Student Spotlight: Adzembeh Joshua Imoter, Nigeria

Please introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Adzembeh Joshua Imoter, and I am from Makurdi, the capital city of Benue State in Nigeria's Middle Belt region. 

I hold a Bachelor's degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Nigeria and am currently pursuing a Master's in robotics and artificial intelligence at ITMO. My academic interests lie at the intersection of robotics, AI, machine learning, and software engineering.

Beyond academics, I have a deep passion for software development. I began programming during my undergraduate studies and have been actively building software solutions ever since; even before the recent surge in AI technologies captured the world's attention.

What first sparked your interest in robotics and AI?

It began during my final-year undergraduate project at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. My supervisor, Engr. Dr. Agbo, tasked me with developing a mobile app-controlled robotic arm for pick-and-place operations. That project exposed me to the fascinating world of robotics and ignited my curiosity about intelligent systems, which ultimately led me to pursue advanced studies.

Why did you choose to pursue your Master's abroad, and what made ITMO the right fit for you?

It was an opportunity to access world-class education, cutting-edge research facilities, and a more advanced technological ecosystem. While Nigeria has talented students and growing opportunities in technology, studying a specialized field like robotics and AI can come with certain limitations in terms of resources and research infrastructure.

Russia has a strong reputation in science, engineering, and technology, which made it an attractive destination for my studies. During my search for universities, ITMO stood out because of its excellence in IT, innovation, and forward-thinking research. This convinced me it was the right place to advance my knowledge and pursue my career goals. To sum it up: if there is more, why not take it?

What has been the biggest cultural or personal adjustment for you since arriving in St. Petersburg?

It definitely has been the weather. Coming from Nigeria, where the climate is generally warm, adapting to the cold winters in St. Petersburg has been quite challenging. My friends often joke that I start complaining once the temperature drops below -10°C. During winter, temperatures can fall to around -30°C, and there are moments when I question my decision to move here. Despite the cold, the experience of living and studying here has been incredibly rewarding.

How have you found the academic environment at ITMO? Is it what you expected?

The experience has been incredible and has even exceeded, my expectations. From conducting research in the laboratory to working on simulation tasks assigned by my supervisor, I have had many opportunities to develop both my practical and theoretical skills. Mysupervisor is also the Dean of the Faculty of Control Systems and Robotics, Prof. Sergey Kolyubin, which has allowed me to learn from one of the leading experts in the field. 

When I first arrived, I realized there was a knowledge gap that I needed to bridge, so I dedicated myself to learning and working hard to keep up with the program's demands. Looking back, I am proud of the progress I have made, and as I prepare to graduate with honors, I can confidently say that hard work truly pays off.

What has surprised you the most about student life or daily life in Russia?

How student-centered ITMO University is. There are so many facilities and services that it is almost impossible to take advantage of everything. From modern coworking spaces to private rooms that students can easily book through the my.itmo app, the infrastructure is designed to make student life convenient and productive.

I have also been impressed by how efficient the university's digital services are. The Student Services Office responds to requests incredibly fast. For example, I can request an official transcript from my room and receive it before I even have time to wonder whether my request has been processed. That level of efficiency was a pleasant surprise.

Have you discovered any favorite places, foods, or routines in St. Petersburg?

The city center, with its beautiful architecture, has become a place I visit weekly. As for food, to be honest, I have not fully adapted to Russian cuisine. I cook most of my meals myself and it has become part of my daily routine that helps me stay connected to my culture. When it comes to eating out, I am not very adventurous and rarely visit random restaurants. If I do, usually during dates, it is somewhere familiar like Burger King. While I may not have fallen in love with the local cuisine, I have certainly enjoyed exploring the city and experiencing life in St. Petersburg from my own perspective.

When you're not studying or working on projects, how do you usually relax or recharge?

I visit the city center! There's something about the energy, the architecture, and the atmosphere that helps me reset and find inspiration.

What motivates you to keep pushing forward?

My background has been a humble one, and that constantly reminds me not to take opportunities for granted. I also live by a simple football-inspired motto: "Go hard or go home." Whenever things get difficult, I remind myself why I started and give my best effort. That mindset has carried me through the toughest moments.

Finally, what advice would you give to students from Nigeria who are considering studying at ITMO?

If you have the opportunity to study at ITMO, take it seriously, because it is an experience you are unlikely to regret. ITMO is a place where hard work is recognized, curiosity is encouraged, and the possibilities are endless.