Leaving his home country to pursue higher education in South Africa became a journey of resilience, sacrifice, and academic excellence for 29-year-old Obuya Tryphone Oloo from Komenya Village in Migori County, South-Western Kenya. On Thursday, 21 May 2026, Oloo proudly graduated Cum Laude and received the Dean’s Merit Award for his Degree of Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering during the Durban University of Technology Autumn Graduation Ceremony held at the Olive Convention Centre.
His outstanding academic achievement not only reflected years of hard work and determination as an international student but also highlighted his commitment to engineering research and innovation. His dissertation, titled “Fracture Behaviour of Aluminium 7075 Alloy by Finite Element Analysis and Boundary Element Methods,” focused on advanced computational methods that contribute to safer engineering designs, particularly within aerospace applications.
Reflecting on his academic journey at Durban University of Technology, Oloo described the experience as transformative.
“My journey at DUT, where I completed a Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering, has been transformative. The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment provided a rigorous academic environment that challenged me to think critically and apply theoretical concepts to practical engineering problems,” he said.
He added that the postgraduate research culture exposed him to advanced computational tools and strengthened both his analytical and research capabilities, helping shape him into a resilient and solution-oriented engineer.
Graduating with distinction and receiving the Dean’s Merit Award filled him with gratitude and pride.
“This achievement represents the dedication, perseverance, and intellectual rigor required throughout the Master’s journey. It also reflects the support I received from my supervisors, Prof. Samson Oluropo and Prof. Oludolapo Akanni, my family, and the institution,” he shared.
Oloo associated strongly with DUT’s values of excellence and integrity saying these principles guided his commitment to ethical research and inspired his desire to develop engineering solutions that address real-world challenges.
His academic journey was not without obstacles. One of the biggest challenges he faced was mastering highly technical computational modelling tools such as the Finite Element Method (FEM) and Boundary Element Method (BEM). He also experienced financial difficulties that nearly forced him to abandon his studies.
“Financial challenges affected my research progress at times. However, the Head of Department graciously helped me secure a scholarship when I was almost dropping out of the programme. That support allowed me to continue my research, and I remain deeply grateful for that opportunity,” he explained.
As an international student, adapting to a new academic environment and overcoming periods of isolation also tested his resilience. Despite these challenges, he remained focused on his goals through discipline, persistence, and maintaining strong communication with his supervisors.
His family in Kenya celebrated the achievement with immense pride.
“Their unwavering belief in me has been the foundation of my success. This achievement is as much theirs as it is mine because their sacrifices and encouragement motivated me throughout my academic journey,” he said.
Driven by a passion for engineering science and materials engineering, Oloo said his interest in structural mechanics and material behaviour began during his undergraduate studies. His curiosity about how engineering can solve real-world problems inspired him to pursue advanced studies.
Looking ahead, he plans to continue his academic journey by pursuing a PhD in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering, with a focus on computational mechanics and materials engineering.
“My aim is to contribute to the engineering sector at the intersection of research and industry. I aspire to work in roles where engineering science is translated into practical solutions that improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability,” he said.
Beyond academics, Oloo has already published two journal papers from his Master’s research, with more work currently in progress. He also hopes to contribute to engineering development across Africa and give back to his community.
Encouraging first-year students who wish to follow a similar path, he advised them to remain disciplined and embrace the learning process.
“The journey may be challenging, but the skills and resilience you gain will be invaluable. Stay curious, work consistently, and focus on developing problem-solving skills,” he advised.
Pictured: Obuya Tryphone Oloo
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile
Sinamile Sithole
