Dr Shehu Yusha’u
PhD, PGCTLHE, FHEA, MIET, MIEEE

Lecturer

Department of Science and Engineering

Room no. RM126

Biography

Shehu is a lecturer in engineering and a highly accomplished academic and industry professional with over a decade of combined experience in engineering research, teaching, and industrial practice. With a PhD in Control and Systems Engineering from the University of Salford, Manchester, and a strong background in artificial intelligence (AI), digital innovation, and engineering process optimisation, his teaching spans electronics, mechanical, and renewable energy engineering - integrating cutting-edge technologies to prepare students for the evolving engineering landscape. He also supervises students’ projects, provides pastoral support, and mentors students in professional and academic development.

Shehu’s previous spells include Swansea University, University of Salford, and UMYU-Nigeria, where he contributed to interdisciplinary teaching and research-driven engineering solutions. Prior to transitioning to academia, he gained extensive experience in the energy sector, holding leadership roles in power plant operations, automation, and maintenance, where he led commissioning, regulatory compliance, and digital transformation initiatives. Shehu’s industry experience informs his teaching, ensuring students gain real-world insights into engineering problem-solving, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

As a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), he is committed to inclusive, student-centred learning. He integrates digital tools to enhance student engagement while mentoring the next generation of engineers. His engagement in AI, digital transformation, and smart energy solutions continues to drive innovation in engineering education and practice. Shehu is particularly passionate about technology transfer, professional skills development and EDI in engineering education, and explores the role of BIM in designing energy-efficient buildings that generate, store, and release their own energy, contributing to a fossil-fuel-free future.

Further information

Shehu currently teaches analogue and digital electronics, embedded systems, electronic circuits, mechanical principles, applied mathematics for mechanical systems, applied mathematics for engineering, wind and tidal energy systems, eco vehicle technology, and composite and floating structures. With experience teaching across multiple engineering disciplines, Shehu integrates digital transformation into his teaching to prepare students for emerging industry trends.

Shehu has actively contributed to the development and validation of the MEng Integrated Master's degree, ensuring that new modules are aligned with accreditation standards and industry requirements. His involvement focused on ensuring the curriculum meets the highest academic and professional standards while also incorporating current industry trends and practices to prepare students for the challenges of the engineering sector.

Shehu has extensive teaching experience across multiple institutions, including Swansea University, University of Salford, and UMYU (Nigeria), delivering a diverse range of engineering and science modules:

Delivered multidisciplinary engineering modules, integrating AI, automation, and digital transformation to enhance student learning and industry readiness.
Provided instruction in physical sciences and mathematics, equipping science students with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Led courses in robotics, control, and sustainable integrated design, ensuring students gain industry-relevant expertise.
Supervised student projects in engineering innovation, fostering research in emerging technologies.

His teaching philosophy is centred on inclusive learning strategies, industry-aligned case studies, and technology-enhanced pedagogies, bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world engineering applications to improve student outcomes.

Shehu has held senior engineering roles in the power and energy sector, with expertise in power plant operations, automation, instrumentation, and high-voltage system maintenance. At Afam Open Cycle Power Plant (Sahara Power), he led the commissioning and operation of a 180 MW Alstom GT13E2 gas turbine, ensuring regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and plant performance optimisation.

At NG Power Ltd., Shehu supervised operations at Omoku & T/Amadi Open Cycle Power Plants, overseeing preventive maintenance, outage planning, and technical training to enhance plant efficiency.

Additionally, as a project engineer (electrical) at NG Power Ltd., Shehu managed turbine control systems, performance optimisation, and plant automation, contributing to improved reliability and operational excellence.

This industry expertise informs ongoing research on sustainable engineering and smart energy solutions, bridging the gap between academia and real-world engineering challenges.

Shehu has completed several specialised training programmes that have enhanced his technical expertise and industry knowledge in power generation, renewable energy, and electrical systems. Notably, he participated in the NESP and REEP programmes, funded by GIZ and USAID and implemented by Winrock International, where he gained hands-on experience in mini-grid design, solar PV installation, and solar PV supervision.

Additionally, he undertook training with Spectrum Engineering Limited on electronic teaching and learning platforms, as well as with GE Oil & Gas on heavy-duty gas turbine operation and maintenance.

Shehu further enhanced his power plant expertise with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) in South Korea, where he completed a comprehensive power plant operations and maintenance, transmission, and distribution programme, as well as training on the operation and maintenance of combined cycle power plants with Kepco Ilijan Corporation in the Philippines that expanded his technical competencies in power plant control and network systems.

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), UK – Recognised for excellence in teaching and learning.
Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.
Best PG Researcher Award, Centre for Autonomous Systems and Advanced Robotics, University of Salford – For contributions to AI in robotics and engineering processes.
Outstanding Industry Collaboration Award – For leadership in power plant digital transformation.

AI and Smart Technologies in Engineering – AI applications in automation, robotics, and digital transformation.
Sustainable Energy and Smart Cities – Developing intelligent energy systems and net-zero infrastructure.
Technology Transfer and Innovation – Enhancing engineering processes through AI-driven solutions.
EDI in Engineering Education – Promoting inclusivity, cultural awareness, and professional skills development in STEM.

Courses

Embedded Electronic Systems Design and Development Engineer (Degree) Apprenticeship

Work and earn in industry while gaining a full BEng (Hons) degree in modern electronics. Learn to program robots, design, implement and analyse circuits and systems.

View course