Adekunle Ajasin University Graduate Wins Prestigious Award
Lateef Adeleke, who graduated with a first-class degree in Linguistics from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA), has won a prestigious global award for his work on African language technology in artificial intelligence. The PhD candidate at the University of Rochester in the United States was named the recipient of the 2026 Indigenous NLP Excellence Award by the Nigerian Languages Data and Sci-Tech Conference (NLDSTC).
From Hardship to Global Recognition
Adeleke's path to academic excellence was marked by challenges. He previously revealed that he declined his first university admission because his father could not afford to sponsor his education at the time. When he got a second chance, he secured admission to AAUA and graduated with a first-class degree in Linguistics. In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, he described his journey as one that demanded a great deal from him.
That foundation in language study carried him across the Atlantic to the University of Rochester, where he is now pursuing a PhD in Linguistics. His research has drawn international recognition for its focus on indigenous language technology.
The Award-Winning Research
NLDSTC selected Adeleke from a pool of ten nominated individuals for the 2026 Indigenous NLP Excellence Award. The honour recognized his contributions to indigenous language technology, specifically his development of an Uneme automatic speech recognition model. He made this model freely accessible to the global AI community, effectively giving an endangered African language a functional presence in natural language processing.
His research project, sponsored by the Endangered Languages Documentation Programme, covers multiple areas including oral history, indigenous iron technology, and the Uneme language itself. By releasing the model at no cost, Adeleke has enabled researchers and developers worldwide to use and build upon his work.
Impact on African Languages in AI
The award marks a significant milestone not only for Adeleke personally but for the broader effort to ensure African languages are included in AI development. As AI technology evolves rapidly, his work demonstrates the potential for indigenous languages to thrive in digital spaces.
In related news, a Nigerian youth recently built a Smart AI Tracking System that can track people, vehicles, and animals using GPS, SIM, and AI technology. The innovator developed the device in his small workshop and appealed for investment and collaboration to improve the tracker and begin large-scale production.
