In an exclusive interview with thenigeriaeducationnews.com Don Etiebet Award winner HABEEBLAH ABEREJO shares his inspiring journey from overcoming academic setbacks to developing an innovative “geofencing and facial recognition project. He reflects on his time at Lagos State University (LASU), the mentorship that shaped his path, and his vision to leveraging technology to revolutionize education in Nigeria.
CAN YOU SHARE A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND?
I was born and grew up in Lagos, and I’ve spent my entire life here. I come from a family of six, including my parents. If there’s anything you’d like me to elaborate on, feel free to ask.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR COURSE OF STUDY? DID YOU ALWAYS KNOW YOU WOULD STUDY THIS COURSE?
In secondary school, I initially wanted to study medicine. However, after my O-levels, I scored a C5 in Biology, which wasn’t strong enough for a medical career. I was advised to retake the exams, so I opted for IGCSEs. Unfortunately, I only managed to score a C4 in Biology, which further discouraged me.
I learned from my research and mentors that Biology is a core subject for medicine. As a result, I decided to let go of my dream of becoming a doctor. One of my brothers reviewed my results and suggested I explore physical sciences, such as Physics or Mathematics. Although I didn’t particularly enjoy these subjects, I decided to keep an open mind.
During this time, I encountered a software developer who was working on a project in a café. I was curious and asked him about his work. He explained that he was a web developer and even shared some study materials with me. I found it fascinating and realized I wanted to pursue computer science. This encounter influenced my decision when I was preparing for JAMB, as I selected subjects aligned that with computer science instead of medicine.
WHAT YEAR ARE YOU IN NOW?
I have completed my studies. My final project, the Don Etiebet project, was concluded two months ago, and the project recently won an award.
HOW HAS YOUR JOURNEY AT LASU BEEN? DO YOU HAVE MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES?
My parents live close to LASU, so I initially didn’t plan to stay in the hostel. However, the hike in transportation costs made commuting very challenging.
One memorable experience was during my final exams. I was preparing to leave campus early on a Friday when a mentor approached me. He encouraged me to stay back and focus on my studies, emphasizing the importance of excelling in computer science. His words resonated deeply, and instead of going home, I decided to study on campus until Monday morning. That weekend of intense preparation significantly contributed to my success that semester.
HOW DID YOU BALANCE ACADEMICS, PERSONAL LIFE, AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES?
For me, it was all about prioritizing. I started university as a part-time worker at a small company. In my 100-level, I worked mornings and attended tutorials in the afternoons. However, by the end of the year, I realized I needed to focus more on my studies. I quit my job and dedicated myself to academics.
I learned to prioritize my tasks. For instance, as exams approached, I would set aside distractions, close my laptop, and switch to printed materials for focused study. Being disciplined and surrounding myself with academically-driven peers helped me stay on track.
WHO INSPIRES YOU? DO YOU HAVE A ROLE MODEL?
I don’t have a specific role model because I believe no one is perfect. Instead, I draw inspiration from different people and pick the best qualities from their experiences. I enjoy reading autobiographies and learning how successful individuals balance their lives and overcome challenges.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE DON ETIEBET AWARD?
The Don Etiebet Award is organized by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) and recognizes the most innovative undergraduate projects in technology. My professor introduced me to the competition during my 400-level and encouraged me to participate. Each school in Lagos submits their best projects, and the top three are selected after a rigorous review process.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROJECT. WHAT PROBLEM DOES IT AIM TO SOLVE?
At the core, I am a machine learning engineer. In simple terms, I build “brains” for computers. I develop models for artificial intelligence, which are like the decision-making systems that guide computers.
The project itself was born out of my experience in AI, winning hackathons, and academic research. When I submitted a list of topics to my supervisor, one was selected, and I decided to refine it further using geofencing, which added a unique edge.
The project is an attendance system specifically designed for campuses. It ensures students can only mark attendance when they are physically present in the assigned location, using geofencing technology. For example, if a lecture is scheduled in a particular hall, students must be within that hall’s geographical boundary before the app can work. Even then, the attendance process is incomplete without facial recognition, which ensures only the actual student can mark their attendance.
This system addresses problems like cheating during attendance marking and promotes accountability. In many universities, including LASU, students must attend at least 70% of classes to be eligible for exams. But the current system using paper attendance sheets is prone to fraud, as students often sign on behalf of absent friends. It also disrupts lectures as the sheets are passed around.
WHAT WAS YOUR REACTION WHEN YOU WON THE AWARD?
I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was focused on giving my best to the project. During a class meeting, my professor informed us that some projects had been shortlisted, and mine was among them. The news of winning was a pleasant surprise, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent my school.
Winning the award has inspired me to continue innovating in the field of machine learning. I’m excited to explore new challenges and contribute to the advancement of technology.
IS THERE ANY WAY THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT SUPPORTED YOU, EITHER BEFORE OR AFTER YOU WON THE AWARD?
Yes, yes. A lot! A lot of support came from my lecturers. At some point, I had to reach out to lecturers who were not even my supervisors, and they were readily available to help, including my professor.
In fact, let me mention Professor Benjamin Aribisala, the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of Oodua University. I reached out to him by sending a DM, and he replied within five minutes! That really motivated me. It proved to me that if someone of his calibre could put so much effort into supporting us and ensuring we produce the best projects, then we, as students, must also put in our best to make him proud.
My colleagues, especially those assigned under the same professor, were also very supportive. A big shout-out to them!
WERE THERE MOMENTS WHEN YOU DOUBTED YOURSELF, OR FELT UNSURE ABOUT YOUR CHANCES OF BEING PICKED?
Well, one thing about me is that if I decide to do something and I really want to do it, I always put in my best to make sure I do it well.
But yes, there was a moment when I felt unsure. That was when we were shortlisted for submission to the competition. I looked at the other submissions, especially those involving artificial intelligence, and I began to wonder if my project could stand out. But it was already too late to make changes since the project had been submitted.
Thankfully, my very good friend, who also participated and eventually placed third, kept encouraging me. On the submission and pitching days, we kept hoping for the best.
Interestingly, I wasn’t even there when the results were announced. I was attending a five-day leadership training program organized by Lagos State. I told my friend to inform me if my name was announced because I didn’t want to miss the training. My phone battery was low, so I had my data turned off to conserve power.
Later, I got a notification that I had won the award! I thought my friend was joking. But when he sent proof that I took first place, I was overwhelmed.
At that point, I was in a session and had to ask for permission to leave. I rushed to the venue and arrived just five minutes before my name was called. It was an incredible experience, and I’m so grateful to my friend for informing me and supporting me throughout.
HOW WOULD YOU RATE LASU’S APPROACH TO TEACHING AND LEARNING WHEN IT COMES TO BALANCING THEORY AND PRACTICAL?
Sincerely, it is not bad at all. Because in every community where there are thousands of students, it’s expected that some people will open their mouths and just say, “Oh, they don’t get the best out of it,” while some people will actually tell you that they get the best out of it. Luckily, I was part of those that got the best out of it. Because even though some lecturers don’t take practicals, they give projects. And it’s more like, “Okay, group yourselves into five-five. Then in that five-group, go and build this practical project.” And you end up having just one person work on it.
So, I think they really try to cover that gap between practical and theory, but it’s just up to some students who feel nonchalant about it. That might affect them. But I think LASU is really trying to cover the gap. Luckily for us in computer science, when they tell us to build this for your project or do this for this course practically, they group us. I tried to showcase myself by leading or contributing to the group project in a way. So, in the long run, it really added to my experience learning theoretically and practically.
WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM?
It’s going to be a gradual process, but lots of changes are needed. At times, students find themselves lost. It could be because lecturers are assigned to too many students, or students are not getting a hundred percent push from wherever it’s supposed to come from—maybe from home or maybe because they’re not interested in the course.
One of the big things I would like to see in the universities is having enough hands, only 10-to-1 ratios, such that 10 students are assigned to one lecturer. In that case, the lecturer can relate, rapport, advise, and guide wherever necessary. It helps push the students. Because in some cases, students feel like, “Oh, there’s nobody to help us,” whereas someone is assigned to them but maybe, too many students to cater to.
WHAT ROLE DO YOU THINK TECHNOLOGY WILL PLAY IN IMPROVING EDUCATION IN NIGERIA?
A lot, a lot. One of them is attendance monitoring. My project is an example of how technology can address issues like attendance fraud. If students know they can’t cheat the system, they’ll likely to attend classes regularly.
Other technologies, like augmented reality, can make practical learning more engaging and accessible. For instance, students can use AR to simulate experiments or build models, even without physical resources.
Technology bridges gaps and provides opportunities for innovation, even in resource-constrained environments. With the right investments, Nigeria can revolutionize its education system and prepare students for global competition.
Overall, technology can solve issues like attendance and practical engagement. For instance, facial recognition and geofencing can ensure that only those present and participating are accounted for. These systems reduce loopholes in education and ensure accountability.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO STUDENTS ASPIRING TO COMPETE IN GLOBAL INNOVATIONS?
Just keep pushing—you’ll be recognized one day. Hard work will surely pay off. My supervisor used to say something whenever I achieved recognition: Hard work pays.
I remember my first hackathon in 2022. We were a team of four, but as soon as it started, one of my teammates left, claiming he was sick. I ended up doing 70–80% of the work. We placed sixth, but I kept pushing. Since then, I’ve participated in three or four hackathons, either as a leader or a team member, and we’ve seen better results.
It might not be sweet at first, but with consistency and effort, you’ll see the results.
WHAT QUALITIES OR SKILLS DO YOU THINK ARE ESSENTIAL FOR SUCCESS IN ACADEMICS?
Soft skills matter a lot. You can’t know everything, so you need people to identify and guide you. But for that to happen, you must exhibit qualities like humility, honesty, and respect.
A lot of students assume being smart is enough, but that’s not true. No matter how good you are, if no one recognizes or mentors you, it’s hard to get results. Simple things like greeting your professors, being approachable, and maintaining a good attitude go a long way.
HOW CAN YOUNG PEOPLE CONTRIBUTE TO ADDRESSING CHALLENGES IN EDUCATION WITHOUT WAITING FOR THE GOVERNMENT?
The government is like an overseer, but young people shouldn’t wait for them. Identify a problem, build a solution around it, and thrive on that. Eventually, investors or the government will come in to support.
Look at the many young people doing amazing things—they didn’t wait for government intervention. They started small, solved problems, made noise about their solutions, and drew attention. It takes time, but the impact is always worth it.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?
Doing great things. I’m currently investing my time in identifying niches where technology can solve Nigerian problems. If the solution thrives and grows, people will eventually celebrate it.
If I compare where I was five years ago to now, there’s been progress. So, in the next five years, I hope it’ll be even greater.
WHAT’S YOUR FINAL ADVICE TO STUDENTS, EDUCATORS, AND STAKEHOLDERS IN NIGERIA’S EDUCATION SECTOR?
To students, it boils down to values that make you recognizable. Even simple things like dressing well can make someone notice you.
To educators and stakeholders, I’d say they should celebrate young people’s efforts more.
When I won an award, my professor immediately wrote to the vice-chancellor and ensured my achievement was recognized. Small gestures like that go a long way in motivating young people. Sometimes, it’s not about financial rewards—it’s about acknowledgment and encouragement. Thank you
