The subject group Information Systems at the North-West University (NWU) has its first National Research Foundation (NRF) Y2-rated researcher in Prof Joshua Chukwuere.
He is an NWU-grown scholar in information systems, specifically emerging and digital technologies. Prof Chukwuere is an associate professor in the research focus area known as Emerging Technologies/Digital Technologies in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (FEMS).
“Emerging and digital technologies are the critical pillar in building a social and human economy with a great impact on every sector of society. Increasingly, the world is depending on the role and impact of emerging and digital technologies in facilitating everything, everywhere,” says Prof Chukwuere.
“I am happy and grateful to contribute academically to exploring the role and importance of emerging and digital technologies in building and developing a better South African society through academic research findings for effective decision-making.”
Going up in the ratings
Prof Chukwuere is the first in the subject group Information Systems to receive an NRF rating.
He says the rating journey was not easy but was achievable with the support of the NWU at large.
“The rating journey began with my visit to Prof Collins Njie Ateba, who is also an NRF-rated scholar in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the Mahikeng Campus.
The visit to his office provided me with the right information and motivation to apply.
“The NRF rating process changed my scholarly motivation and ideas to continuously work on high-quality research. I fully support the rating process because it engages you to be focused in your research niche area. It is important that the NWU provides the support to enable every scholar to prepare for an NRF application.”
Prof Chukwuere says the support of his wife, Goodness, and his brother, Dr Precious Chukwuere, also made all the difference in his academic and rating journey.
“Every scholar within FEMS can, with hard work, commitment and grace from the Lord, be rated. I am not so special that I should be the only one.”
More about the researcher
Prof Chukwuere began his academic journey with the NWU as a student in 2006 and later joined his subject group as a voluntary lecturer. His commitment, hard work in research and passion for teaching and learning paid off when he became a permanent member of staff. He gradually made his way up the ladder to the position of associate professor in the subject group Information Systems.
Prof Chukwuere says that, since his time as a student, he has enjoyed working and engaging with other students, which assists him in his research and the teaching and learning process.He is an award-winning researcher and active on different committees at the university. Widely published in peer-reviewed journals, with contributions at c
onferences and book chapters, Prof Chukwuere has edited several academic books and is the convener of the International Conference on Emerging Technology and Interdisciplinary Sciences.
“I am humbled and grateful to God Almighty,” says Prof Chukwuere, reflecting on his Y2 rating.
