Can you tell us about your Engineering career journey?  

I am naturally passionate about mathematical modelling and analysis. I became interested in Engineering when I considered the complex design of the physical world we live in. I began to recognise the need to develop safe, reliable and life-transforming systems to mimic nature for the betterment of humanity.  

After my BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree, I worked as an Electrical and Electronic Engineer with a Consulting Engineering firm in Nigeria. After this, I joined an aviation company as an Electrical and Electronic Engineer. As a passionate industry-linked teacher and researcher, I left the company and joined Akwa Ibom State University of Technology (Nigeria) as a Lecturer in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. 

I came to the UK in 2007 to study MSc Communication Engineering followed by a PhD in Electrical and Electronic degrees at The University of Manchester. I then started working at Manchester Met as an Academic Support Tutor and then secured a post-doc before becoming a Lecturer in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. 

I have a bright future ahead and plan to establish a world-leading Communications and Space Systems Engineering research centre in five year’s time. Moreover, in the future, I hope to serve as a Vice-Chancellor of a World-Class University. 

How did your degree prepare you for your current role?  

My undergraduate degree exposed me to a multidisciplinary learning experience. This enabled me to function as a seasoned professional Engineer during my Engineering consulting work.

Moreover, I utilise my undergraduate experience to encourage my personal tutees to study multidisciplinary units on our Engineering curricular to boost their Engineering competencies for chartership and professional practice.

My passion for Radio Communication Engineering motivated me to study my postgraduate degree. I was taught and mentored by renowned experts in Radio Communication Engineering and learned advanced component-to-system-levels design, modelling, simulation, characterisation and production skills. I cannot over-emphasise the importance of being under the tutelage of academic and industry experts in your subject area. I have focused on industry-linked Engineering pedagogy to Manchester Met and engaged my industry contacts to co-deliver specialist content to our students. 

What do you enjoy about your current role?  

As a Chartered Engineer, I enjoy engaging with my industry partners to educate the up-and-coming Engineers whilst developing the next generation of communication Engineering systems. I teach to empower future generations of professionals with my expertise and contribute to the advancement of knowledge. My teaching philosophy is all about the hands-on inquiry-based delivery of industry-linked and research-informed content that keeps my students engaged.

Students that study my subject stay in contact with modern Engineering and gain in-depth and practical knowledge of real-world applications for radio communications systems. They will have opportunities to be challenged to work on industry-linked Engineering projects that enable them to increase their employability and complete at a global level. 

My current role at Manchester Met provides me with expanding opportunities to work with world-leading industry champions to develop life-transforming Engineering products. The Department of Engineering provides me with opportunities to add meaning to lives and be my best amongst supportive colleagues.  

What advice would you give to students who aspire to a career in Engineering?  

I had a passion for Radio Communication Engineering as an undergraduate student but no academic expert to supervise my final year project on Ultra-High Frequency Broadband Antenna Design. I supervised myself (reporting to my Head of Department) and gained industry-linked experience. Embrace challenges as gateways to life-transforming opportunities. Dare to be a pioneer! Live your future and let your present be unhindered by your past.

What does diversity in Engineering mean to you?  

Diversity in Engineering means ensuring that everyone gets treated fairly and offered equal opportunities. It is vital to note that every responsible organisation draws people from the widest possible pool of talent and creates an environment in which everyone feels respected and capable of achieving their potential. For instance, I have ensured that at least one female colleague serves as a co-supervisor to all my postgraduate research students. Moreover, I have deliberately created opportunities for my taught and supervised female  Engineering students to excel and gain employments in leading Engineering companies.

 In our Engineering profession and work, we inevitably deal with a wide range of different people. Our primary role within the Engineering industry is to provide a responsible, professional service that meets the present needs of each and every individual without compromising the survivability of future generations. Different people have different perspectives on things, which makes inclusion and diversity key factors in sustainable Engineering creativity and innovation.  

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