Four Ph.D. candidates from the School of Information Technology and Computing (SITC) at the American University of Nigeria (AUN) presented research proposals tackling some of Africa’s most urgent challenges during their doctoral proposal defense on April 17, 2025, at the E-Library Conference Room 26.
The session highlighted innovative approaches to issues in public health, education, governance, and ICT development, showcasing SITC’s commitment to research with real-world impact.
The defense began with Kamal Bakari Jilabi, who proposed the use of semantic-based explainable AI models for the surveillance and diagnosis of malaria in northeastern Nigeria. His work seeks to leverage artificial intelligence to enhance public health outcomes in a region heavily burdened by the disease.
Alvin Orisedewa Forteta followed with a proposal examining digital governance in higher education institutions, particularly within disruptive environments. His study focuses on the challenges and opportunities that digital transformation brings to governance systems in Nigerian universities.
Nankyer Sarah Joseph, explored the role of cloud-based digital transformation in empowering women-owned businesses across sub-Saharan Africa. Her research addresses how access to digital tools can drive inclusive economic development and reduce gender-based barriers.
The final presentation, by Noel Dede Jomusu, investigated the failure of ICT Centers of Excellence in Nigerian tertiary institutions through a social critical theory lens. His proposal sheds light on systemic issues and institutional shortcomings that hinder technological progress in academia.
Reported by Aishatu Munnauwarah Yahya