First Class graduates should see their degrees as foundation, not as final destination —Toluwalogo Ajibola, Redeemer’s University’s First Class Elect/Elect graduate

Toluwalogo Henry Ajibola graduated with a First Class from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, for the 2025-2026 session. He finished with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.68 on a 5.0 scale. In this interview by KINGSLEY ALUMONA, he speaks about his academic feat, energy and electricity problems facing Nigeria, among other issues.

How would you describe your senior secondary school education? Did your WAEC and JAMB results reflect your academic excellence?

My secondary education was actually very good. I attended Providence High School, Ibadan, Oyo State, a school known for its academic excellence. I would not say I was brilliant, but I was certainly above average. My WAEC and JAMB results were a turning point for me. They showed you could achieve more if you actually prepared.

Why and how did you come to study Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and why did you choose to study it at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State?

Electrical and Electronics Engineering was a random choice, to be honest. I always wanted to study Petroleum Engineering at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). However, with the strike going on at that time, I had to choose a private university to avoid delay. Redeemer’s University was not offering Petroleum Engineering. So, I had to pick another engineering course. After much deliberation, I chose Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

From the first year of your study, did you know you would graduate with a First Class? What did you do differently to finish with a First Class?

After my first semester results, I knew I was capable of finishing with a First Class. I did not really do anything differently. I just studied hard, did my assignments, and submitted them early. I made sure I had very good continuous assessment scores and attended classes.

I felt fulfilled after knowing I was going to graduate with a First Class. It was a dream, and I am glad I achieved it.

What was your final-year project work about, its major findings, and its significance to society?

My final-year project was the design and implementation of a real-time health monitoring transformer. Electricity is the backbone of modern society. Distribution transformers are among the most critical assets in electrical power systems, yet many still rely on periodic manual inspections. As a result, faults such as overload, overheating, and insulation degradation often go unnoticed until complete failure occurs, leading to prolonged power outages, expensive repairs, and reduced reliability.

My project addressed this challenge by developing a low-cost internet of things (IoT)-based system that continuously monitors transformer health, detects abnormal operating conditions in real time, and sends instant alerts, enabling maintenance teams to intervene before faults escalate into catastrophic failures.

Technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are the bedrocks of electrical and electronic innovations. Do you see yourself developing an innovative AI-driven electronic solution?  

I am conversant with AI technology. I think I already developed an innovative electronic solution with my final-year project, which tells operators when any parameter of a transformer is at an abnormal rate to prevent faults.

Do you think you have the capacity to construct from scratch a renewable power source that can power a house and the basic electronic appliances in it?

Yes, I believe I have the technical knowledge and problem-solving ability to design and implement a renewable energy system capable of powering a house and its basic electronic appliances. As an electrical and electronics engineering graduate, I understand the fundamental principles of electrical power generation, conversion, storage, and distribution.

My approach would be to first conduct an energy audit of the house to determine its daily electricity consumption and identify the essential appliances to be powered, such as lighting, fans, televisions, refrigerators, and phone chargers.

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Based on the energy requirements, I would design a solar photovoltaic system by determining the appropriate capacity of the solar panels, battery storage, charge controller, and inverter. I would also consider the geographical location, available sunlight, expected hours of usage, and provision for backup power where necessary.

I would then proceed with the installation, ensuring that the system is properly wired, protected against electrical faults, and designed to meet the required safety standards. Finally, I would test the system under different operating conditions to ensure reliability and efficiency.

If you were to address three national problems in Nigeria using your electrical and electronics expertise, what would they be, and how would you go about them?

If I had the opportunity to address three major national problems in Nigeria using my expertise in electrical and electronics engineering, I would focus on electricity supply, industrial productivity, and transportation safety.

First, unreliable electricity supply. Electricity is fundamental to economic growth, education, healthcare, and industrial development. I would focus on developing affordable renewable energy solutions, particularly solar-powered systems and smart energy management technologies. I would also explore the use of IoT-based monitoring systems to monitor electricity consumption, detect faults, and improve energy efficiency. By combining renewable energy with intelligent monitoring and control, we can develop more reliable power solutions for homes, businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities.

Second, low industrial productivity and dependence on imported technology. Many industries depend on expensive imported equipment and technologies, while equipment failure and inefficient production processes can affect productivity. I would contribute by developing locally adaptable automation and monitoring systems that can improve industrial operations. For example, I would explore the use of sensors, embedded systems, and artificial intelligence to monitor industrial equipment, detect faults early, and reduce unnecessary downtime. My goal would be to encourage local innovation, improve productivity, and help Nigerian industries become more technologically independent.

Third, road transportation safety. Road accidents remain a major concern in Nigeria, and technology can play a role in improving road safety. I would explore the development of intelligent transportation systems using electronic sensors, communication technologies, and data analysis. These systems could monitor traffic conditions, detect potential road hazards, and provide real-time information to road users and relevant authorities. For instance, smart traffic monitoring systems could help identify congestion and improve traffic management in major cities.

Ultimately, I believe engineering should go beyond solving theoretical problems. It should address real challenges in society. My ambition is to apply my knowledge in electronics, renewable energy, and emerging technologies to develop practical solutions that improve people’s lives and contribute to Nigeria’s development.

As an undergraduate student, were you involved in any leadership, entrepreneurship, or business endeavours?

Yes. One of my most significant leadership experiences as an undergraduate was coaching a team that went on to win two medals. This experience taught me the importance of leadership, teamwork, discipline, and motivating people towards a common goal.

As a coach, I had to understand the strengths of individual team members, encourage them, and ensure that everyone remained focused on achieving our objectives. Winning the two medals was fulfilling, but the greatest lesson was learning how to bring people together, take responsibility, and help others perform at their best.

Balancing this responsibility with my academics required proper time management and discipline. I had to organise my schedule, prioritise my academic work, and ensure that I gave both my studies and leadership responsibilities the attention they deserved.

Another important experience was my final-year project, where I worked with a teammate to design and implement a real-time transformer health monitoring system using IoT. This strengthened my ability to collaborate, solve problems, and take responsibility for delivering results.

These experiences shaped me into someone who values teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement. They also strengthened my desire to become a leader who not only achieves personal success but also creates opportunities for others to grow and succeed.

What are the best memories you had as an undergraduate student? And what three things would you like Redeemer’s University management to improve to make life better for students and staff?

My best memories would be the overnight reading before exams, the walks at night with my friends to clear our heads, the early morning football, and the rushing to class.

Regarding improvements, I would suggest three things. Firstly, improved electricity and internet infrastructure. Secondly, I would encourage the university to continue investing in modern laboratories, engineering equipment, and research facilities. Greater collaboration with industries would also expose students to current technologies and practical challenges before graduation. Thirdly, I would recommend continuous improvements in student accommodation, healthcare services, recreational facilities, and other essential welfare services. I would also encourage initiatives that support staff development, recognise excellence, and improve the general working environment.

If you were given a fully funded postgraduate scholarship to study in any university in the world, which course would you study, at which university, and why?

I would pursue a master’s degree in Telecommunications Engineering at the University of Manitoba in Canada.

As an electrical and electronics engineering graduate, I want to deepen my knowledge of wireless communication, 5G/6G networks, and network optimisation. My industrial training at Airtel exposed me to transmission planning and network performance, which strengthened my interest in telecommunications.

These days, a first-class degree is not an automatic ticket to employment or success in a career. What is your advice to first-class graduates on how to navigate the labour market and put their intelligence into innovative ventures?

My advice to first-class graduates is to see their degrees as a foundation, not the final destination. They should develop practical skills, gain industry experience, and continuously learn. They should also identify real-world problems and use their knowledge to create innovative solutions, rather than waiting for employment opportunities.

Personally, I believe success comes from combining academic excellence with practical experience, adaptability, and the ability to create value. As graduates, we should strive not only to succeed individually but also to make a meaningful impact on society.