Mr. Melvin Ballera

In a quest to strengthen the Faculty of Information Technology (FIT) teaching staff, Dr Freddie Acosta, the newly appointed Academic and Research Director of FIT visited Philippines, his home country to look for young and talented lecturers last month.

To join FIT in January 2008 is Mr Melvin Ballera, a lecturer from the Philippines who is in his final year of his PhD in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence). Mr Ballera holds as a BSc in Computer Engineering and a MSc in Computer Science. He is also a Microsoft Certified Professional and a CISCO Instructor.

The 30 year old is teaching core computer science subjects such as Artificial Intelligence, Operating Systems, Networking, Discrete Mathematics, Data Structures and Design and Analysis of Algorithms.

Recent additions to the FIT family include Dr Stephen Kimani and Dr Joseph Wafula, two new part-time lecturers who are on board to boost the Masters classes.

“In addition to a relevant IT curriculum and excellent facilities, we need good and competent lecturers in order to provide quality education. We are also preparing to offer new degree programmes,” Dr Acosta said in an interview.

Dr Acosta is also hoping to interest two  more lecturers from the Philippines in 2009. One is Mr George Villa who is about to complete his PhD in Software Engineering. Mr Villa has a BSc in Information and Computer Science and an MBA in Business Technologies. He has an extensive knowledge and experience in system development especially Academic Management Systems.

The other is Ms Lolita Layugan who is finishing her PhD in Internet Technologies.  Ms Layugan has a BSc in Information and Computer Science and an MSc in IT. Ms. Layugan is a versatile lecturer and teaches Java, Oracle and Cisco.

“What we need are lecturers who are not only experts in their respective discipline, but also equipped with knowledge in teaching methodologies, psychology and philosophy of education,” Dr Acosta said.