Cumberlands Alumnus Named Cybersecurity Personality of the Year

Dr. Robinson Tombari Sibe, a two-time graduate of University of the Cumberlands (Ph.D. ’21 and MS ’20), has been named Cybersecurity Personality of the Year at the 2025 National Cyber Security Conference in Abuja, Nigeria. The award, backed by the Federal Ministry of Communications, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the Office of the National Security Adviser, recognizes exceptional leadership and impact in the cybersecurity space.

“To be recognized on a national stage in a country as vast and vibrant as Nigeria—with its rich pool of talent—is both humbling and inspiring. I do not take this honor lightly,” Dr. Sibe shared.

Cybersecurity Leadership and Forensics Expertise

Dr. Sibe’s remarks reflect a humility that belies the scope of his accomplishments. With over two decades of experience in information technology and a decade of leadership in cybersecurity, he brings a depth of expertise that has driven several groundbreaking initiatives.

Over the years, he has:

• Led high-profile forensic investigations.
• Advised government agencies on national cybersecurity strategy.
• Mentored the next generation of cyber professionals across Africa.

As CEO and Lead Forensic Examiner of Digital Footprints Nig. Ltd., one of Nigeria’s foremost digital forensics and cybersecurity firms, he has built a reputation for technical excellence, ethical leadership, and service.

He also regularly lectures and supervises graduate students, provides pro bono training to national institutions, and founded the Cyber Skills Bridge Fellowship to equip young Nigerians with practical, in-demand skills.

A Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and an official member of the Forbes Technology Council, Dr. Sibe’s work continues to shape cybersecurity discourse and practice both within Nigeria and internationally.

Commitment to Nigeria’s Cybersecurity Future

A deep commitment to his home country remains at the heart of his career.

“In Nigeria, as in many parts of the world, there has historically been a significant gap in digital forensic expertise,” he explained. “It is incredibly important to me to give back to my community and address the growing cyber skills gap in the region."

Dr. Sibe devoted years to honing his cyber skills but quickly recognized that technical mastery alone would not be enough to create the lasting impact he envisioned for his country.

“I understood true excellence in this field would require ethical grounding, academic rigor, and leadership,” he noted. “This conviction led me to University of the Cumberlands, which was a transformative experience.”

How a Cumberlands Education Shaped His Career

For Dr. Sibe, his time at Cumberlands wasn’t just about earning two advanced degrees—it was an immersive academic journey that continues to inform his leadership today.

“The faculty, composed predominantly of scholar-practitioners, brought a wealth of practical and academic experience to the classroom, which enriched the learning experience and deepened my appreciation for the field,” he said. “The leadership principles embedded throughout the curriculum continue to guide my work and professional development.”

As he had hoped when beginning his academic journey, Dr. Sibe is now driving change across Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape—while also sharing his insights with global audiences and helping nations confront long-standing issues and emerging threats, including those posed by artificial intelligence (AI).

Global Thought Leadership: AI and Cybersecurity

In the past 12 months alone, Dr. Sibe has been featured as a subject matter expert by the BBC, Forbes, and Channels Television. He has also delivered lectures and professional talks in multiple countries, offering valuable insight into the evolving nature of cybersecurity.

“One of the most transformative trends in cybersecurity and digital forensics is undoubtedly the rise of artificial intelligence (AI),” he said.

Dr. Sibe is optimistic about AI’s ability to enhance threat detection, automate investigations, and improve incident response. However, he also warns of the potential risks.

“We are witnessing a growing wave of AI-driven cyberattacks, where malicious actors use sophisticated AI tools to automate phishing, exploit vulnerabilities, and evade detection,” he explained. “This dual-use nature of AI poses significant ethical and security challenges.”

He also points to the rise of crimeware-as-a-service—an underground model that makes cybercrime more accessible to those with little or no technical expertise—as a concerning trend.

“These developments underscore the urgent need for stronger international collaboration, investment in digital forensic readiness, cybersecurity awareness, and proactive capacity building—especially in regions like Africa, where the cybersecurity talent gap remains significant,” he said.