Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has appointed renowned ICT strategist and academic, C.itp Rock Adeiza Ezekiel, as the Acting Director of its Information Technology and Resource Centre (ITRC).
Ezekiel, a seasoned digital transformation leader with over 15 years of professional experience in network engineering, systems analysis, ICT policy development, and higher education technology management, is expected to drive the university’s digital infrastructure and innovation agenda.
Born on April 14 in Igbaja, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Ezekiel began his early education at Saint James Primary School, Iludun-Oro, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1999. He later attended Our Lady School, Anyigba, where he earned his National Examination Council (NECO) certificate in 2009.
He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science with Second Class Upper Division honours from Kogi State University, Anyigba, in 2014. After completing his National Youth Service Corps at Centrifuge Consulting in Abuja in 2015, he further advanced his academic pursuits by earning a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Federal University Lokoja in 2024 with a CGPA of 4.15.
His postgraduate research focused on developing a FAIR Data Point Repository aimed at improving academic data accessibility, interoperability, and knowledge management within Nigerian tertiary institutions. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Computer Science at Federal University Lokoja, where his research centres on developing a transformer-based system for automated grading of short-answer questions.
Ezekiel’s leadership ability emerged early during his undergraduate years when he served as President of the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS), Kogi State University chapter between 2012 and 2013. His tenure was marked by several innovative student engagement initiatives that elevated the association’s profile.
Professionally, he began his career as an ICT consultant at Kogi State University between 2009 and 2014, where he contributed to the design and deployment of campus network infrastructure, configuration of routers and wireless systems, installation of computer laboratories, and facilitation of internet connectivity services.
He later joined Centrifuge Consulting, Abuja, where he served between 2014 and 2020, rising from Technical Support Officer to System Analyst and Administrative Manager. During this period, he contributed to the implementation of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and the deployment of Electronic Document Management Systems across several federal ministries, departments and agencies. He also collaborated with Galaxy Backbone Training Centre and served as Project Management Office Administrative Officer at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
In May 2020, Ezekiel joined Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, on contract and was subsequently granted a pensionable appointment as Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science in September 2021.
He was appointed Director of the Polytechnic’s Information Technology and Resource Centre on May 5, 2022, a position he held until February 2026, during which he spearheaded several transformative ICT reforms.
Among his major achievements were the establishment of a standard Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre, securing approval for the centre from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, automation of institutional payment systems, digitalisation of certificate processing and archiving, domestication of the institution’s e-examination software, and deployment of an e-result system that enabled students to access results online.
He also facilitated staff ICT capacity training through the Nigerian Communications Commission in collaboration with the Digital Bridge Institute, secured ICT infrastructure support from government agencies, and oversaw the installation of CCTV surveillance systems to enhance campus security.
Under his leadership, the CBT centre successfully hosted large-scale examinations including the Kogi State Teachers Recruitment test involving over 20,000 applicants and the Nigeria Police recruitment examination. He also facilitated the establishment of an Ahmadu Bello University Distance Learning Centre at the Polytechnic
.
In recognition of his contributions to institutional development, the management of Kogi State Polytechnic honoured him with a Distinguished Service Award.
As an academic, Ezekiel is widely respected by students and colleagues for his expertise in networking and cloud computing. He teaches courses such as computer networking, wireless communication, operating systems, routing and switching, and system troubleshooting, and has supervised more than 50 National Diploma and Higher National Diploma research projects.
He has also served on 14 institutional committees including the Strategic Planning Committee, Convocation Committee, E-Examination Committee, Academic Calendar Committee, Central Admission Committee, Inaugural Lecture Committee, and the Central Result Verification Committee.
At the national level, Ezekiel is actively involved in ICT governance within Nigeria’s tertiary education system. He currently serves as Assistant Secretary General of the Committee of Directors of ICT in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions (ComDICT-NTI), a position he was first elected to in November 2023 and recently re-elected to serve another two-year term.
His professional contributions have also earned him appointments within the Nigeria Computer Society, where he serves on the Education and Manpower Development Committee (2025–2027) as well as the Education Policy and Tech Talent sub-committees.
A registered member of the Nigeria Computer Society and the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria, Ezekiel holds several professional certifications including Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Juniper Certified Internet Associate, and multiple International Computer Driving Licence certifications in cybersecurity, digital marketing, ICT in education, online collaboration, and presentation. He is also currently pursuing the Certified Information Systems Auditor certification.
His research interests include artificial intelligence, biometrics, cybersecurity, machine learning, and data governance, with recent scholarly work published in a 2025 academic journal.
Ezekiel is married to Esther Baiwa Daniel-Ezekiel, and the union is blessed with two children.
With his blend of academic scholarship, technical expertise, and administrative leadership, observers believe his appointment will strengthen digital innovation and ICT governance at Prince Abubakar Audu University.
