For Alfred Ikechukwu, Nigerian student from Delta State, the path to a career in technology did not lead to Europe as he once imagined. Instead, it led him to Academic City University in Accra, Ghana, where he is currently pursuing a degree in Robotics Engineering and building technology solutions to address real-world problems.

Ikechukwu, who is set to graduate in the Class of 2027, has emerged as one of Nigerian students taking advantage of expanding opportunities in Africa’s higher education sector, particularly in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) fields.

His decision to study in Ghana was made during his final year in secondary school. At the time, he was researching options for advanced technology programmes and came across Academic City’s Robotics Engineering course.

Although he had earlier considered studying abroad, Alfred said the prospect of accessing a specialised engineering programme on the continent shifted his outlook on where to obtain quality technical education.

Since enrolling at Academic City, Alfred has focused on applying engineering knowledge to practical challenges.

His interest in the field, he explained, began at an early age and was driven by curiosity about electronics, programming and the mechanics of machines.

He described engineering not only as a technical discipline, but also as a means of creating tools that can improve living conditions.

Part of the practical work came through a project undertaken during an embedded systems course. Ikechukwu was part of a team that developed a precision agriculture system designed to collect environmental and agricultural data from farms.

The system was built to transmit information over long distances, with the aim of reducing farmers’ need to physically monitor large areas of farmland.

He said the project reinforced his view that technology can play a direct role in addressing development needs across Africa.

“Engineering is not just about building machines; it is about creating solutions that improve lives,” Ikechukwu said in an interview about his experience at the university.

Speaking on his experience living and studying in Ghana, Alfred said the environment was welcoming and made it easier for him to adjust to life away from home in Nigeria.

His experience reflects a broader trend of African students pursuing tertiary education within the continent.

Academic City University, which focuses on STEAM education, entrepreneurship and experiential learning, has continued to attract students from across Africa.

The university offers programmes in Robotics Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity and other disciplines linked to emerging global industries.

The model is centred on combining academic instruction with practical, industry-focused training intended to prepare graduates for the future of work.

For other young people considering study options outside their home countries, Ikechukwu advised that they remain open to opportunities across the continent.

“Do your research, keep an open mind and do not limit yourself geographically. Sometimes the best opportunities are in places you least expect,” he said.