Working as an engineer at GB Foods, Henrietta Oluwatoyin Coker M’28 saw firsthand how rapidly automation, control systems, and intelligent machines are reshaping manufacturing. Recognizing that the industry was evolving faster than her existing skill set, she decided to deepen her expertise to build a meaningful career in manufacturing. That decision led her to the Ashesi–ETH Zurich Master’s in Mechatronics, a program she describes as “a converging point for engineering theory and modern engineering practice.”

With its interdisciplinary focus on robotics, control systems, and automation, the program directly addresses the skills she identified as critical to her professional growth.

Beyond the curriculum, Coker was drawn to Ashesi’s collaborative and diverse learning environment. She values the program’s emphasis on teamwork, practical problem-solving, and learning that is relevant to industrial contexts in Africa. The partnership with ETH Zurich further strengthened her confidence in the program’s quality, and she believes that Ashesi’s approach ensures that it is grounded in real-world application.

Coker plans to apply what she learns to improve efficiency, safety, and automation in manufacturing, while contributing to the growth of smart manufacturing across Africa.

As she begins this next chapter, she is focused on making thoughtful choices and seeking opportunities to apply advanced engineering skills to build reliable, safe, and scalable systems.