Genius Isaka enrols for PhD from Bachelor's Degree
The pint-sized light skinned and poetic Thabang Isaka is the classical embodiment of the maxim, 'dynamites come in small packages.'
Standing at 1.5 metres, it is difficult to ignore the presence of the diminutive Isaka once in your company because not only is he hyperactive, but he is also attractive and exudes brilliance and confidence. His good command of the Queen’s language is the cheery on top.
It is not surprising that members of his family have nicknamed him after an American actor, Kevin Darnel Hart- given his constant chatter and penchant for crafting humorous jokes.
It appears that the Zimbabwean-born and Canadian-based Philosopher, Entrepreneur and author Matshona Dhliwayo had Isaka in mind with his quote, “Brilliance is the masterpiece of your mind. Excellence is the masterpiece of your
heart. Genius is the masterpiece of your soul. A good mind is sharper than a bad sword”.
It is his sharp mind that earned Isaka – a holder of a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Systems Engineering – a chance to join the few who are rewriting academic records!
Isaka has won a full sponsorship to enrol for a PhD at ML-Labs, SFI Centre for Research Training in Machine at the Technical University of Dublin, Ireland even before completing his Master's Degree, which he is currently pursuing through correspondence with the University of Sunderland!
But who is Thabang Isaka?
'I am a 25-year-old young man, and the third born in a family of six siblings.'
In interview with Botswana Guardian, Isaka describes his journey as a rollercoaster. From a young age, the power of words and influence over society captivated him. This early intrigue evolved into a passionate pursuit of public speaking during his formative years.
'Debates, speaking events, and radio interviews frequently featured me, with my voice becoming a familiar resonance. Along this journey, I also discovered a passion for poetry, which soon became a highlight of many events I attended.'
While he has always been a jack of all trades— the student who sampled every sport until the excitement faded, he lost his way.
'Influenced by misguided friendships, I strayed from my path of excellence, becoming entangled in distractions. Just when it seemed my future was slipping away, an invitation to the Gospel of God’s Grace Ministries in Kopong became my turning point,” he said.
With no prior knowledge of the church or its Overseer, Isaka was drawn by a booklet about the Prophet Parent Student (PPS), an initiative by Prophet Cedric purely meant to assist in upgrading the educational standard as well as building a well-rounded person.
He said attending a service there, he realised that true excellence transcends mere intelligence or brilliance; it’s rooted in dedication, discipline, and character.
'Choosing to embrace Christ's teachings transformed my life, and in Prophet Cedric, I found not just a mentor but also a father figure and a trusted friend. This spiritual awakening instilled in me a renewed sense of purpose and identity.'
Academically, his journey began at Gaborone Senior Secondary School, leading him to the Botswana Accountancy College. There, he pursued a Bachelor's degree in Computer Systems Engineering in collaboration with the University of Sunderland.
His dedication bore fruits when he graduated at the top of his class, boasting a perfect score in his subjects. Additionally, he published an academic research paper called, “Evaluating machine learning approaches to car detection using unmanned aerial vehicle imagery,” which featured in the University of Sunderland's database.
This exemplary performance secured him a scholarship for a Master's degree at the same institution which he is currently pursuing.
Beyond the classroom, he has always thrived in multitasking. Collaborating with like-minded peers, they established Xavier Africana venture aimed at addressing unique challenges in the African landscape through Artificial Intelligence solutions.
In just five years, Xavier Africa has broadened its reach to Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, offering services to a varied clientele, including government bodies, parastatals, and private entities. As the journey continues, he serves as the Head of Operations.
While juggling these responsibilities, he is also advancing his studies with a Master's in Project Management.
'In a recent exhilarating twist, I have been accepted into a prestigious PhD programme at ML-Labs, SFI Centre for Research Training in Machine at the Technical University of Dublin, Ireland.
“I can't attribute my current position to raw intelligence or any particular brilliance. Instead, it's been sheer discipline that has propelled me forward,' he said.
'To get here, I delved deep into research and actively sought out engagements with thought leaders. My inquisitive nature took me to numerous seminars, and I never hesitated to ask questions of those I saw in influential positions.
“This approach gradually helped me amass a valuable portfolio and a network of supportive individuals who have been pivotal in my career's trajectory.'
Isaka joins a doctorate class on 1st September, and to this day, he is astonished that at the age of 25, with only a Bachelor's Degree to his name, he has been enrolled for a PhD programme.
'Post-graduation, I set my sights on international institutions for my Master’s studies. Yet, rejection followed rejection, often citing my qualifications or the absence of scholarship opportunities.
“At one point, feeling somewhat defeated, I entrusted my fate to God and kept pushing forward with applications. A conversation with my boss proved pivotal; he suggested that perhaps I was aiming too low, seeking opportunities beneath my potential.
“With that perspective shift, I began to entertain the idea that perhaps a Masters was not my path. Instead, in what some might call an audacious move, I aimed for a PhD.'
He would then send an application for a Ph.D. to ML-Labs, SFI Centre for Research Training in Machine at the Technical University of Dublin. As days and weeks passed, he received an email for a virtual interview regarding the application.
'After going through another intricate interview that demanded critical thinking and understanding, I saw that this journey is not an easy one to take as it demanded quite more, but after the interview, I left it all to God and trusted that he shall mark the books.
“In a turn of events that can only be attributed to God’s divine intervention, I received a PhD offer — a full scholarship, no less — despite applying with only a Bachelor's Degree in hand.'