C.itp Rock Adeiza Ezekiel is a distinguished ICT strategist, accomplished academic, and digital transformation leader with over fifteen (15) years of progressive and impactful experience spanning network engineering, systems analysis, ICT policy development and higher education leadership.
Born on 14th April in Igbaja, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria, his academic journey began at Saint James Primary School, Iludun-Oro, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1999. He proceeded to Our Lady of School, Anyigba, earning his NECO Certificate in 2009.
He obtained a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Computer Science with Second Class Upper Division honours from Kogi State University, Anyigba in 2014. Following his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at Centrifuge Consulting, Abuja in 2015, he further distinguished himself academically by earning a Master’s Degree in Computer Science with a CGPA of 4.15 from the Federal University Lokoja in 2024.
His Master’s research focused on the development of a FAIR Data Point Repository aimed at enhancing academic data accessibility, interoperability, and institutional knowledge management within Nigerian tertiary institutions. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Computer Science at the Federal University Lokoja, where his research centers on the development of a transformer-based system for automated grading of short-answer questions.
During his undergraduate years, he demonstrated exemplary leadership as President of the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS), Kogi State University Chapter (2012–2013). His tenure was marked by innovation and visibility, including the historic hosting of renowned Nigerian music icon Olamide at a matriculation event—an initiative that elevated student engagement and institutional prominence.
Professionally, his early career blended grassroots innovation with enterprise-level ICT implementation. Between 2009 and 2014, he served as a local ICT consultant at Kogi State University, where he designed and deployed campus-wide network infrastructure, configured routers and wireless systems, supervised multiple computer laboratory installations, and facilitated internet services for the institution.
At Centrifuge Consulting, Abuja (2014–2020), he rose from Technical Support Officer to System Analyst and Administrative Manager. He contributed significantly to the implementation of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), deployed Electronic Document Management Systems (EDMS) across Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies, collaborated with Galaxy Backbone Training Centre, and served as PMO Administrative Officer at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
On 7th May 2020, he joined Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja on contract. By 27th September 2021, his diligence and performance earned him a pensionable appointment as Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science.
On 5th May 2022, he was appointed Director of the Information Technology and Resource Centre (ITRC), a position he held with distinction until February 2026.
Major Reforms and Achievements as Director of ITRC (2022–2026)
His tenure was transformational and reform-driven, yielding landmark achievements:
- Establishment of a standard CBT Centre.
- Securing JAMB approval for the Polytechnic’s CBT Centre.
- Automation of institutional payment systems to reduce financial leakages.
- Automation of certificate processing with structured digital archiving.
- Domestication of the Polytechnic’s e-Examination software.
- Implementation of an e-Result system enabling online student access to results.
- Facilitation of staff ICT training through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) via Digital Bridge Institute.
- Strategic engagement with government agencies to secure ICT infrastructure and hardware support.
- Installation of CCTV systems at the Security Unit to enhance campus monitoring and safety.
- Successful conduct of large-scale CBT examinations, including Kogi State Teachers Recruitment (over 20,000 applicants) and Police Recruitment examinations.
- Facilitation of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Distance Learning Centre at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.
In recognition of his extraordinary and selfless commitment in the discharge of his duties between 2020 and 2026, he was recently honoured with a Distinguished Service Award by the Management of Kogi State Polytechnic.
As a devoted and passionate lecturer, he became the intellectual anchor of the Networking and Cloud Computing option within the Department of Computer Science. Widely admired by students, he taught core courses such as Computer Networking, Wireless Communication, Operating Systems, Routing and Switching, and System Troubleshooting.
His mentorship significantly enhanced the labour market competitiveness of graduates under his tutelage. He has supervised over 50 ND and HND projects and served as Coordinator of the Networking and Cloud Computing option.
Within the Polytechnic, he has served in fourteen (14) committees, including critical standing committees such as Strategic Planning, Convocation, E-Examination, Academic Calendar, Central Admission, Inaugural Lecture, and notably the Central Result Verification Committee.
Nationally, he earned recognition within the Committee of Directors of ICT in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions (ComDICT-NTI). Elected Assistant Secretary General (November 2023–November 2025), he was recently re-elected for another two-year term, further consolidating his national footprint in ICT governance. Consequently, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, is positioned to serve as the second secretariat of the Committee.
His professional excellence has also been recognized by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), where he was appointed Member of the Education and Manpower Development Committee (2025–2027) by the National Executive Council. He was subsequently appointed Member of the NCS Education Policy Sub-Committee and the NCS Tech Talent Sub-Committee.
These strategic appointments underscore his professional credibility as a registered member of the Nigeria Computer Society (MNCS) and the Computer Professionals (Registration Council) of Nigeria (MCPN/CPN), reflecting his expertise in ICT education, policy formulation, youth digital empowerment, and national skills development.
Academically, his research interests span artificial intelligence, biometrics, cybersecurity, machine learning, and data governance. His most recent scholarly publication appears in Volume 3, Issue 1 (2025). His body of work reflects a sustained commitment to leveraging technology for institutional efficiency and societal advancement.
Professionally certified, he is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Juniper Certified Internet Associate, and holder of five ICDL certifications in Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, ICT in Education, Online Collaboration, and Presentation. He is also pursuing the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification to further strengthen his expertise in ICT audit and governance.
Throughout his public service career, he has maintained an unblemished record, never receiving a query. Instead, his dedication has consistently attracted commendations and institutional recognition.
He is happily married to Esther Baiwa Daniel-Ezekiel, and they are blessed with two children, Miracle Anoze Rock and Grace Onize Rock.
C.itp Rock Adeiza Ezekiel represents a rare blend of academic excellence, technical depth, institutional reform capacity, national policy engagement and visionary leadership within Nigeria’s evolving ICT and higher education ecosystem.
– Abdulkadir Bin ABDULMALIK
