Joseph Origbo is a forward-thinking AI evangelist, neurological computing researcher, and digital innovator whose work bridges advanced artificial intelligence with meaningful social transformation. Currently pursuing a PhD in Computer Science at Nottingham Trent University, his research explores the application of AI and machine learning in diagnosing neurological disorders, an intersection where cutting-edge technology meets critical healthcare needs. His pioneering publication on “Trust-aware incentive-based federated learning in edge computing environments” in the Journal of Network and Computer Applications (Elsevier, 2025) further cements his contribution to the evolving discourse on ethical, distributed AI systems.
With over eight years of multifaceted experience, Joseph has demonstrated a consistent commitment to ethical and inclusive tech. As Director at the McAnderson Institute of Technology, he leads Africa-focused AI and data science initiatives spanning Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, and Ivory Coast under programs supported by the African Development Bank. These efforts aim to build digital capacity through innovation hubs, research collaboration, and education platforms tailored to emerging markets.
Joseph’s impact extends beyond academia and into grassroots communities. As co-founder of TES Community CIC in the UK, he has championed youth empowerment and digital inclusion through tech-enabled social programs. Under his strategic direction, the organization has secured significant funding from the National Lottery and the UK Department for Education, delivering transformative programmes like Young Explorers, an AI and STEM holiday initiative for marginalized youth.
His earlier career includes serving as a Business Systems Analyst at Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), where he led pivotal digital transformation projects in electoral systems. His technical portfolio also features roles in system integration and digital strategy for UK-based SMEs, particularly involving Microsoft Dynamics AX and e-commerce platforms.
In 2024, Joseph Origbo was honored with the Dratech Award of Excellence in AI and Machine Learning, recognizing his outstanding contributions to ethical AI innovation and digital capacity building across continents. He is a member of the IEEE and British Computer Society, and actively contributes to thought leadership on AI for good through speaking engagements and community mentorship.
Joseph’s journey exemplifies a rare fusion of academic rigor, public sector transformation, and grassroots innovation. With future aspirations rooted in developing trust-centric, inclusive AI infrastructures for global good especially in underserved health and education systems he continues to be a vital voice in shaping responsible AI practices across the globe.
Exclusive Interview with Joseph Origbo
1. Joseph, let’s start with your early background. What inspired your journey into artificial intelligence and how did your Nigerian upbringing influence the path you’ve taken?
Joseph Origbo: Growing up in Nigeria, I was always curious about how things worked—how systems connected and how information flowed. My fascination with technology started quite early, but I didn’t have access to advanced tools or labs. What I did have, however, was a relentless drive to learn. I began with basic computing and later pursued Computer Science formally, which opened doors to understanding the deeper mechanics behind data and automation.
But what truly shaped my journey was witnessing how technology—or the lack of it—could either elevate or limit people’s lives, especially in under-resourced communities. That realization became the foundation of my career focus: to make technology not just advanced but also accessible and inclusive. Today, that ethos remains at the core of my work in AI, particularly in the areas of healthcare and community development.
2. You’re currently pursuing a PhD in AI at Nottingham Trent University with a focus on neurological disorders. What drew you to this area of research, and how do you see it transforming healthcare?
Joseph Origbo: The choice to focus on neurological disorders wasn’t arbitrary—it came from a very personal and human place. I’ve seen firsthand the impact these conditions have, not only on patients but on entire families and healthcare systems that often lack the diagnostic tools to intervene early. My research seeks to bridge that gap by using machine learning to detect early markers of these disorders, such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, which are notoriously difficult to diagnose in the early stages.
What excites me is the possibility of creating diagnostic tools that can be used even in low-resource settings tools that are not only intelligent but also ethical and secure. I’m particularly passionate about federated learning and trust-aware systems because they allow us to respect data privacy while still training highly effective models. The future of healthcare must be intelligent, yes but more importantly, it must be humane.
3. You’ve played a leadership role at McAnderson Institute of Technology, advancing AI education in four African countries. Could you tell us about that work and the challenges you’ve encountered building capacity on the continent?
Joseph Origbo: Absolutely. At McAnderson Institute of Technology, my role has centered around creating scalable programs that develop AI and data science talent across Africa. We’ve implemented digital education platforms, coding bootcamps, and research collaborations in Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, and Ivory Coast primarily under the African Development Bank’s Coding for Employment initiative.
One of the biggest challenges is infrastructure, not just physical infrastructure, but also the ecosystem needed to support innovation, including mentorship, funding, and exposure. We’re not just teaching Python or machine learning; we’re building confidence and showing young Africans that they can be global contributors, not just local users of technology.
Our approach is contextual; we don’t replicate Western models. Instead, we create content and platforms that reflect local realities and needs. That cultural and contextual grounding, I believe, is what has made our initiatives impactful.
4. In the UK, you co-founded TES Community CIC, a tech-enabled social enterprise focused on youth empowerment. What impact has this had, and how does it tie into your wider vision?
Joseph Origbo: TES Community CIC is deeply personal to me; it reflects my belief that technology should be a tool for liberation, not exclusion. In many UK communities, particularly among ethnic minorities, digital exclusion remains a quiet crisis. At TES, we launched programs like Young Explorers, which introduce AI and STEM to kids from underrepresented backgrounds.
We’ve secured funding from the National Lottery and the UK Department for Education, which has enabled us to scale up and make a measurable difference. I remember a young boy who had never touched a computer before. By the end of the program, he was designing basic game logic using AI principles. Those moments are powerful reminders of why we do what we do.
It all ties back to inclusion. Whether I’m working in Derby or Dakar, the goal is the same: to democratize access to digital tools and empower people to build their future.
5. You were honored with the Dratech Award of Excellence in AI and Machine Learning in 2024. What does this recognition mean to you, and how has it influenced your ongoing work?
Joseph Origbo: The Dratech Award of Excellence was incredibly humbling. It’s one thing to do the work quietly, but to have it recognized on a continental stage especially within the AI and machine learning category felt like validation of a journey rooted in service.
For me, the award isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a message to every aspiring innovator from a small town in Nigeria that your ideas matter, your efforts are seen, and your voice belongs in global conversations about technology.
It also reminded me of my responsibility. Recognition increases reach, and reach increases responsibility. Since the award, I’ve taken on more mentorship roles, more speaking engagements, and more collaborative efforts, especially with African researchers trying to break into global AI communities.
6. Let’s talk about your technical expertise—federated learning, edge computing, and trust-aware systems are specialized areas. What unique perspectives do you bring to these fields, especially from your background?
Joseph Origbo: Coming from a region where data is often sensitive, scarce, or siloed, I had to approach AI not just from an engineering standpoint, but from a trust standpoint. Federated learning and edge computing excite me because they offer a way to train robust AI models without compromising user privacy or sovereignty.
My recent publication in Elsevier’s Journal of Network and Computer Applications looked at incentive-based federated learning in edge environments. It’s about designing systems that don’t just work but that people trust enough to use.
That trust factor is especially critical in healthcare, education, and public governance. I bring a practitioner’s insight to someone who’s built systems on the ground, often under tight constraints and pair that with academic rigor. It’s a mix that helps me navigate the intersection of ethics, performance, and impact in AI design.
7. You’ve worn many hats: researcher, strategist, systems analyst, educator. How have these roles shaped your leadership philosophy in AI and digital transformation?
Joseph Origbo: Each role has taught me something invaluable. At INEC Nigeria, I learned how to lead under public scrutiny and how technology can impact governance. As a systems analyst, I developed a deep appreciation for user needs and system design. As a researcher, I learned the power of asking the right questions.
All of these experiences converge into a leadership style that’s collaborative, data-driven, and impact-focused. I believe in listening deeply, designing for people—not just users—and being accountable for the technologies we build.
To me, digital transformation isn’t about replacing old tools with new ones—it’s about changing mindsets, processes, and outcomes. And effective leadership in this space means balancing ambition with responsibility.
8. Finally, what legacy do you hope to build through your work in AI, and what advice would you give to young Africans aspiring to shape the future of tech?
Joseph Origbo: I want to build a legacy of trust, access, and possibility. If the systems I design, the programs I lead, or the people I mentor go on to create technologies that solve real-world problems with integrity then I’ve done my part.
To young Africans, I’d say this: don’t wait for permission to innovate. You already have what it takes. The tools may change, but your imagination and courage are constants. Start where you are. Learn relentlessly. Collaborate generously.
And most importantly, build not just for now but for the future you want to live in. Because that future is closer than you think, and it needs you.
Interview Conclusion – Joseph Origbo
As we draw this enlightening conversation to a close, one thing is abundantly clear Joseph Origbo is not just advancing artificial intelligence; he’s redefining how technology can serve humanity. From his groundbreaking research on using machine learning to detect neurological disorders to his leadership in building Africa’s digital capacity, Joseph’s journey is a testament to the power of purpose-driven innovation.
Throughout this interview, he has taken us through the layered path of a Nigerian scholar and strategist who has seamlessly blended academic depth with social impact. His work with McAnderson Institute of Technology across four African nations, his co-founding of TES Community CIC in the UK, and his published research in federated learning all reflect a singular commitment: to create technology that is trustworthy, accessible, and rooted in equity.
The recognition he received through the Dratech Award of Excellence in AI and Machine Learning in 2024 is not just an accolade it is an affirmation of his leadership, not only as a technologist but as a mentor, collaborator, and changemaker. He has shown us that innovation is not only about new ideas, it is about new ways of thinking, and new opportunities for communities that have often been left behind.
At Dratech international limited, we take immense pride in spotlighting individuals like Joseph Nigerians who are making a global impact while staying deeply connected to the transformative needs of the continent. His story serves as a beacon to aspiring technologists and young Africans everywhere: you don’t need to wait to be invited to the table, you can build your own, and bring others along with you.
To the youth watching Joseph’s rise know this: the future of African innovation is already unfolding, and it’s being shaped by voices like his. Diligence, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility can carry you from local classrooms to international conferences. And as Joseph has demonstrated, the most powerful innovations are those that empower others.
Joseph Origbo stands as a powerful example of what is possible when excellence meets purpose. We look forward to seeing the many ways his work will continue to shape the future not just of AI but of inclusive progress across the globe.
