In 2022, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) approved the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework. The five values are identified as transparency, honesty, integrity, respect and accountability. The principles espoused are fairness, professionalism, commitment, compassion and excellence. DUT’s Communications team, Sibahle Ngcobo spoke to the Department of Information Systems Lecturer, Dr Oluwasegun Julius Aroba.
Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?
”I am a lecturer in the Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Accounting and Informatics. I’m also an Honorary Research Associate in the Department of Operations and Quality. My role involves lecturing, mentoring, coaching, and supervising Master’s and PhD students in various research fields. I also lecture one of the newest approved, Bachelor’s Degree in Information and Communication Technology in the Internet of Things (BICT-IoT) and we have embarked on some exciting projects in uncovering the innovation behind robotics, the Internet of Things, Internet of Everything. In the programme, we currently have 111 students. The students are always excited to see me in class as they love my teaching style, as I teach beyond just teaching or lecturing both in class and in the practical laboratory.”
Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
“I joined the Durban University of Technology, Department of Information Systems on the 1st of March 2020 to date.”
Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?
“I associate myself with Excellence because my dad usually uses this quote that resonates with me today. The quote is, if you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little things, which means to me that Excellence is not an exception but is in the doing or prevailing attitude.”
Q: What are your views on the new DUT tagline: Creative. Distinctive. Impactful.
“The phrase speaks to me loud and clear, and I find it inspirational. The world has changed and continues to shift rapidly. Thus, there are emerging issues that call for innovative solutions that differentiate themselves distinct from the crowd. Ultimately, whatever we do is intended to benefit society as a whole. I appreciate how the tagline stimulates action.”
Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
“I have read the ENVISION2030 LIVING VALUES FRAMEWORK and routinely think about ENVISION2030. Strategic discussions with colleagues, students, and department and organisational leaders of various cadres are something I find valuable. If we are to achieve ENVISION2030’s goals, we must live it. There has been significant advancement, and the ongoing development process is motivating.”
Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?
“I love to carry out innovative projects and play golf and chess.”
Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
“With this new Bachelor of ICT in the Internet of Things degree and as the only university in Africa offering it, ENVISION2030 has been able to strengthen DUT in the Department of Information Systems, making us stand out as an innovative centre. In the coming months, I envision industries hiring our students directly. I expect a new breed of Elon from the brand value I affectionately refer to as the DUT, the Harvard of Africa. Additionally, the entire school exudes a feeling of pride and purpose, which is tremendously encouraging. Also quite striking is the transformational development that DUT has accomplished.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
“Discussing ideas that transcend into income-generating innovative solutions, love going to golf ranges, and reading.”
Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
“The ENVISION2030 strategy has become my daily practice. I’ve brought fresh perspectives and methods from living and working in England. Everyone, from the top to the bottom, has a responsibility. We all need to work together more locally and globally since, as the DUT ENVISION2030 states, we are various components of the same entity. Success comes from serving others. I’m here to promote a welcoming, family-friendly workplace and help the leading company succeed, which will require cooperation and teamwork.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
“I have always been motivated by daily consecration in the place of prayers—the desire to meet any set goal. Setting and reaching deadlines gives me such a sense of accomplishment. Changing the lives of students and seeing them beaming joy with a tremendous sense of belonging among staff and students.”
Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
“I always stay hungry with a passion for change and strategy, I want to be an innovative business magnate and see my name on the Forbes list.”
Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
“Developing innovative solutions for all human needs.”
