Kaosara Bakare is the best graduating student of the department of computer science, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti. A machine learning and artificial intelligence (ML/AI) enthusiast, she graduated with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.93 out of a possible 5.0. She speaks with Edugist about her motivations to study computer science and her long-term career goals. Excerpts
Please share with Edugist, a little about yourself and your background
I am Kaosara Bakare, and I’m 21 years old. I hail from Kwara State, specifically from the charming town of Igbaja. I recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Afe Babalola University. While my academic journey originally led me to pursue a career in medicine, I found my passion in computer science. This change in direction has allowed me to explore the fascinating realms of technology and programming. Beyond my academic interests, I love watching anime and sitcoms. Additionally, I am a reader of self-development books, constantly seeking to improve and grow in various aspects of my life.
Could you tell us about your academic journey and achievements as a first-class graduate in computer science?
My academic journey in computer science began in 2020, shortly after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, when I had a lot of free time. At the time, I was a student at the University of Ilorin (Unilorin), but due to the academic strikes that disrupted the regular academic calendar, there wasn’t much to do in terms of coursework.
During this period of uncertainty and idle time, I discovered my passion for computer science. The world of coding, algorithms, and software development intrigued me, and I decided to change my course of study to computer science. This decision marked the beginning of my exciting journey in this field.
Being a first-class graduate is in itself an achievement that I take great pride in. It signifies the dedication and hard work I poured into my studies. However, my academic journey was further enriched by opportunities to delve deeper into the field of computer science. One notable highlight of my academic journey was the chance to present a research project at the 2nd FCAS (Field of Computer and Applied Sciences) international conference. This opportunity came under the guidance and supervision of my dedicated supervisor. It was a valuable experience that allowed me to contribute to the academic discourse in my field and gain insights into the world of research and innovation in computer science.
What motivated you to pursue a degree in computer science, and how has your education prepared you for a career in the field?
To be honest, nothing really pushed me to chase computer science other than the free time I had. To be completely honest, I didn’t have a deep interest in this field initially. In fact, I remember not even considering it as a subject for my WAEC exams at one point. However, my story took a turn due to the influence of my family, particularly my dad.
Growing up, being exposed to technology was a daily occurrence in my household. It was a compulsory skill to have, and this exposure ignited my curiosity about the vast possibilities in the world of computer science. The more I delved into it, the more I realised the incredible potential and opportunities it offered. This realisation served as a motivating force, prompting me to change my course of study and explore the field more deeply.
Throughout my educational journey in computer science, I’ve acquired a solid foundation in programming, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of the technology landscape. My education has prepared me not only with technical skills but also with the adaptability and creativity required to thrive in this ever-evolving field.
Can you explain a complex technical concept related to computer science in a way that would be understandable to a non-technical audience?
Imagine you have a secret message that you want to send to a friend, but you don’t want anyone else to read it, even if they accidentally come across it. Encryption is like putting your message in a magical box with a special lock. This lock can only be opened with a special key that your friend has. So, you put your message in the box, lock it, and send it to your friend. If someone intercepts the box (your message), they won’t be able to open it because they don’t have the special key. Only your friend can use the key to unlock the box and read the message. In the digital world, encryption works similarly. When you send sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or private messages over the internet, it’s like putting them in a digital box with a special lock. This makes it extremely difficult for hackers or unauthorised people to access and read your data because they don’t have the right key.
Have you participated in any internships or practical experiences during your time at university? How did these experiences contribute to your professional growth?
Yes. My internship experience played a crucial role in bridging the gap between the theoretical knowledge I gained during my school years and the practical application of that knowledge.
During my internship, I had the opportunity to work on real projects and solve practical problems. This hands-on experience helped me grasp the practical implications of the theoretical concepts I had learned in the classroom.
I saw firsthand how algorithms, programming languages, and problem-solving techniques that I had studied were used to develop software and address real-world challenges. I had the privilege of working with experienced professionals who guided me through the intricacies of the industry. Their mentorship and exposure to industry best practices not only enhanced my technical skills but also provided me with a deeper understanding of the software development lifecycle.
In your opinion, what are the most significant challenges and opportunities currently facing the field of computer science?
One of the most significant challenges is the underrepresentation of women. The gender gap in computer science and related STEM fields remains a prominent issue. The barrier for women is still high, with fewer women pursuing careers in this field compared to men. This imbalance not only limits the diversity of perspectives in the industry but also hinders the full realisation of the field’s potential. Despite these challenges, the field of computer science remains ripe with opportunities for those who are passionate and dedicated. The potential for creating innovative solutions, contributing to cutting-edge research, and making a positive impact on the world is immense. It’s also a field that rewards creativity, problem-solving skills, and collaboration.
Could you share your views on the ethical responsibilities of computer scientists?
Computer scientists have a significant role in safeguarding individuals’ privacy and data. They should prioritise the development of secure systems and protect sensitive information. Ethical responsibility includes respecting privacy rights, handling data transparently, and minimising the risk of data breaches.
Do you have any role models you look up to in the field of computer science?
My role model is Odun Eweniyi. I have immense admiration for her not only because of her remarkable achievements but also for what she represents. She serves as an inspiration because she breaks boundaries and defies stereotypes. I deeply appreciate the fact that she is a woman excelling in a space that society has often told us is not possible for women to enter, let alone thrive in. She is a shining example of how women can be leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs in industries where they have historically been underrepresented. Odun’s success is a reminder that the potential for greatness knows no gender.
The ability to adapt to new technologies and learn quickly is vital in the ever-changing field of computer science. Can you describe a time when you had to quickly learn a new computing framework to accomplish a task or project?
Learning Django was a distinct experience from my previous encounter with Flask, a different web framework, but it was a journey of growth and adaptation. At first, the transition felt like a significant challenge, as the concepts and approach in Django were new to me. However, I was fortunate to have incredible resources at my disposal.
In this learning process, I found my ‘forever best friend,’ YouTube, to be an invaluable companion. I turned to online tutorials and video guides, which not only explained the intricate details of Django but also provided practical examples that made the learning curve more manageable. YouTube became my go-to source for visual, step-by-step guidance, helping me understand and implement Django’s features effectively.
In addition to YouTube, Google was another indispensable tool in my learning journey. Whenever I encountered roadblocks or had questions, a quick search on Google often led me to forums, documentation, and discussions that provided insights and solutions to the challenges I faced.
How do you stay updated with the latest advancements and trends in the field of computer science?
My Twitter page is a reflection of my passion for technology and programming. I’ve carefully curated my feed to follow pages dedicated to Python coding and other related programming languages. This deliberate choice allows me to immerse myself in a world of knowledge, updates, and insights related to the ever-evolving field of programming
What are your long-term career goals and how do you plan to achieve them?
My long-term career goal is to make a meaningful contribution to the world of technology, one step at a time. I aspire to develop my skills and expertise in computer science, leveraging my passion for the field to create a positive impact in the tech industry.
A crucial aspect of my career mission is to open doors and create opportunities for women in technology. As someone who is committed to gender diversity and inclusion, I aim to actively promote and support women who aspire to excel in the tech world. Whether it’s through mentorship, educational initiatives, or advocacy, I want to be a part of the solution that empowers and encourages more women to pursue careers in technology.
What sets you apart from other first-class computer science graduates?
Academically, there may not be a significant difference between me and other first-class computer science graduates, as we share a commitment to hard work and dedication. What sets me apart is my individuality. I believe in embracing my uniqueness, bringing a fresh perspective to challenges, and contributing in my distinct way.
After your bachelor’s degree, what next?
I’m currently gaining practical experience through an internship at a fintech company. After this valuable experience, my plan is to pursue a master’s degree.
