The core of what Professor Abejide Ade-Ibijola from the University of Johannesburg does is computer science. It’s mathematical, abstract, but when applied, it results in several technological tools (mostly in the form of software or apps) that are used to solve business or societal problems.

“My research directly translates to innovation. Students come to the university, they get qualifications and when they’re done, they go for extra training to do certain things,” says Ade-Ibijola. “What I’ve been able to do is append the curriculum in a way that even first year students can do stuff as if they’ve had three years of industry experience.”