My name is Dr. Ifeoluwapo with a PhD in Software Engineering specialising in Cyber security with deep learning. I have always wanted to be an Engineer, but I got an offer to study Computer Science in FUTA, Nigeria. After graduation from FUTA I still had this passion to be an Engineer and I realised the Computer Science field has a section of Software Engineering, so I tailored my interest in this field. I worked as a Software Developer to gather some industry skills to assist me to achieve this passion of mine. After some years as a software developer, I proceeded to further my degree in Software Engineering at the Athlone Institute of Technology (now TUS) in 2018 which landed me in Ireland.
Moving to a new environment was challenging but the International Office and Eoin, the TUS Global Student Experience Officer assisted in blending easily to the environment. The university picked me up at the Dublin airport to Athlone.
After completing my MSc degree, I achieved my dream of becoming an Engineer. During that time, I discovered several funding opportunities for PhD research within the software engineering department. Out of curiosity and to gain experience with the interview process, I decided to apply for one of these scholarships. My MSc supervisor noticed my application and asked, “Do you really want to pursue a PhD?” However, as a Nigerian with a mindset focused on getting work experience, I opted to enter the industry instead. Soon after, I secured a position as a Graduate Software Developer with Enterprise Ireland (EI) and started earning a comfortable salary.
Four months into my role at EI, my MSc supervisor contacted me again. She mentioned that my MSc project had great potential and that I could make a significant contribution to research. She then asked if I was genuinely interested in pursuing a PhD. The question left me conflicted—on one hand, I had a stable, well-paying job; on the other, the PhD stipend was considerably lower than my monthly salary.
After weighing the pros and cons, I decided to start my PhD journey at TUS. The reputation and opportunities that a PhD could provide in the long term outweighed the short-term benefits of my current job. With this perspective, I decided to formally apply for the PhD program and was successfully offered a position. After nine months with EI, I resigned from my role to embark on my PhD journey.
Pursuing a PhD was anything but easy. My research was in a developing field within cyberspace, which demanded long hours in the lab—from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. However, with determination and faith, I completed my PhD in exactly four years (2020–2024) at TUS. The journey was challenging, but it was undeniably worth it. This experience has opened doors to countless opportunities and elevated my professional reputation. Now, I have the flexibility to switch between academia and industry as needed. Currently, I now work at the University of Galway as a Postdoctoral research Associate.
As the only African person in my lab, I want to encourage other Nigerians to explore PhD opportunities at TUS. These programs are typically fully funded and don’t cost a penny, though they do require hard work and dedication. The rewards, however, are immeasurable.
If you have been inspired by Dr. Ifeoluwapo’s story and looking to also start your study Software Engineering at TUS, Apply now for next intake at https://internationalapplication.tus.ie/ or email us at Global@tus.ie for more information.