Maseno University Student Earns Continental Praise at AU Conference in Diani
A Maseno University student has earned continental admiration after showcasing a groundbreaking innovation at the 8th African Union Conference held at the Diamond Leisure Resort in Diani, Kwale County.
Mr. Ian Baraka, a third-year student pursuing Communication and Media Technology with IT, represented Maseno University among distinguished delegates from across Africa, alongside observers from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Australia. For a student in his early twenties, the high-profile platform offered a rare opportunity and he made the most of it.
Baraka presented his project titled, AI Intergrated in Science Education,” an interactive learning solution that uses artificial intelligence to simulate scientific experiments and provide learners with access to advanced scientific resources often unavailable in ordinary school environments. The platform is designed to help schools particularly those with limited laboratory facilities and give students a chance to explore science through immersive digital experiences.
Speaking after his presentation, Baraka described the project as “a step toward levelling the playing field for learners across Africa.” He explained that the AI-powered system will allow students to conduct experiments virtually, interpret results and even access guided scientific procedures in real time.
“I wanted to create something that makes science accessible,” he said. “Many schools lack adequate lab equipment, and that limits curiosity. With this platform, a learner in a remote village can perform the same experiment as one in a well-equipped school.”
His innovation immediately caught the attention of the African Union Director, Dr. Ahmed Hamdy, who publicly applauded the young scholar for his creativity and bold thinking. Dr. Hamdy urged academics, policymakers and technology partners present at the conference to support the student so that he can refine and scale the innovation for wider use across the continent.
“This is the kind of youthful brilliance Africa must nurture,” Dr. Hamdy noted, commending Maseno University for producing talent with a vision for the future.
The acknowledgement placed Maseno University firmly in the continental spotlight, further strengthening its reputation as an emerging powerhouse in Information Technology, Research, and Innovation. This reflects Maseno’s commitment to empowering students to drive technological change.
For Baraka, the experience was both humbling and motivating.
“Standing before leaders and experts from different countries and seeing them believe in my idea was powerful,” he said. “It has encouraged me to work harder and keep building.”
His project is expected to undergo further development, with interest already expressed by several education stakeholders who attended the conference.