Dr Aliyu Sambo

Aliyu’s academic and research career follows a strong industry background in a highly competitive technology industry. His experience includes 15 years with a multinational organisation in various technical and leadership roles. Highlights of his previous experience are as follows:

Doctoral Researcher and Lecturer (2018 - 2022):

• Research Domain: Artificial Intelligence - Evolutionary Computation and Machine Learning.
• Developed a genetic programming that automatically produces simple and accurate solutions (Machine Learning, Automatic programming, etc).
• Published five papers, including in the top journal for evolutionary computation (Applied Soft Computing).
• Visiting Lecturer: Develop and deliver teaching computing courses such as AI, Machine Learning, Modern Optimisation, Business Intelligence, and Programming.
   

Telecommunication Core Network Specialist (2009 - 2018):
 

• Advanced technical support in a telecommunication network with 60 million subscribers. These involved using granular traffic and signalling data, protocols, routing, etc., to identify and address performance issues and resolve complex network problems; it includes 2G to 5G technologies.
• Planned and executed mission-critical network changes using industry best practices. Also, a change management board member. 
• Produced software tools to boost productivity, save costs, and reduce the turn-around time of critical projects.
• Manage vendor performance using network statistics and SLAs.
• Oversee the development of processes and procedures.
• Developed and managed training and knowledge transfer programmes.

Core Network Consultant (Secondments):
 

• Provided consultancy to multiple operations of the multinational telecommunication company to help adopt new technologies, resolve problems, optimise, and improve and standardise network management processes.

Telecom Switch Engineer (2006 - 2009):
 

• Monitor and resolve issues in switching centres.
• Executing planned changes and network configurations.
• Track performance metrics and generate reports.

Information Systems Support (2003 – 2006):
 

• Supported multiple regions using remote tools and site visits, which involved applying ITIL processes and proactive initiatives.
• Initiated and managed end-user training programmes based on insight from data captured in the incident management process (tickets) to minimise incidents and improve customer satisfaction. 
• Collaboratively transformed the IT help desk into an ITIL-based Service Desk.

Aliyu’s research explores cutting-edge AI applications to address critical societal and organisational challenges. In addition, he researches the advancement of machine learning algorithms and deep learning, and he is an expert in evolutionary computation. 

Examples of his multidisciplinary projects are: 

• AI for Resource Management in Healthcare – Developing AI-driven tools, such as the OSI Policy Analyser, to enhance NHS workforce planning, policy evaluation, and organisational efficiency. 
• Advancing AI Algorithms – Enhancing AI efficiency using evolutionary computation to create simple and effective computational models and designs. 
• Applied AI for Societal and Economic Impact – Leveraging AI for customs fraud detection, sustainable supply chain management, and regulatory compliance to drive real-world change. 
• AI Adoption and Innovation in Higher Education – Investigating AI’s role in transforming HE, improving teaching methodologies, and mitigating challenges.