Nigerian scholars shine at US engineering conference, redefine AI and education frontiers

By: Segun Abe

Nigerian researchers are once again proving their influence on the global stage, with a remarkable showing at the 2024 American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Annual Conference held in Portland, Oregon, United States. The event, one of the world’s most prestigious gatherings for educators and innovators in science and technology, featured strong participation from Nigerian scholars both locally and abroad, many of whom presented pioneering work bridging education, artificial intelligence, and applied engineering.

Among the notable participants was Ejiga Peter Ojonugwa, a researcher at Morgan State University’s Department of Advanced Computing, whose presentation drew wide attention for its practical innovation in teaching digital electronics. His paper, “Comparative Study of Digital Electronics Learning: Using PCB versus Traditional Methods in an Experiment-Centered Pedagogy (ECP) Approach,” examined how replacing conventional breadboard-based experiments with printed circuit boards (PCBs) could deepen students’ conceptual understanding and hands-on experience.

Conference attendees described the work as one of the most forward-looking approaches to engineering instruction in recent years, aligning with global efforts to make laboratory education more experiential and industry-aligned. The paper has since sparked discussions around curriculum redesigns and laboratory upgrades in several engineering departments across Africa.

The conference also featured a strong contingent of Nigerian academics from institutions such as Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Several delegates received top honours, including Best Paper and Excellence in Pedagogical Research awards, reflecting the high calibre of innovation emerging from Nigerian universities. Many presentations focused on rethinking engineering and computer science education in developing nations, emphasising affordability, inclusivity, and relevance to local industries. Participants also used the platform to strengthen ties with international peers and explore future collaborations and funding opportunities.

The surge in Nigerian participation at ASEE 2024 shows a broader shift in the nation’s academic landscape. Despite funding and infrastructural challenges, Nigerian scholars continue to excel globally through creativity, technical mastery, and resilience. Their achievements demonstrate how Nigerian ingenuity is shaping fields once dominated by Western institutions, from classroom innovation to cutting-edge AI research.

Observers and academic leaders praised the delegation’s success, noting that it strengthens Nigeria’s reputation as a hub of emerging scientific talent. Many expressed optimism that these achievements will translate into stronger institutional partnerships, increased research funding, and greater recognition for African scholarship worldwide.

Ahead of the next academic year, several Nigerian participants are already preparing follow-up projects and collaborations inspired by their ASEE presentations. Their ongoing work, spanning experiment-centered learning frameworks, medical image synthesis, and AI-driven diagnostics, continues to illustrate how science can serve society when curiosity meets commitment.