Featured scientist: Prof Matthew Adigun
Prof Matthew Adigun is a senior Computer Science scholar at the University of Zululand, whose work sits at the powerful intersection of artificial intelligence, software engineering, cloud and edge computing, cybersecurity, natural language processing, and digital systems for development.
Prof Adigun’s research is driven by one big idea: computing systems should not only be technically strong, but also useful to communities. His work focuses on building intelligent, secure, and socially meaningful technologies that can support areas such as education, health, development, and digital inclusion.
A major part of his current research looks at inclusive AI for South African languages, especially isiZulu, isiXhosa, and Sepedi. Through the Telkom-NRF Future Technologies project, where he serves as Principal Investigator, Prof Adigun is helping advance large language models for under-resourced African languages. The project brings together researchers from the University of Zululand, University of Cape Town, University of Fort Hare, and University of Limpopo.
Digital tools for Africa
For Prof Adigun, this work is not just about technology. It is about ensuring that Africa not only consumes digital tools but also helps shape them in ways that are locally relevant, inclusive, and socially just. His research also strongly connects to pandemic preparedness and response, where AI, sensing, and digital platforms can support stronger public health systems.
His connection to NITheCS is a natural one. Much of his work depends on computational modelling, algorithmic thinking, data-driven evaluation, and systems design. At the same time, it reflects the broader NITheCS spirit: bringing theory, computation, and real-world application together.
What excites him most is the possibility of building intelligent tools, including chatbots and digital platforms, that can communicate in South African languages and respond to real public needs. In this way, his research speaks directly to the future of inclusive AI, where language, access, and technology meet.
Advice for young researchers
Prof Adigun’s advice to young researchers is simple but important: work hard, stay curious, and commit to lifelong learning. In a rapidly changing field, he believes resilience, adaptability, and intellectual agility are just as important as technical skill.
Through his work, Prof Adigun continues to help build a future where African researchers, African languages, and African communities are not left behind in the global AI revolution.
