Houghton University announced that Babafemi Sorinolu has been hired as Assistant Professor of Computer Science. Currently acting as Visiting Assistant Professor, Sorinolu will make the transition to full-time beginning in the Fall 2024 semester. His promotion is a testament to the investment he has already made in the lives of students this last year and reflects the ongoing significance of Computer Science at Houghton.

“At Houghton, we seek to hire faculty who are not just expert scholars and educators, but who also have an authentic relationship with Jesus and a desire to help students draw essential connections between their faith and their scholarship. I saw these traits in Professor Sorinolu when he interviewed for the Visiting Professor position this year, and I am thrilled that he will be joining the faculty as an Assistant Professor in the coming academic year. Bringing Babafemi on board brings stability to this important and growing program at Houghton, and I look forward to seeing how he will work with colleagues and students to shape and develop it in the years to come, ” said Provost and Dean of Faculty David Davies.

Sorinolu discovered his gift for teaching as an undergraduate student when his classmates would ask him to explain the concepts they were learning in class. Seeing the joy on his classmates’ faces when they finally understood the concepts, encouraged Sorinolu to pursue a career where he could combine his love of teaching and computer science.

After completing graduate school, Sorinolu knew he wanted to teach at a Christian university. A quick Google Search led him to Houghton.

“I’m passionate about incorporating my faith into my teaching,” said Sorinolu.

When I teach, it’s a way to express my faith in my day-to-day activities. I can be a disciple-maker, encouraging my students to pursue God in everything they do.

Babafemi Sorinolu, Assistant Professor of Computer Science

In a world that continually relies on the aid of technology, Sorinolu believes it is important to have a background in computer science. “There are so many ways IT is being used, so having a good background in Computer Science will help equip someone with the skills to contribute to inventions that help make the world a better place.”

A degree in Computer Science has never been more useful. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for IT careers such as software development, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow by 25 percent from 2022-2032.

Specifically at Houghton, a degree in computer science will give students the foundations of programming and an understanding of how to apply those skills to contribute to the world they will find themselves in after graduation. Students can also now expand their Computer Science degree to include a concentration in cybersecurity.

“Houghton’s program,” said Sorinolu, “gives students the opportunity to participate in research and hands-on projects while living in a close community that makes it feel like family.”