About Us
Background
Recent developments in computing, network technologies, the Internet, and cloud technologies have made the reliable and secure exchange of digital information vital in all human activities. These include education, finance, agriculture, manufacturing, aviation, healthcare, security, government, communication, social media, and technology across various domains.
As the use of information technology expands, so do the potential consequences of cyber-attacks and the need for a skilled workforce to prevent and defend against them. Unfortunately, the pool of available talent to build and certify applications designed to withstand attacks, diagnose, and prevent security intrusions is inadequate to meet the growing global demand.
Government agencies, business organizations, industries, and the military are scrambling to find qualified professionals to safeguard their systems, businesses, and infrastructures. To address this urgent need, the Department of Cyber Security was established to develop skilled manpower capable of bridging the talent gap and meeting the increasing demand for cybersecurity experts.
Our History
The Department of Cyber Security started in the 2020/2021 academic session with a team of three Professors, three Senior Lecturers, and three Lecturer I staff, along with non-academic staff.
The pioneer Head of Department (HOD) was Dr. M. O. Musa (2020-2022). She handed over to Dr. L. U. Oghenekaro, who is the current Acting Head of Department.
Achievements
The department’s Degree Programme was verified by the Nigeria University Commission (NUC) in 2021 under the leadership of Dr. M. O. Musa, a member of both the Computer Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) and the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS). This verification authorized the department to commence a B.Sc. degree programme in Cyber Security.
The department is equipped with:
- Software Laboratories/Lecture Rooms
- Hardware Laboratory
- Software Research Laboratory
- E-Library
These facilities are designed to give students hands-on experience with practical cybersecurity applications.
Research Interests
Research Interests include:
- Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity
- IoT Security
- Cloud Security
- Blockchain Security
- Threat Intelligence
- Cyber-Physical Systems Security
- Cybersecurity Policy and Governance
- Human-Centric Security
- Vulnerability Analysis
- Penetration Testing
- Privacy-Preserving Technologies
- Quantum Cryptography
- Behavioral Analytics
- User-Centric Security
Philosophy of the Degree Programme
Our degree programme is designed to equip students with theoretical and practical skills essential for careers in cybersecurity. Key principles and objectives include:
- Understanding Cyber Threats: Covering malware, hacking, social engineering, and emerging risks.
- Technical Skills Acquisition: Training in programming, network security, cryptography, forensics, and ethical hacking.
- Critical Thinking Development: Enabling students to analyze cybersecurity issues, assess risks, and devise protection strategies.
- Ethical and Professional Conduct: Ensuring students understand legal compliance and the ethical implications of cybersecurity.
- Interdisciplinary Knowledge Integration: Incorporating concepts from computer science, IT, mathematics, psychology, and law.
Aim and Objectives
Aim
The programme aims to develop human capital in cybersecurity to safeguard business transactions and corporate assets at both national and global levels.
Objectives
The objectives of the B.Sc. Cyber Security programme include:
- Producing graduates with foundational knowledge, skills, and strategies to detect and prevent cyber fraud.
- Empowering graduates to analyze cybersecurity threats, attacks, and risks while developing detective codes and supportive software.
- Training graduates in cryptography, steganography, and digital forensic science for secure information systems.
- Preparing students to critically assess cyber intelligence security issues using real-world case studies.
- Equipping students for self-employment, cybersecurity-based job placements, and professional industry practice.
- Developing graduates committed to lifelong learning and professional excellence.
Areas of Specialization
Students can specialize in the following fields:
- Cyber Security Analysis
- Information System Security
- Network Security
- Digital Forensic Analysis
- System Security and Auditing
Related Fields
The Cyber Security degree programme is closely related to:
- Computer Science
- Software Engineering
- Forensics
- Information Technology
- Information Systems
- Data Science
Academic Programme: B.Sc. Cyber Security
The department offers a 4-year B.Sc. (Hons.) degree in Cyber Security.
- Year 1: A broad curriculum covering general and science-based courses.
- Year 2: Introduction to core cybersecurity courses to build a strong foundation.
- Year 3: Specialized cybersecurity courses and 6-month Industrial Training in the second semester and long vacation.
- Year 4: A final-year project that incorporates all cybersecurity concepts learned throughout the programme, requiring students to develop a functional system, tool, or application.
Academic Policies
Basic Admission Requirements
Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)
- Subjects: English, Mathematics, Physics, and one other science subject.
- O’Level Requirements: Five credits including English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology/Agricultural Science/Economics.
Direct Entry Requirements
- A’ Level passes in Mathematics, Physics, or Chemistry.
- Upper Credit in National Diploma (ND) in Computer Science.
- NCE in Computer Science/Mathematics, Computer Science/Physics, or Mathematics/Physics.
Programme Duration
- UTME Candidates: Minimum eight semesters (four years).
- Direct Entry Candidates: Minimum six semesters (three years).
List of Staff
Academic Staff
| S/No | Name | Qualifications | Rank | Area of Specialisation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Prof. P. O. Asagba | B.Sc (Nigeria) M.Sc (Benin) Ph.D (UPH) | Professor | Computing & Information Security, Soft Computing, Cyber Security, Cryptography, Software Engineering, Database Management Systems |
| 2. | Prof. L. N. Onyejegbu | B.Sc (Jos) M.Sc (NAU) Ph.D (UPH) | Professor | Artificial Intelligence and Web Technology |
| 3. | Prof. B. O. Eke | B.Sc (UPH) M.Sc (UPH) Ph.D (UPH) | Professor | Software Engineering, Application Development |
| 4. | Prof. E. E. Ogheneovo | B.Sc (UPH) M.Tech (FUTA) Ph.D (UPH) | Professor | Information Security, Block Chain Technology, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Database Management |
| 5. | Dr. J. Biebuma | B.Sc (Sussex) M.Sc (Sussex) Ph.D (California) | Senior Lecturer | Radio wave Propagation |
| 6. | Dr. M. O. Musa | M.Sc (Ilorin) M.Sc (UPH) Ph.D (UPH) | Senior Lecturer | Software Engineering, Database Mgt. System |
| 7. | Dr. L. U. Oghenekaro (Ag. HOD) | B.Sc (UPH) M.Sc (UPH) Ph.D (UPH) | Senior Lecturer | Data Mining, AI, Cyber Security, Software Engineering |
| 8. | Dr. A. A. Eteng | B.Eng (UAM) M.Eng (NAU) Ph.D (Malaysia) | Lecturer I | Telecommunication |
Senior Staff: Administrative
| S/NO. | NAME OF STAFF | QUALIFICATION | DESIGNATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mrs. P. I. Nwokoye | HND, Med, Ph.D (UPH) | Chief Executive Officer (Secretarial) |
| 2 | Mr. D. P. Uyanga | B.Sc. (UPH) | Administrative Officer |
| 3 | Mr. O. Ohaka | B.Tech (RUST) | System Analyst II |
Junior Staff: Administrative
| S/NO. | NAME OF STAFF | QUALIFICATION | DESIGNATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mrs. J. C. Ichechukwu | SSCE | Senior Laboratory Assistant |
| 2 | Mrs. N. S. Iheanyi | SSCE | Head, Laboratory Attendant |
| 3 | Mr. C. E. Oti | SSCE | Laboratory Attendant |
| 4 | Ms. C. N. Doonu | FSLC | Caretaker |
