant in his teaching but also fostered a dynamic learning environment that encouraged exploration and a deeper understanding of Python programming. At the end of the semester, a lot of us got interested in learning more about it.
What is the title of your final-year project?
My final-year project was titled ‘English to Yoruba translation using machine learning’. The project explored Natural Language Processing using the Transformers library. The challenging, yet rewarding nature of this project further fueled my interest in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in its applications to language processing. The complexities encountered during the implementation highlighted the importance of continuous research in refining machine translation, especially for low-resource languages.
My project supervisors Mr O. T. Adeboje and Mr B. O. Lawal played a pivotal role, guiding me through the intricacies and inspiring a passion for AI research. This mentorship experience significantly shaped my academic and professional trajectory, fostering a deeper commitment to advancing AI technologies.
Computing technologies — artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and coding — are rapidly changing the world. Which of these technologies or innovations do you major in and why?
I specialise in artificial intelligence, specifically in the area of neural networks and deep learning. The vast possibilities and transformative potential of AI and its subfields like machine learning, particularly in solving complex problems, captivated my interest. I chose to major in AI mainly because of this interest. It is truly remarkable how AI is reshaping industries and pushing the boundaries of what technology can achieve. The dynamic nature of the field ensures continuous learning and innovation, making it an exciting and ever-evolving space to be a part of. It is fascinating what the world of AI holds. Things that were thought impossible are now seen as normal, thanks to this field.
There are many universities offering computer science and engineering in Nigeria. There are also many computer science and engineering graduates too, but we are not technologically advanced like the Japanese, the Chinese or the Americans. Why is that? And what can Nigeria do to improve in this regard?
Many things can be said about this. While building adequate infrastructure and fostering international collaboration are crucial, a key aspect is to enhance the practical aspects of education. From my experience as a computer science graduate, I would say that the education system should be adjusted in a way that encourages practicals. Theory is great but when practical aspects are not given much attention, that can be very detrimental to a student’s development. A comprehensive approach that balances theory with hands-on experience will better prepare Nigerian graduates for the demands of the ever-evolving tech landscape.
You were the president of your faculty while in school. What does student leadership mean to you? And what were your job descriptions as faculty president?
In my view, leadership, regardless of the level, involves guiding and influencing individuals or groups toward shared goals. Student leadership, especially in the role of a faculty president, means being a catalyst for unity and collaboration within the student body.
During my time as faculty president, my focus was on promoting unity among the various departments within the faculty. The executive team organised a range of activities such as debates, quizzes, talent showcases, and departmental projects to bring everyone together. We aimed to create a sense of community by planning events that were both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. This included inviting speakers and organising seminars to facilitate meaningful discussions on various relevant topics.
My leadership style as faculty president was centred on fostering collaboration, curiosity, and continuous learning among my fellow students, with the hope of contributing to a positive and inclusive academic environment.
If you were the special adviser to the Oyo State governor on technology and innovation, how would you advise him on the use of technology to develop the state’s economy?
The use of technology and innovation is already happening in Oyo State, but I would still advocate for digital infrastructure development like broadband internet access, emphasising the need for comprehensive coverage to ensure that all areas within the state have reliable connectivity. Additionally, I would recommend the extension of technology initiatives to rural areas, bridging the digital divide through training programmes and grants. This approach would ensure that digital services reach all citizens within the state, fostering inclusive economic development.
What are the major challenges you faced in the course of your university education and how did you overcome them?
During my university education, one of the primary challenges I encountered was mastering effective time management. Initially, the academic workload and extracurricular activities left me feeling overwhelmed, and it seemed like there was never enough time to fulfil my daily tasks. To address this issue, I proactively adopted a new and disciplined approach to time management. I did this by meticulously planning my daily, weekly, and monthly schedules, and prioritising tasks based on deadlines and importance.
Embracing tools such as calendars and task management apps helped me visualise and organise my responsibilities. By sticking to a well-structured schedule, I gradually developed a heightened sense of time consciousness — and then, suddenly, every day felt less stressful and I had enough free time to play sports and hang out with friends.
In what ways do you want the management of Koladaisi to improve the quality of education that you met and graduated from?
The management of the university could pay more attention to extracurricular activities like sports and clubs. Gladly, these issues were already being addressed in my final year as more clubs were created, like the debate and press clubs. The university also started paying more attention to the sporting equipment needed by the students. These initiatives not only enhance the overall student experience but also contribute to a more holistic and well-rounded education. Continuous efforts to support and expand extracurricular activities will undoubtedly improve the quality of education.
What is next for you after graduation? And where do you see yourself in five years?
Currently, I am gearing up for my service year, embracing the opportunities and challenges it will bring. As for the next five years, I envision myself as someone on a perpetual journey of personal growth and societal impact. I plan to continue learning, exploring new horizons, and making meaningful contributions to the communities I find myself in. Whether through further education, professional endeavours, or community initiatives, I aspire to leverage my skills and knowledge to positively influence the world around me.
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