The spotlight is on Dr. Ayoade Akintayo Michael, Lead City University, Nigeria.

Lead City University, located in Ibadan, Oyo State, is one of the fastest growing private universities in Nigeria. Recognizing the diverse needs of its students — both traditional students and working adults — it provides flexible part-time and full-time study options to accommodate various schedules.

The university offers degree courses in Natural and Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Law, Social and Management Sciences, Communication, Environmental Design, Arts and Education. It also offers postgraduate diplomas, masters and PhD courses in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Computer and Information Science, Information Systems, and Information Technology.

Dr. Ayoade Akintayo Michael is a Computer Science Senior Lecturer in the Department of Natural and Applied Sciences, and uses the Oracle Academy database curriculum in teaching his coursework. He holds a master’s degree and a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Ibadan. He is a specialist in information retrieval, machine learning and cybersecurity.

Oracle Academy: Can you tell us how Lead City University came to adopt Oracle Academy resources for teaching and learning?

Ayoade Akintayo Michael: It began with a meeting in 2018 between faculty members and Oracle Academy representatives. We were looking for a partner for collaboration in terms of curriculum development. In particular, we wanted to work with technology providers recognized by industry that would give students exposure to real-world scenarios, offer internship opportunities, and full-time careers. In other words, a partner with whom we could bridge the gap between academia and industry.

Oracle Academy: Can we ask why you are referred to as Mr. Oracle within the university?

Ayoade Akintayo Michael: I am probably the one at Lead City University who uses Oracle Academy resources the most. During the pandemic when other lecturers continued with traditional teaching methods, I used the lockdown to become certified as an Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Architect Associate.

Oracle technology is so popular within Nigerian industry that I could not pass up the offer of free, cutting-edge software giving students materials, exercises and exams in topics that are totally relevant to the world around us.

Oracle Academy: What resources do you use in teaching?

Ayoade Akintayo Michael: My course is called Database Systems, a 300-level course, with a total of 250 students. I use Oracle Academy’s Database Foundations to introduce them to relational database concepts. In the advanced part of the course, I incorporate Database Programming with SQL, going deeper into core principles like data modeling, normalization, SQL querying, and transaction management.

Oracle APEX is another invaluable teaching resource. And naturally we have access to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) through the Oracle Academy Cloud Program.

I also teach both Java and Python, and have recently started to use Oracle Academy’s Artificial Intelligence with Machine Learning in Java curriculum.

Oracle Academy: Do you make full use of the resources or adapt them to your syllabus?

Ayoade Akintayo Michael: I use Oracle Academy holistically. By that I mean all of it. I don’t need to do much in developing my curriculum as almost everything I need is already included: the slides, tests, assignments, homework. It leads to strong teacher-student interaction. For the school exams, I tailor the questions from the content available from the Oracle Academy platform.

Oracle Academy: And what can you say about Oracle APEX?

Ayoade Akintayo Michael: For me, APEX makes it easier to teach complex topics such as database design, web application development, and backend programming. In my Database Systems class, I use APEX mainly for running database queries. It helps students build skills in SQL and PL/SQL.

The great thing is that, because APEX and the Oracle Autonomous Database are integrated directly into Oracle Cloud, students can very easily set up an APEX workspace in OCI to extend their learning beyond the classroom. As administrator I create Oracle Cloud accounts and they access APEX through cell phones or any other device. Students just log onto the portal from wherever they may be, and off they go!

Oracle Academy: You have Oracle professional certification. Do you encourage students to take those exams as well?

Ayoade Akintayo Michael: Definitely. Just as I steer them to practice APEX through Oracle Cloud, I also tell them where to access Oracle’s certification programs online. Most of the students want to be great professionals, whether as a Database Administrator or in other roles, and are keen to become professionally certified.

Oracle Academy: What are your takeaways from this experience?

Ayoade Akintayo Michael: The major benefit of Oracle Academy for me is the free access to tools such as Oracle Database and Oracle APEX. The platform has made my work easier, and I have good support from Oracle Academy. I also use the Oracle Academy Member Hub for continuous student assessment. It’s very useful.

What’s more, several students who have graduated from my class and joined industry, here in Ibadan or in the capital Abuja, have contacted me to say what they learned from Oracle Academy resources is directly applicable to their jobs. That’s a success story! Meanwhile, we will continue to use the platform, add more content, and prepare graduates with the skills required by industry. I am thankful to Oracle Academy for helping me to make database teaching vibrant: Showing databases in action, exploring the features and functions.

Oracle Academy: Thank you. Lastly, what are your interests outside of the university?

Ayoade Akintayo Michael: Outside of teaching I love music. I compose and play on keyboards, for myself and sometimes with bands. I also sing in my church choir. Apart from that I socialize, go to parties, have fun!

Thank you, Dr. Ayoade Akintayo Michael, for your passion for Oracle Academy and for preparing your students to make a positive impact.