Professor Saheed O. Ajayi is a distinguished EduTech consultant and academic leader with over 20 years of experience in education, spanning roles from teaching in primary and secondary schools to lecturing and consulting at universities. Currently a Professor of Digital Construction and Project Management and the Director of the Construction Informatics and Digital Enterprise Research Laboratory (CIDEL) at Leeds Beckett University, Professor Ajayi has established himself as a thought leader in education technology, digital construction, and project management. His work centres on creating transformative learning solutions that harness AI, Big Data, IoT, and Building Information Modelling (BIM) to advance educational experiences across all levels of schooling.
With over a decade of university-level teaching and substantial consulting experience in primary and secondary education, Professor Ajayi has a deep understanding of the evolving needs of educational institutions. His career trajectory includes impactful roles as a primary and secondary school teacher, where he gained firsthand insights into student engagement and curriculum challenges. This early experience informs his current consultancy work, including notable projects such as the TEYAN Project, where he served as a consultant. This project underscored his commitment to applying innovative methodologies to enhance teaching and learning in foundational education settings.
Professor Ajayi has led multiple high-profile EduTech initiatives, including EDURIGHT, a machine learning-based platform designed to diagnose and support pupil performance, and PASS, which uses data analytics and GIS for enhanced environmental management in educational institutions. EDURIGHT is a comprehensive system addressing learning gaps and the impact of COVID-19 through a personalised, multilevel approach that includes tools like a vulnerability diagnostics portal and an intervention management platform. These projects, backed by substantial funding from Innovate UK and UKRI, demonstrate his ability to implement scalable, data-driven solutions that foster digital innovation in educational contexts. Additionally, he has completed consulting projects valued at over £10 million, collaborating with industry leaders and educational bodies to bridge the gap between research and practical application.
A passionate advocate for the “students as partners” philosophy, Professor Ajayi’s teaching philosophy revolves around fostering active, technology-enabled learning environments. He integrates digital tools like Kahoot and PollEv to enhance student engagement and adapts his research to support forward-thinking curriculum development. His work with CIDEL not only focuses on academic research but also on practical applications of digital technology that equip teachers, trainers, and school administrators with the skills and knowledge to lead digital transformations within their institutions.
In addition to his technological expertise, Professor Ajayi’s extensive experience in consultancy for schools and teacher training programs allows him to offer tailored guidance on integrating digital strategies into everyday teaching and operational practices. His diverse background makes him an invaluable asset for institutions aiming to adopt EduTech solutions that are both innovative and aligned with best practices in education.
