ITS PROFESSIONAL OF THE WEEK

Welcome to the 11th edition of ITS Nigeria Newsletter!

In this week's ITS Professional of the Week edition, we will feature Dr. Ogochukwu Ugboma Ph.D. FCILT fACSC FInsTA CSCA , an ITS pioneer from ITS Nigeria. We are so excited to share the experience of this hardworking individual who has impacted the ITS industry.

Dr. Ogochukwu Ugboma FCILT, fACSC, FInsTA

Dr. Ogochukwu Ugboma FCILT, fACSC, FInsTA, is a distinguished academician and industry expert with a wealth of experience spanning academia, consultancy, and board-level engagements. She is a Senior Lecturer and the Head of the Department of Transport Management and Operations, at the School of Transport and Logistics, Lagos State University , Lagos, Nigeria. With a robust background in Logistics, Transport, and Supply Chain Management, Dr. Ugboma is recognized for her dedication to knowledge dissemination. Her research interests include supply chain management, urban mobility, intelligent transport systems, active mobility, data analytics, and maritime transportation. Driven by a strong work ethic, she prioritizes training, capacity building, and team synergy, embodying a commitment to excellence. As a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (Nigeria) (CILT), the African Center for Supply Chain (ACSC) , The Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA), and an Expert Pool member of the Africa Resource Center for Excellence in Supply Chain Management (ARC_ESM) . Notably, Dr. Ugboma's involvement as a founding member and CILT Council Representative of Academics in Logistics and Transport (ACALOT), alongside her pioneering role as Vice Chairperson of Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT) Nigeria, underscores her leadership in promoting gender diversity and professional development. With a prolific publication record, she continues to shape discourse and drive innovation in the industry.

What is your educational background?

I have a B.Tech and MSc. in Transport Management Technology from the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) , Owerri; a Master in Industrial and Labour Relations from the University of Lagos and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Transport Studies from Olabisi Onabanjo University(O.O.U) , Ago-Iwoye.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the transportation industry?

After completing secondary school, I had intended to study Medicine. However, I ended up studying Transport Management Technology instead. My fascination with the critical role of transportation in shaping societal connectivity and economic prosperity is what inspired me to pursue this field. The dynamic interaction between different modes of transportation, from bustling city streets to bustling seaports, piqued my curiosity and ignited a passion for understanding the mechanisms driving this complex ecosystem. Transportation can facilitate trade, foster cultural exchange, and enhance accessibility to essential services. This inspired me to dig deeper into the field and explore various aspects of transportation, including supply chain management, specifically in health care, urban planning, and sustainable mobility solutions. As I learned more, I became increasingly captivated by the opportunities to address real-world challenges and drive positive change. Through my academic journey and professional experiences, I gained invaluable insights into the interdisciplinary nature of the transportation industry. From teaching and conducting research to collaborating with industry stakeholders on innovative projects, each encounter reinforced my conviction in the transformative power of transportation to shape a more connected, efficient, and sustainable world. I believe that the transportation industry has the potential to transcend boundaries, empower communities, and pave the way for a brighter future for future generations.

What are some of the challenges you face in your role?

Historically, the transport industry has been predominantly occupied by men. This realization became apparent to me during my university years when I found myself as the only female student in a class full of male students. I remember an incident during one of our Workshop Practice sessions when one of my male peers questioned my presence while demonstrating metal cutting and planning on a lathe machine. He suggested that I should be in the Food and Nutrition department, implying that it was a more suitable place for me. As an academic, securing sufficient research funding in the transportation field to support projects and initiatives can be quite challenging. Data availability, accessibility, and quality are also concerns. Building relationships with industry partners, understanding their needs and priorities, and effectively communicating research findings to non-academic audiences require strong interpersonal and communication skills. Balancing teaching responsibilities with research activities and providing effective mentorship to students can be a challenging task.

Can you share any memorable experiences you have had in your role?

Witnessing my students achieve academic and professional success can be incredibly rewarding. Whether it's seeing them excel in their studies, securing internships or job opportunities, or making significant contributions to the field, these moments reaffirm the impact of my mentorship and guidance. Collaborating and building strong relationships with colleagues, industry partners, and other stakeholders on research projects, and achieving shared goals. Successfully facilitating workshops, seminars, or training sessions can be a fulfilling experience, especially when you see participants actively engaged, learning new concepts, and applying them to their work. Being recognized for my contributions in the transportation field through Awards by the students and the industry.

How do you balance the demands of your role with your personal life?

Balancing the demands of a career in academia with personal life can be challenging but achievable with effective time management, boundary setting, and prioritization.

What do you enjoy most about working in the Transportation/ITS Industry?

Working in transportation and ITS offers a front-row seat to technological advancements. From smart traffic management systems to autonomous vehicles, the industry constantly evolves. Being part of this innovation is exhilarating. Transportation professionals tackle complex problems daily. Whether it’s optimizing traffic flow, improving public transit, or enhancing safety, the sense of accomplishment from solving real-world challenges is rewarding.

How do you stay up to date with the latest trends, developments, and advancements in the ITS industry?

By attending conferences, workshops, and webinars related to ITS. These events offer networking opportunities and expose you to cutting-edge research and real-world applications. By joining industry associations and participating in their forums, By enrolling in online courses or certifications related to ITS, and by regularly reading industry-specific publications, journals, and research papers.

What advice would you give aspiring professionals looking to enter the ITS industry?

I would advise them to start by acquiring a solid educational background. Pursue relevant degrees in fields like computer science, electrical engineering, or transportation engineering. The ITS landscape evolves rapidly. They should stay curious and keep learning. Follow industry blogs, attend webinars, and read research papers. They should endeavor to connect with professionals, attend conferences, and participate in forums. Networking opens doors to opportunities and knowledge sharing. Finally, practical experience is invaluable so, they should seek internships with organizations working on ITS projects.

What advice do you have for the Nigerian government in terms of the role of ITS in economic development?

The Nigerian government can improve economic development by investing in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) infrastructure. This can be done by allocating resources to create robust ITS systems such as smart traffic management, real-time data collection, communication networks, intelligent traffic signals, surveillance cameras, and vehicle tracking systems. These systems work together to increase efficiency and productivity, leading to cost savings for businesses. Efficient transportation corridors facilitate trade between regions and countries. The use of ITS solutions, such as electronic cargo tracking and seamless customs processes, at ports, border crossings, and freight corridors can boost economic exchanges. To speed up implementation and share costs, the government can promote Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). ITS projects can also create employment opportunities in technology, maintenance, and management. Countries with advanced ITS infrastructure tend to attract foreign investment. Efficient transportation networks encourage business expansion. Finally, ITS generates valuable data for policymakers and businesses. Informed decisions lead to better resource allocation.

How do you see the future of transportation in Nigeria evolving?

The future of transportation in Nigeria holds both challenges and opportunities. Historically, Nigeria’s transport networks have faced underfunding. However, the government is now prioritizing their development. Enhanced connectivity—via roads, railways, inland waterways, and air links—will be crucial for supporting growth in non-oil sectors. Nigeria aims to boost multi-modal transport integration. Currently, modes of transport are not functionally integrated. Addressing this gap will improve efficiency and facilitate the seamless movement of goods and people. We should expect more technology infusion into traditional transport systems. Stakeholders recognize the inadequacies of existing systems. Innovations like smart traffic management, data analytics, and real-time monitoring will drive efficiency. Addressing security challenges is a pertinent challenge. Ensuring safe transport corridors remains critical. Addressing security issues will be essential for sustained growth therefore, Investments in security infrastructure and protocols are necessary. Urbanization is on the rise. Developing efficient urban transport networks is crucial. Clean energy solutions, improved transit connectivity, and technology adoption will shape urban mobility of the future. As Nigeria participates in the African Continental Free Trade Area, demand for transport will rebound. Efficient links between the hinterland, cities, and ports will be vital for trade expansion.

If you want to be featured in the ITS Professional of the Week whether as an aspiring professional or one who has been in the industry for years, fill out your responses in this Google Form. We are impressed by your dedication to the ITS and transportation industry and we believe that your story deserves to be shared with a wider audience.

We hope you enjoyed this 11th edition! We look forward to seeing you in our next edition. Have a lovely week!

ITS Nigeria Team