Student Spotlight ; Nashiru Muniru from Ghana is elected as Vice Chair of the IEEE UNI

Innovation and leadership have always been guiding principles for Nashiru Muniru, a graduate student in Applied Engineering: Information & Electrical Engineering Technology at the University of Northern Iowa. 

Recently elected as Vice Chair of the Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (IEEE) UNI Student Branch, Nashiru continues to exemplify the spirit of collaboration, global engagement, and technological advancement that UNI proudly fosters.

Nashiru’s journey is not only international but also diversified- spanning experiences across Engineering, Computer Science, and Management in Africa, Asia, Canada, and the United States. Before joining UNI, he earned a Master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Queen’s University (Canada) and a Master’s in Computer Application Technology from Xi’an University of Technology in China. These diverse experiences have shaped his unique ability to bridge engineering, information technology, business, and sustainable development across disciplines and cultures.

At UNI, Nashiru has been an active contributor to student leadership and innovation. Beyond his academic pursuits, he serves as a Graduate Assistant supporting digitization of records and information management initiatives at the UNI Museum and is a key member of the ATMAE Robotics Team, where he leads documentation and systems coordination. His election as IEEE Vice Chair reflects his commitment to empowering fellow students through knowledge sharing, hands-on projects, and professional networking in emerging technologies.

In his role, Nashiru aims to strengthen IEEE’s presence on campus by promoting collaborative projects, industry mentorship, and interdisciplinary engagement among students in engineering, computer science, and business disciplines. “My goal is to make IEEE a launchpad where ideas turn into impactful innovations,” he says. “I believe that when students from diverse backgrounds work together, we create solutions that are not only technical but human-centered.”

Looking ahead, Nashiru plans to continue exploring how sustainable engineering, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity can address global challenges in energy, manufacturing, and climate resilience. He is also passionate about mentoring future engineers and entrepreneurs- encouraging them to see technology as a force for both progress and purpose.

For Nashiru, being part of the Panther community means belonging to a global family that values curiosity, collaboration, and compassion - the very traits that drive his leadership journey.