Professor Rashidah Funke Olanrewaju is a distinguished Nigerian scholar and an accomplished thought leader in Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, and Humanitarian Engineering, with a career grounded in both academic excellence and practical impact. Born in Kaduna, Nigeria, she began her journey in Software Engineering at the University of Putra Malaysia before completing her MSc and Ph.D. in Computer & Information Engineering at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in Kuala Lumpur. While at IIUM, she was a key member of the academic community, contributing significantly to the institution’s research initiatives and playing a pivotal role in staff development at the EDC startup. She has since returned to Nigeria, where her leadership spans multiple domains.

Currently, Professor Rashidah serves as the Deputy Director of the Online and Distance Learning Centre and heads the Intelligent Software Engineering Research Group (ISERG) at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), where she also holds a professorship in Computer Science. Recently appointed Director of the Entrepreneurship and Development Centre (EDC), she has spearheaded a digital transformation at EDC, promoting sustainable agriculture, digital skills, and artisanal training for economic resilience and innovation. Her commitment extends to fostering students’ entrepreneurial skills and aligning them with global sustainability goals.

Beyond her roles at NSUK, Professor Rashidah actively contributes to the global academic community. She sits on the editorial board of the SCIREA journal and is a senior member of prestigious associations, including IET UK, IEEE Women in Engineering, IAENG, AITP, the Nigeria Computer Society, and the Malaysia Society of Cryptology Research. Her research addresses critical societal issues and spans diverse projects, such as fintech innovation, secure financial systems, network protection, AI-driven systems, and sustainable wealth initiatives through programs like goat banking. Certified as a Huawei AI/ICT Associate, she leverages her expertise in AI to develop practical solutions for local challenges.

A respected author, Professor Rashidah has published extensively, advancing knowledge and contributing to key discussions in her field. Her commitment to quality education is evidenced by her active role in assessment and accreditation initiatives across Malaysia and Nigeria. Professor Rashidah’s achievements underscore her dedication to academia, her community, and the transformative potential of technology for global development.