Segun Aina: Meet the OAU Lecturer Who Became Professor at 39
- A Computer Engineering scholar at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Segun Aina, has been promoted to Professor of Computer Engineering at OAU at the age of 39
- This, according to reports, makes the scholar one of the youngest in his field in Nigeria
- Aina’s promotion was reportedly based on strong research output, leadership roles, and efforts to link academic knowledge with real-world solutions
Legit.ng's Muslim Muhammad Yusuf is a 2025 Wole Soyinka Award-winning journalist with over 8 years of experience in investigative reporting, human rights, politics, governance and accountability in Nigeria.
A Computer Engineering scholar at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Segun Aina, has been appointed Professor of Computer Engineering at the age of 39, making him one of the youngest professors in his field in Nigeria.
Aina, who lectures in the Department of Computer Engineering, described the promotion as humbling, saying it comes with greater responsibility to contribute to academia, industry, and national development.
Source: Instagram
According to the PUNCH, colleagues at the university attributed his elevation to strong research output, academic leadership, and efforts to bridge theory and real-world application within Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.
Reacting to the appointment, Aina described the attainment as humbling, noting that it came with greater expectations to serve academia, industry and national development.
Aina said:
“This milestone is a humbling reminder that excellence, discipline and purpose-driven work can accelerate impact.
“I see this professorship not as a destination, but as a renewed responsibility to contribute more meaningfully to academia, industry and national development,” he said.
Aina's academic record
The professor obtained his Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent, United Kingdom, in 2008, and a Master’s degree in Internet Computing and Network Security from Loughborough University in 2009.
Aina obtained his first degree in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent in the United Kingdom, followed by a master’s degree in Internet Computing and Network Security from Loughborough University. He later earned a PhD in Digital Signal Processing from the same institution.
Beyond teaching and research, Aina has a reputation as a pragmatic academic and entrepreneur, with interests that span education technology, agriculture, hospitality, capacity building, and technical and vocational education. In 2010, he co-founded Fluid Click Solutions Ltd, an IT services and engineering project management company.
'My lifelong commitment'
Aina said his focus has remained on ensuring that academic knowledge translates into practical solutions, while mentoring young engineers and innovators.
He said, “My lifelong commitment has been to ensure that academic knowledge does not exist in isolation, but actively solves real problems. I remain passionate about mentoring the next generation of engineers, innovators and entrepreneurs who will shape Africa’s future.”
Aina has also undertaken consultancy assignments for public and private sector institutions, including the Job Creation Unit in the Office of the Vice President, several state governments and national examination bodies.
Source: Twitter
He further strengthened his leadership capacity through executive education at Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University.
Aina's experience
As reported by PUNCH, his governance experience includes serving on the pioneer Governing Council of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere, Ekiti, and as Chairman of the Advisory Board of Queensland Academy, Isolo, Lagos.
An author of about 30 peer-reviewed journal and conference papers, Aina is a COREN-registered engineer and a member of professional bodies such as the Nigerian Computer Society, Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the Institution of Engineering and Technology.
In addition to his academic and professional pursuits, Aina is active in community development and philanthropy.
2025 Post-UTME: Court gives orders OAU, UNILAG
Legit.ng previously reported that a Federal High Court in Enugu has ordered Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Lagos to suspend all 2025 Post-UTME admission activities.
The ruling followed a legal challenge by five candidates alleging irregularities in the universities’ assessment processes.
Justice Mabel Segun-Bello directed all parties, including JAMB, to maintain the status quo pending further court proceedings.
OAU students reject new dress code
In an earlier story, Legit.ng reported that the Students’ Union of Obafemi Awolowo University has condemned the newly endorsed dress code, calling it a violation of students’ constitutional rights
The policy, approved by the university’s Governing Council, includes rustication for dress infractions such as dreadlocks, crop tops, and coloured hairstyles.
Student leaders urged university authorities to rescind the regulation and foster a campus culture that respects individuality and diversity.
OAU graduate bags first class
Legit.ng earlier reported that an Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) graduate, Opeyemi Owolabi, bagged a first-class in electronics and electrical engineering.
Apart from his first-class honours, he emerged as the best graduating student in his department and the second best in his faculty.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
