About AREC
A Pan-African campus for AI, research, and innovation.
AREC - the AI and Research Empowerment Challenge - is an initiative of the International Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Research (IIAR) in collaboration with Veristzon Global Research Lab.
Mission
To empower Africa's next generation of researchers, innovators, and leaders with world-class AI and research education.
Vision
To become Africa's leading digital campus for Artificial Intelligence, research, and professional certification.
What Inspired AREC
A conviction that Africa's future depends on the depth of its research culture and the fluency of its people with Artificial Intelligence.
Our Journey
From an IIAR working group to a continental Digital Campus, AREC has grown alongside the researchers, universities, and institutions it serves.
Achievements
Thousands of learners across the continent, active partnerships with universities and governments, and a growing repository of African-authored research.
Impact
Certified professionals, published papers, funded projects, and communities of practice from Lagos to Nairobi to Cape Town.
IIAR
International Institute of Artificial Intelligence & Research
IIAR is the accrediting body behind AREC's professional programmes and the AIIAR / FIIAR designations.
Veristzon
Veristzon Global Research Lab
A global research and innovation lab partnering with AREC on programme design, applied research, and executive education.
Office of the Executive Director
Meet the leader guiding AREC's mission
Executive Director
Nwogboji, Emmanuel Usulor
DST · ACA · ACFP · CAICA · CCAFAFI · FMVA · BIDA
Nwogboji Emmanuel Usulor is a Certified Digital Skills Trainer with the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN). He is also a Certified AI and Research Professional at the International Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Research (IIAR), and a Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
He holds certifications as a Financial Modelling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA) and a Business Intelligence and Data Analyst (BIDA) from the Corporate Finance Institute (CFI), Canada. He is also an Associate Chartered Finance Professional (ACFP) with the Institute of Chartered Finance Professionals, USA; a Chartered Certified Associate Forensic Accountant and Fraud Investigator (CCAFAFI) with the Chartered Institute of Certified Forensic Accountants and Fraud Investigators, USA; and a Chartered Associate Internal Controller and Auditor (CAICA) with the Chartered Institute of Internal Controllers and Auditors, USA.
Emmanuel is the lead consultant at Veristzon Global Research and Forensic Lab where he provides strategic guidance, technical expertise, and high-level advisory support in research design, forensic investigations, academic consulting, and AI-powered research solutions. He leads major projects, mentors research teams, and ensures clients receive accurate, innovative, and globally competitive analytical outputs. His leadership has contributed significantly to the organisation's reputation as a trusted centre for excellence in research, training, and forensic services across Africa.
Emmanuel is a serial entrepreneur and a disciplined professional known for his expertise in research strategy, data analysis, book and content writing, document management, and financial and business management. His wealth of knowledge enables him to provide effective solutions to contemporary challenges faced by individuals, institutions, and organisations.
Working with Nwogboji Emmanuel Usulor is a signature of success.
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