Review of 2024

Building AI solutions for Africa requires more than just technical expertise - it demands persistence, vision, and a deep understanding of local challenges.

2024 proved that combining technical innovation with practical solutions can drive real change in African markets. As we advanced our work on identity verification systems, each challenge reinforced why local context matters in AI development.

Key milestones that shaped our impact:

• Won 2024 MBB Grant Award (2x winner) for Ojumi platform

• Promoted to Head of AI at Gamol Studio

• Began MSc in Electrical/Electronics Engineering at University of Lagos

• Led development of AI-powered identity verification solutions

Most impactful developments:

"Ojumi AI-Powered Identity Verification"

Designed to address fragmented identity systems and expand financial inclusion across Africa

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7276479942123540480/

"Advancing AI Research in African Markets"

How local context shapes effective AI solutions

"Technical Innovation Meets Market Need"

Building identity verification systems that work for African realities

The parallel tracks of technical leadership and continued education have strengthened our ability to develop solutions that truly serve African markets. Every challenge in identity verification has reinforced why understanding local context matters as much as technical capability.

Looking ahead to 2025: We're focused on expanding Ojumi's impact while deepening our technical expertise through graduate studies in control systems. The intersection of AI innovation and practical market needs remains our north star.

To every innovator working to solve real challenges in African markets: technical excellence matters, but understanding local context transforms good solutions into transformative ones.

Ibrahim is a multi-award winning innovator whose expertise interconnects hardware, software and AI development in Africa. Ibrahim is an AI expert with over half a decade experience in the African tech space. He is all about growth and greatness with innovation in Africa. He works as the Chief AI Scientist at Gamol Studio.

Lochav

Our locust harvesting technology is called locharv. It is simply a drone driven, lightweight, origami deployable structure for locust fishing. At the core is our ai driven technology for locust tracking, capturing and notification system. Our solution is designed to capture the maximum obtainable locust per flight with its capturing net. This net is a specially designed origami net specifically for locust capturing. Visit our website for more locharv website

Research 2025

Everything on my plate is machine learning research. To march means to move so I will be moving with wisdom into the realm of research for coming months. I hope to convert some of my works into publications and have fun in the process. I revisited my statement of purpose and also conceptualised some research proposals for my postgraduate work. I also learnt how to use latex and how to draft research proposals. The goal is to rekindle my dream to become a world class researcher.

Becoming a MATLAB Student Ambassador

It is indeed an honor to share that I am now the MATLAB student ambassador for the University of Lagos. My role is to organise programs and events that helps grow the adoption of the MATLAB software on campus. I will also be undergoing some inhouse training under the tootalage of the engineers at MathWorks. MATLAB student ambassadors are important links between MathWorks and the University of Lagos. Ambassadors inform students about the availability of MATLAB and Simulink on campus and showcase the products’ functionality—all while earning money. Millions of engineers and scientists rely on MATLAB and Simulink in a wide range of applications and industries. I am now part of the global MATLAB community and will gain essential professional experience by working with a leading technical computing software company while still in school.

1st Ambassador for MathWorks in Nigeria

Earlier this week, I was introduced as the first ever ambassador MathWorks will be having from Nigeria during our global ambassadorship meeting. As I relect on this, the lesson is - we have what it takes to be world class in us. We have to continue to believe in ourselves and strive for the best. The true competition isn't in Nigeria or our immediate environment. It is in us becoming world class and not giving up on ourselves. Anything we do, we have to be able to compete at the world level by striving to get better at all times.

Electric Drives

For my masters thesis, I am working on control of electric drives. Electric drives powers electric vehicles, modern robotics and gadgets. Ongoing research are to reduce power consumption, heat disspation and size of these systems so effective control can be achieved at high reliability and efficiency. With existing controllers, we could develop algorithms that can help us achieve dextrity with machines. Electric drives helps us achieve precision in control at the hardware level. Next, we can integrate AI or mobile apps for monitoring and customised agent control.

Appointement by Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN)

MATLAB Launches Student Ambassadorship Programme at UNILAG with Support from NgREN NgREN, in partnership with MathWorks , has facilitated the selection of Mr. Ibrahim Gbadegesin as the first MATLAB Student Ambassador at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). Representing NgREN, Mr. AbdulKarim Giwa Suleiman emphasized the importance of equipping Nigerian students with globally recognized tools that foster innovation and skills for the future. As Ambassador, Ibrahim will lead awareness, training, and outreach to expand MATLAB and Simulink adoption at UNILAG and beyond. This milestone highlights NgREN’s commitment to partnerships that connect Nigerian academia with global platforms for teaching, research, and innovation. Congratulations, Ibrahim!

Marshalling University of Lagos MATLAB Community

I recently gave a talk to other MATLAB Ambassadors in the UK and Ireland about our community. This one page slide introduces my work and captures the progress so far. I plan to have a physical event on campus by January 2026 when most people are around.

Induction Machine Simulation

Induction Machines are quite useful in industrial designs because of their variable speed control and applity for easy configuration.

Temperature and Pressure Control Simulation

We considered an interacting loop and process fermentation. Models the fermentation tank temperature and pressure dynamics. Uses PID control for both temperature and pressure. Simulates the system's response to heat (yeast) and CO₂ disturbances. Plots real-time regulation toward setpoints.

Review of 2024

Related article