From Rejection to Revolution: Dr. Ben Festus Appointed Acting Director of Research at Federal Polytechnic Ede, Champions Africa’s Tech Future
From Rejection to Revolution: Dr. Ben Festus Appointed Acting Director of Research at Federal Polytechnic Ede, Champions Africa’s Tech Future The Federal Polytechnic Ede has announced the appointment of Dr. Ben Festus (FISLT), popularly known as Big Ben, as its new Acting Director of Research—a strategic move that reflects the institution’s growing commitment to high-impact research and innovation across Africa. Dr. Ben’s story is one of bold transformation. After missing out on a medical degree, he charted a new course in science and technology—graduating with a record-setting CGPA from Federal Polytechnic Ede. Today, he is a globally recognized innovator, having secured seven international research grants, including the prestigious British Council Award. His patented Smart Vaccine Cooling Center and rapid PhD completion have drawn acclaim in both academic and innovation circles. Currently a TETFair Fellow and Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Johannesburg, Dr. Ben is pioneering breakthroughs in AI-powered agro-waste engineering and IoT solutions—technologies that are delivering real-world impact in underserved communities. With 23 peer-reviewed publications before age 40, Dr. Ben is a vocal advocate for transforming Africa’s challenges into innovation opportunities. “I see agro-waste as Africa’s untapped goldmine,” he says, underscoring his vision for sustainable, tech-driven growth. In an exclusive feature by Science and Tech Connect, Dr. Ben shares how early academic rejection fueled his rise to global recognition, his drive to commercialize research, and his blueprint for a future-ready Africa. Science & tech blog interview with Dr. Ben Festus Interviewer: Editorial team, science and tech connect blog 1. Early life & influences Thank you for this question. I actually got the nickname “BigBen” during my NYSC, when I participated in the Mr. Macho contest during the two-week orientation camp. Interestingly, the name stuck and has since become more prominent than any other nickname I’ve had. Over time, “BigBen” has come to reflect not just a name, but my personality, work ethic, and even my spiritual life. It embodies the strength, consistency, and presence I strive to bring into every area of my life and career. I was born and raised in Lagos, although I occasionally visited Agbor during holidays. From a young age, I was deeply fascinated by electronics and often spent time dismantling gadgets purely out of curiosity, even if I couldn’t always put them back together. This hands-on interest led me to apprentice briefly at a local radio repair shop after secondary school. Despite this passion for electronics, my initial ambition was to become a medical doctor, and I even began studying medical textbooks while trying to gain admission into medical school. However, my career path changed after a significant encounter with Dr. John Taiwo Adekolawole, who would later become the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ede. He advised me to consider studying Physics with Electronics instead of pursuing medicine. His mentorship became a turning point that shifted my focus and laid the foundation for the professional journey I follow today. 2. Education & academic excellence . 3. Professional career & leadership 4. Research & breakthroughs What can you say about your life and Science Laboratory Technology as professional course I am proud to identify as a scientist, and studying Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) has played a pivotal role in shaping not just my career but my entire outlook on life. SLT is more than a course, it is a training ground for scientific thinking, precision, innovation, and resilience. It instilled in me a deep attention to detail, a sharp analytical mindset, and the discipline to approach problems methodically and creatively. One of the greatest strengths I’ve developed through SLT is resourcefulness. In a world where solutions are often expected despite limited resources, SLT taught me how to maximize what’s available to deliver tangible results. It is a program that demands both theoretical understanding and hands-on application, and that unique blend helped me bridge the gap between abstract science and real-world challenges. SLT also opened the door for me to explore diverse scientific fields, from chemistry to microbiology, instrumentation to electronics. This multi-disciplinary exposure laid a strong foundation for my transition into fields like physics, electronics, and research and development. Today, as a postdoctoral researcher, innovator, and academic leader, I draw heavily on the training and mindset instilled in me through SLT. More importantly, SLT taught me how to see problems as opportunities. I don’t just walk past societal or technological issues; I instinctively think of how science can solve them. Whether it’s developing a nuclear radiation detector during my HND, publishing cutting-edge research, or leading national innovation projects, my scientific curiosity, rooted in SLT, has been my compass. Beyond technical competence, SLT also helped shape my values: integrity in data handling, respect for scientific ethics, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. It also gave me a strong sense of identity and confidence. Despite societal misconceptions that sometimes relegate polytechnic-based courses, I have never seen myself as inferior. SLT gave me the boldness to compete and win on both national and international stages. SLT has not only prepared me for a successful scientific career but has also positioned me to contribute meaningfully to society. Has SLT impacted your life positively? What advice do you have for professional colleague in the field of SLT and the managers of SLT in Nigeria SLT has not just impacted my life positively, it has transformed it. It gave me a strong scientific foundation, nurtured my curiosity, and empowered me with the skills to innovate, teach, and lead. From developing my first research project as a student to publishing cutting-edge articles and managing institutional research, every step of my journey has been influenced by the depth and versatility of my SLT background. The course sharpened my analytical thinking and practical skills, equipping me to contribute across multiple fields, whether in physics, electronics, material science, or IoT-based innovation. The confidence, problem-solving mindset, and academic resilience I gained through SLT have positioned me to compete globally, secure multiple grants, and lead transformative initiatives within and beyond the classroom. To my professional
