Arts and Life
Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola’s Responses in a Media Interview
By: Babatunde Adekanmbi
Early Life and Education
Reflecting on my formative years, I was born on December 26, 1969, and have emerged as a luminous figure in the spheres of cybersecurity and information technology management, both in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Career and Contributions
Throughout my career, I have held notable positions and made substantial contributions to the technology landscape. I currently act as the chairman of the Professor Ademola Ojo Emmanuel Foundation and drive initiatives at the Proposed University of Professional Studies in Igbajo Ijesa, Osun State, Nigeria. Additionally, I serve as the Regional Superintendent of Christ Apostolic Church, overseeing operations in Nigeria and abroad. Notably, I am recognised as the first Nigerian Professor of Cyber Security and Information Technology Management. I have also attained Chartered Manager Status, making me the first Professor of African descent to achieve this distinction, subsequently being awarded Chartered Fellow (CMgr FCMI) by the Royal Chartered Management Institute. My expertise has garnered international acclaim, with widespread accolades and a presence on the Google Knowledge Panel as an esteemed author and public figure.
Leadership and Affiliations
My leadership roles encompass being an Executive Committee Member of BCS ELITE – The Computing Leadership Forum, a BCS & CMI Subject Matter Expert, and the Trademark Owner of Power-Age (Management Consulting). I contribute to the Governing Council of the American International University, West Africa, Gambia, and hold an International Advisory Board member position at Dominican University Ibadan, Nigeria. Leading the Power-Age and Institute for Enterprise Management and Analytics, I also hold the title of Visiting Professor at the American International University of West Africa, The Gambia.
Accolades and Recognitions
My professional journey has been enriched with numerous accolades and affiliations, demonstrating my commitment to excellence and knowledge dissemination in academia, cybersecurity, and community development. I am honoured to hold titles such as Chartered Manager, Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Information Technology (BCS), and Academic Ambassador. Moreover, I am a CMI Approved Chief Lecturer in Leadership and Management, an Information Technology Subject Matter Expert, and a reviewer of books and articles. Fluent in both English and Yoruba, I have been recognised for my exemplary professional and community leadership and exceptional contributions to leadership excellence in areas such as knowledge transfer, cybersecurity, business, and community development.
Awards and Honours
In acknowledgement of my contributions to the field, I have received numerous prestigious awards and fellowships, including becoming a Chartered Manager, Chartered Fellow of the Royal Chartered Management Institute UK, Chartered Information Technology Professional (C.itp) of the Computer Professionals (Registration of Nigeria), Fellow of the Royal Chartered Institute of Information Technology (British Computer Society), among others.
Published Works
My scholarly endeavours have enriched the global knowledge repository, with my peer-reviewed papers and articles cited by researchers worldwide. As an author, my work is disseminated across various platforms such as Wikipedia, Google-indexed dailies, Scopus, academic databases, and online newspapers.
Vision and Impact
In my pursuit of a digitally inclusive future, I strive to revolutionise Nigeria’s education system through digital innovations. My strategic blueprint underscores the importance of visionary leadership and digital empowerment to drive impactful change in our society.
Interviewer: Professor Ademola, your extensive body of work as a Guest Writer, Columnist, and Contributing Editor spans over 140 articles, highlighting your expertise in cybersecurity, information technology management, and leadership. Can you share with us your motivation behind sharing knowledge and insights on these topics with a global audience?
Professor Ademola: Thank you for the question. I firmly believe in the power of knowledge dissemination and the impact it can have on advancing understanding in critical areas such as cybersecurity, IT management, and leadership. Through my writings, I aim to provide valuable perspectives on the ever-changing technological landscape, shedding light on its implications for both organizations and individuals. It is my commitment to contribute to the broader conversation and offer insights that can benefit professionals and researchers in these fields.
Interviewer: Your contributions as a prolific author have solidified your reputation as a thought leader in the digital age. How do you navigate the process of crafting articles that resonate with a diverse audience while maintaining academic rigor in your work?
Professor Ademola: Balancing accessibility with academic rigor is a crucial aspect of my writing process. I strive to present complex topics in a clear and engaging manner that appeals to a diverse audience, including professionals, academics, and enthusiasts in the tech industry. By combining in-depth research with practical insights, I aim to offer valuable takeaways that can be applied in real-world scenarios. Ultimately, my goal is to bridge the gap between academia and industry, delivering content that is both informative and applicable in today’s fast-paced digital environment.
Interviewer: Your dedication to sharing knowledge and insights is truly commendable. Looking ahead, what are some key areas of focus you plan to explore in your future articles and publications?
Professor Ademola: In the future, I intend to delve deeper into emerging trends and challenges in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and information technology management. These areas represent critical pillars of the digital age, and understanding their complexities is essential for navigating the evolving landscape of technology. Additionally, I will continue to explore themes related to leadership and decision-making, as these aspects play a pivotal role in shaping the success of organizations in a rapidly changing world. Overall, I am excited to continue contributing to the conversation and sharing valuable insights with my audience through my upcoming works.
Interviewer: What inspired you to establish the Proposed University of Professional Studies in Igbajo Ijesa, Osun State, Nigeria?
Professor Ademola: The inspiration behind the establishment of the Proposed University of Professional Studies in Igbajo Ijesa, Osun State, stems from a deep-rooted commitment to providing quality education in the realm of professional studies. Recognising the importance of a specialised institution that focuses on developing expertise in various fields, I was driven to create a platform that caters to the educational needs of individuals seeking to excel in their chosen professions. The vision for this university is to cultivate a nurturing academic environment that fosters innovation, creativity, and practical skills development to meet the demands of the ever-evolving job market.
Interviewer: What are your projections for the economic impact of this institution in Nigeria and Africa at large?
Professor Ademola: In envisioning the economic impact of the Proposed University of Professional Studies, I anticipate a transformative effect on both Nigeria and Africa as a whole. By equipping students with practical skills and specialised knowledge, the institution aims to produce a workforce that is not only highly competent but also capable of driving innovation and economic growth. Through partnerships with industry leaders, research collaborations, and a strong focus on entrepreneurship, the university, when it commences operations, shall seek to create a pipeline of talent that can contribute to the development of various sectors, thereby bolstering economic productivity and sustainability at a national and continental level.