By Aliyu Abdulkareem

In this edition of Nigeria’s Rising Stars, we shine a spotlight on Oluwatomisin Arokodare, a remarkable young woman making waves in the field of information technology. Hailing from Ekiti State, Oluwatomisin’s journey from a budding economist to a distinguished data scientist and engineer exemplifies the spirit of innovation and excellence that defines Nigeria’s next generation of leaders.

Her groundbreaking research in large language models and artificial intelligence has earned her national recognition, positioning her as a trailblazer in the tech industry. As we delve into her inspiring story, we’ll explore her academic achievements, leadership roles, and commitment to social impact, showcasing the transformative power of Nigerian talent on the global stage.

Oluwatomisin Arokodare stands at the forefront of technological innovation, bringing over four years of diverse experience in data science, operations management, and financial analysis across sectors such as e-commerce, auditing, financial services, and research. Her expertise in data analysis, process optimization, and machine learning positions her as a pivotal asset in a leading e-commerce company in the United States.

Oluwatomisin’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Ekiti State University, where she established a strong foundation in data management and financial principles. She further distinguished herself by earning a distinction in Taxation and Fiscal Policy from OGE Business School. Her academic achievements culminated in a Master of Science in Information Technology from Georgia Southern University, where she graduated with a remarkable 4.0 GPA. Her commitment to continuous development is also reflected in her Associate membership with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) since 2021 and her Accounting Technician (AAT) designation from ICAN, earned in December 2017.

Her early career saw her gaining invaluable experience at a state internal revenue service and an audit firm in Nigeria, where she honed her skills in financial compliance and governance. Subsequent roles in financial institutions and research labs allowed her to leverage advanced data analysis tools to enhance operational efficiency and security protocols, making significant contributions to the integrity of data systems. As a leader in financial services, she has successfully led cross-functional teams to optimize workflows and implement data-driven insights that improved organizational performance. Oluwatomisin is recognized for her precision, reliability, and transformative impact on the technological landscape.

Oluwatomisin demonstrated strong leadership during her time at Georgia Southern University, where she served as a senator in the Student Government Association, representing both the College of Engineering and the College of Graduate Studies. She led initiatives focused on breast cancer awareness, mentorship, and leadership development, while also participating in University System of Georgia Board of Regents meetings to gain insights into state-level education policy. Additionally, as a founding member of the university’s Nigerian Student Association, she played a key role in helping international students transition smoothly to studying abroad. Her community involvement highlighted her dedication to social impact, creating an engaged and supportive environment for students.

Beyond her academic commitments, Oluwatomisin has actively contributed to the information technology field by serving as a Peer Reviewer for the Journal of Data Analysis and Information Processing (JDAIP) and the AI, Computer Science, and Robotics Technology Journal (ACRT). She has also judged numerous prestigious competitions, including the Society of Women Engineers SWENEXT Global Innovator Award Program, the Freshmen and Upper-Class Scholarship Award, the Conrad Challenge for Cybersecurity Innovation Stage Scholarship, the Ohio Academy State Science Day Project, and the Technovation Girls Global Scholarship Program. These experiences reflect her ability to inspire and lead while driving impactful initiatives that align with academic and societal goals.

Her research excellence earned her the 2023 Overall Best Paper Award at the National Conference of Creativity, Innovation & Technology (NCCIT), showcasing the significance and impact of her contributions. This national award highlights the technical merit, originality, and influence of her work, emphasizing her role in advancing knowledge in fields such as big data, artificial intelligence, and engineering. It stands as a testament to her ability to address complex technical challenges, produce high-quality research, drive innovation in her discipline and further solidify her reputation as a leading expert, illustrating the acknowledgement of her peers and the broader technical community, and reinforcing her status as a researcher making substantial contributions to technological advancements. In recognition of her academic accomplishments and dedication to professional growth, Oluwatomisin was honoured with the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering & Computing Scholarship for 2023/2024, as well as the Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies Professional Development Award. These accolades highlight her commitment to excelling in a competitive academic environment and advancing her technical expertise, which are essential for making impactful contributions to her field.

Further acknowledging her outstanding contributions, she was awarded the 2024 Georgia Southern Information Technology Department Award for Outstanding Service as a Graduate Student. Her innovative methodologies and notable achievements in engineering research also earned her the prestigious Gulfstream Award for Engineering at the 2024 Georgia Southern University Research Symposium which was sponsored by Gulfstream Aerospace, a leading aerospace company, this award celebrates her exceptional ability to tackle complex technical challenges and underscores her commitment to advancing the field of engineering. Her work not only exemplifies the spirit of the Gulfstream Award—emphasizing innovation and excellence—but also serves as an inspiration to her peers, underscoring the importance of fostering transformative progress within the discipline.

Oluwatomisin Arokodare is a professional member of the Society of Women Engineers, IEEE, and NSBE. She has attended numerous conferences and is involved in ongoing research projects focused on big data and large language models. Her journey demonstrates a strong commitment to excellence, transformative contributions, and the pursuit of innovative solutions in information technology. These achievements establish her as a rising star in the field, poised to make a significant impact on the future and reinforce her reputation as a distinguished scholar dedicated to continuous improvement and significant advancements in technology and engineering.

Oluwatomisin Arokodare’s journey from Ekiti State to the forefront of American technology is a testament to her unwavering determination, intellectual prowess, and passion for innovation. Her story, much like those of past trailblazers featured in “Nigeria’s Rising Stars” such as Dahunsi Babalola, exemplifies the boundless potential and ingenuity that lies within Nigeria’s youth.

During conversation with the Rising Stars, Oluwatomisin Arokodare said “The future of cybersecurity collaboration between AI and humans will be a synergistic partnership. AI will handle routine tasks and analyze large data sets, allowing human experts to handle complex incidents and strategic decision making”. As she continues to break barriers and redefine the boundaries of what’s possible in the realm of artificial intelligence, she serves as an inspiration to aspiring engineers and a shining example of Nigeria’s immense potential on the global stage.

In the next edition of our series, we will introduce you to another remarkable individual who is making waves in Cryptocurrency, further highlighting the diverse talents and contributions of Nigeria’s rising stars. Stay tuned to “Nigeria’s Rising Stars” as we continue to celebrate the exceptional individuals who are shaping the future of our nation and the world.