By Dansu Peter A rising star from the ancient city of Badagry, Solomon Sesesie Ajasa, has etched his name in history as the recipient of t...
By Dansu Peter
From the coastal heart of Badagry to the academic halls of one of America’s top-tier research institutions, Ajasa’s journey is a powerful story of grit, intellect, and transformative vision. Raised in a community where access to quality education was limited, his unwavering pursuit of knowledge and impact was fueled by his mother, a dedicated educator who taught him the enduring value of education in lifting communities.
Engineering a Safer World
Ajasa’s groundbreaking doctoral research is revolutionizing construction safety practices in the United States. His passion for civil engineering is rooted in a commitment to solving real-world problems—specifically, reducing fatal workplace accidents in the construction industry. After witnessing tragic accidents firsthand as a field officer, he focused his research on addressing OSHA’s “Fatal Four” hazards: Falls, Struck-By, Caught-In/Between, and Electrocutions.
His standout study, “Exploring the Impact of Weather Conditions on Construction Workers’ Safety: A Focus on Fall Accidents”, merges OSHA data with weather analytics to examine how extreme conditions heighten job-site risks. Presented at the 2024 International Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering (i3CE), his research advocates for adaptive safety protocols to protect workers across the country.
Working with UA SafeState and the Alabama Center for Insurance Information and Research, Ajasa is helping to shape safety policies for FEMA and state agencies—proving that his work has national, even global, implications.
A Teacher, Mentor, and Advocate
Beyond the lab, Ajasa is equally impactful in the classroom. As Instructor of Record for courses such as Introduction to Construction Engineering and Safety Engineering & Management, he brings experiential learning to life, integrating cutting-edge tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Microsoft Project into his curriculum. His teaching style has earned glowing reviews, with students praising his dedication and depth of knowledge.
In the university’s Safety Automation and Visualization Environment (SAVE) Lab, Ajasa also mentors undergraduate researchers—guiding many to national conferences and career-defining internships.
Leading Beyond Borders
Ajasa’s leadership extends beyond academics. He made history as the first international student to become President of the Graduate Student Association (GSA) at The University of Alabama, where he represents over 6,000 students. Under his leadership, the GSA has expanded career mentorship programs, improved transportation access, and strengthened graduate student representation in policy-making spaces.
He also serves as a graduate ambassador, a Tide Together mentor, and a leader within the International Peer Advisory Council (IPAC), helping underrepresented and first-generation students navigate their academic journey.
Innovation from YABATECH to the World
Ajasa’s drive for social change through innovation was evident during his undergraduate years at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), where he and his teammates won the 2018 Hult Prize On-Campus competition. Their idea—developing biodiesel solutions to create jobs for thousands of Nigerian youths—propelled them to the Abuja regional finals, competing against top minds from across the globe.
This early brush with global problem-solving continues to inform Ajasa’s work today, as he combines engineering expertise with a deep commitment to social impact.
Pride of Badagry, Inspiration to the World
From the sandy shores of Badagry to the research labs of Alabama, Sesesie Ajasa represents the very best of Nigerian talent and tenacity. His story is one of hope, a reminder that with the right support and opportunities, young Africans can rise to global acclaim while remaining rooted in the values of service and community.
With the Graduate School Premier Award now in hand, Solomon Sesesie Ajasa not only brings honor to Badagry and Nigeria—he sets a shining example for the next generation of African scholars determined to change the world.
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