Dr. Thomas Philip Songu
ICT Director, Njala University
Dr. Thomas Philip Songu is the Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at Njala University in Sierra Leone and a leading figure in advancing ICT implementation and digital education in Africa. With over two decades of experience in the IT industry, Dr. Songu has played a transformative role in integrating best-practice ICT solutions within public and private organizations. His expertise spans teaching, research, and the development of policies that drive sustainable technological advancement.
As a key contributor to Sierra Leone’s national ICT curriculum framework, Dr. Songu has collaborated with the Commonwealth of Learning to develop Open Distance Learning policies and deploy Open Educational Resources for Njala University. His leadership extends to supporting the Tertiary Education Commission with ICT strategies that enhance eLearning adoption across higher education institutions. Additionally, as Chief Executive Officer of the Sierra Leone Research and Education Network (SLREN), he drives initiatives that bolster research, education, and open science practices through robust ICT infrastructure.
Dr. Songu’s academic journey is rooted in excellence. He holds a PhD in Information Technology, an MSc in Information Systems Management, and a BSc in Mathematics. A certified ITIL, PRINCE2, and ISO 27001 practitioner, he is a member of prestigious organizations, including the British Computer Society and the Chartered Quality Institute. His research interests encompass eLearning, data science, artificial intelligence, and drone technology.
At the SLinT Tech Expo 2025, Dr. Thomas Philip Songu will participate in the “Driving Change: Collaboration, Commitment, Leadership, Trust, and Accountability in Innovation” session, sharing his expertise on fostering collaboration and leadership to drive impactful technological advancements and innovation.
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Panelist: Driving Change - Collaboration, Commitment, Leadership, Trust, and Accountability in Innovation
Description
This discussion will address how collaboration, commitment, leadership, trust, and accountability collectively are pillars of successful innovation across various sectors. The session will explore these foundational principles within teams and broader business practices, entrepreneurial initiatives, and community projects.
Objective
Fostering Collaboration: Discuss the importance of collaborative efforts in creating innovative solutions and overcoming industry challenges.
Upholding Commitment: Explore the impact of steadfast commitment in driving projects to fruition and how it sustains long-term initiatives.
Inspiring through Leadership: Examine different leadership styles and their effectiveness in inspiring innovation and guiding change.
Cultivating Trust: Analyze the crucial role of trust in building solid partnerships and its influence on the success of collaborative ventures.
Ensuring Accountability: Delve into the necessity of accountability in maintaining integrity and transparency in innovative processes, enhancing outcomes and trust among stakeholders.
Expected Outcome
Attendees will gain comprehensive insights into how these five critical elements interact to foster a conducive environment for innovation. They will learn practical strategies for implementing these principles in their fields, thereby enhancing their ability to initiate and manage innovative projects effectively, ensuring sustainable progress and impactful results.