Student speaker Selebika Saniyo is graduating from Champlain College with a Master of Science in Information Security. He will address fellow Champlain College Online graduates during the 3 PM ceremony on Saturday, May 11.
Saniyo is originally from Kurutie, a community in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. He came to the U.S. in 2014 to study Mechanical Engineering at nearby University of Vermont.
Currently, he works for the State of Vermont as an IT Enterprise Architect. In this role, he architects integration solutions aligned with business goals, develops APIs and integrations, and collaborates with team members to optimize performance and ensure quality assurance throughout the development process. He enjoys the challenge of bridging the gap between technical requirements and business objectives, finding innovative solutions that streamline processes and enhance productivity. This role allows him to combine his technical expertise with his passion for problem-solving and collaboration, ultimately making a meaningful impact on the organization’s success.
A lifelong learner, Saniyo has a passion for programming, database management, and the security of systems and data.
Due to his passion for serving his community, he joined the Vermont National Guard, where he holds a dual MOS, Logistics (92A) Specialist and IT Specialist (25B). In 2020, Saniyo was activated with other guardsmen to support the State Department of Health in combating the spread of COVID-19 through contact tracing efforts. Additionally, he assisted in the distribution of relief materials across the state to cushion the effect of the lockdown on Vermonters. Currently, he is deployed to Texas to assist with the border crisis.
Saniyo began his journey at Champlain College Online in 2020 in the Information Security graduate certificate program. He then completed another Certificate in Software Development. Upon completing the Software Development program, he registered for the Master’s in Information Security program. Always seeking new developments in the technology space, Saniyo is continuously looking to learn and advance in his field. He is currently certified in CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA CySA+, and is a Certified Ethical Hacker and a Certified Splunk User.
In his spare time, Saniyo volunteers as a STEM Activity Facilitator at the ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain in Burlington. He also likes reading about emerging cyber threats and new technologies, listening to music, watching movies, and exploring new things.
Saniyo’s story is one of resilience and determination. To tune in to the livestream of his speech, visit commencement.champlain.edu for the 3 PM ceremony.