About

Academic Leadership at the Intersection of Research, Engineering and Innovation

Prof. Pius Adewale Owolawi is an academic leader, electrical and computer engineering researcher, technology innovator and educator whose career bridges higher education, artificial intelligence, engineering, research development, industry collaboration and societal impact.

Current Roles

He currently serves as Assistant Dean for Industry Liaison, Special Projects and Work-Integrated Learning in the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology at Tshwane University of Technology. In this role, he works across academic programs, employers, government institutions, skills-development organizations and innovation initiatives to strengthen graduate employability, experiential learning, research collaboration and externally supported strategic programs.

He also serves as a Research Chair in Fourth Industrial Revolution Skills Development, leading work in AI, machine learning, digital platforms, IoT, intelligent systems, postgraduate training and technology-enabled workforce development.

Previously, Prof. Owolawi served for nearly eight years as Head of Computer Systems Engineering, following earlier leadership as Head/Acting Head of Electrical Engineering and Faculty Research Chair.

Across these appointments, he has led:

  • Curriculum modernization & professional accreditation
  • Academic program development
  • Postgraduate expansion & faculty mentorship
  • Laboratory and infrastructure development
  • Externally funded research and skills programs
  • Industry and government partnerships
  • Student success initiatives & work-integrated learning
  • Emerging-technology adoption

Research Interests

Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Computer Vision Intelligent Systems Wireless & Optical Communications IoT Edge Computing Robotics Renewable Energy Smart Infrastructure Digital Twins Engineering Education Responsible Technology
My Academic Philosophy

Four Fundamental Responsibilities of a University

๐Ÿ“–

Create Knowledge

Advance research that expands human understanding and solves important problems.

๐ŸŒฑ

Develop People

Educate students, mentor researchers and support faculty growth.

๐Ÿ—๏ธ

Build Capability

Create laboratories, curricula, research environments, partnerships and institutional systems that outlast individual projects.

๐ŸŒ

Translate Knowledge Into Impact

Connect academic expertise with industry, government and communities to create economic, technological and societal value.

Professional Journey

From Engineering Practice to Academic Leadership

Engineering Practice

Engineer

My professional career began in network and engineering environments before expanding into academic teaching, research and university leadership.

Scholarship

Scholar & Educator

My research career developed from telecommunications, RF propagation and engineering systems into artificial intelligence, intelligent systems, computer vision, IoT and interdisciplinary applications.

Administration

Department Leader

I have led academic departments in both Computer Systems Engineering and Electrical Engineering, with responsibility for faculty, curriculum, research, accreditation, infrastructure and external engagement.

Present

Research & Innovation Leader

My current portfolio connects AI, 4IR, digital transformation, postgraduate research, smart infrastructure, industry partnerships and workforce development.

Academic Qualifications

Education & Advanced Training

Doctoral & Graduate Degrees

  • PhD โ€” Electronic Engineering
    University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • MSc โ€” Electronic Engineering
    University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • BTech (Hons) โ€” Applied Physics / Electronics
    Federal University of Technology, Akure
  • LLB โ€” In Progress
    University of South Africa

Executive & Postgraduate Programs

  • Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
    University of Texas at Austin
  • Data Science & Business Analytics
    University of Texas at Austin
  • Cybersecurity
    University of Texas at Austin
  • Cloud Computing
    Great Lakes Institute of Management
  • Management Development Programme
    University of Stellenbosch Business School
  • Advanced Diploma โ€” Remote Engineering, Mechatronics & Robotics
    Engineering Institute of Technology

Explore the Full Academic Record

Leadership history, research portfolio, funded programs and candidate resources for search committees.

Academic Leadership Candidate Resources