Two PhDs, 88 research papers: Meet Engr. Dr. Ayangbekun of Federal Polytechnic Ayede
pannigeriannews
4 min read
By Sunday Adepoju
For Engr. Dr. Oluwafemi Jacob Ayangbekun, academic pursuit appears to be a continuing journey, rather than a destination. Ayangbekun, who hails from Ogbomoso, Oyo State, has successfully defended his second PhD degree: one in Computer Engineering from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) and another in Computer Science from Lead City University.
Before the two doctorates, he had obtained an MSc in Computer Science from the University of Ibadan and a BTech in Computer Engineering from LAUTECH.
Today, he is the acting Dean, School of Engineering Technology, Federal Polytechnic Ayede (FEDPA), where he also serves as a Principal Lecturer in the Department of Computer Engineering Technology.
His academic qualifications are impressive on their own, but what makes his profile more interesting is what he has done with the knowledge gathered over the years.
It is not every day that one comes across an academic with doctoral degrees in both Computer Engineering and Computer Science.
Dr. Ayangbekun defended his second PhD today in Computer Engineering at LAUTECH. He had earlier obtained his first PhD in Computer Science from Lead City University.
The two fields are closely related, but each has its own areas of specialisation. His academic background therefore gives him a broad understanding of both the engineering and computing sides of technology.
For someone who has spent close to two decades in tertiary education, the qualifications are part of a larger story of continuous learning and research.
Dr. Ayangbekun has spent about 20 years teaching and researching in tertiary institutions, with experience in both university and polytechnic education.
During that period, he produced 88 research papers published in reputable journals and conference books of proceedings. Some of his research findings have also been presented at academic conferences and platforms within Nigeria and outside the country. He has equally written two academic textbooks covering areas of Computer Science and Engineering.
His research interests are in areas that are becoming increasingly relevant to everyday life and modern industry. They include Machine Learning, ICT4D, Health Informatics, Artificial Intelligence and Pattern Recognition. From artificial intelligence to machine learning and health informatics, his areas of interest place him within fields where technology is constantly changing and where research can easily move from the pages of an academic journal into practical applications.
At FEDPA, Dr. Ayangbekun’s responsibilities go beyond teaching students. He is a member of the Governing Council, representing the Congregation, and chairs the Polytechnic’s ICT Development Committee.
He is also a member of several other committees within the institution. He previously served as the Chairman of the Polytechnic Central Examination Committee (PCEC), a responsibility that involves dealing with one of the most sensitive aspects of academic administration.
Now, as acting Dean of the School of Engineering Technology, he is involved in the administration and academic affairs of one of the Polytechnic’s key schools.
His position also puts his engineering and computing background to practical use in discussions around technology, academic programmes and the development of the School.
His academic career is backed by professional affiliations. Dr. Ayangbekun is a Registered Engineer (REngr) with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and a member of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (MNSE).
He is also affiliated with the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Computer Professionals Registration Council (CPN), International Association of Engineers (MIAENG) and Medical and Industrial Research and Development Institute (MIRDI).
These memberships connect his academic work with the wider engineering, computing and research communities.
It is easy to reduce a profile like this to numbers: two PhDs, 88 research papers, two textbooks and about 20 years of teaching and research.
But behind those figures is an academic career built around teaching, research and institutional responsibilities.
From the classroom to research conferences, from academic publications to committee rooms, Dr. Ayangbekun has remained involved in different aspects of tertiary education.
His present role at Federal Polytechnic Ayede gives him another opportunity to bring his experience to bear, particularly at a time when engineering education is closely tied to developments in artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital technology and other emerging areas.
For FEDPA, having an academic with two doctoral degrees in Computer Engineering and Computer Science, alongside a substantial research portfolio and professional engineering background, adds another layer to the institution’s growing academic profile.
For Dr. Ayangbekun himself, however, the story does not appear to end with the certificates on the wall. There is still teaching to do, research to conduct, students to mentor and technology-related problems to explore.
And perhaps that is the more interesting part of his story: the two PhDs may be significant, but they are not the end of the road.
So, on this note, I, on behalf of the entire Federal Polytechnic Ayede Community, felicitate Engr. Dr. Oluwafemi Jacob Ayangbekun on the successful defence of his second Ph.D. today.
…Adepoju is acting Director, Centre for Information, Communication and Public Relations, Federal Polytechnic Ayede.
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