Ernest Samuel

Led energy optimization and process control system upgrades for cement mill operations, significantly enhancing efficiency and reliability.

• Spearheaded energy optimization initiatives, collaborating with the Process Manager to conduct system energy audits and achieve a 5.3% reduction in Specific Electrical Energy Consumption (SEEC).
• Coordinated with maintenance planners and engineers via SAP, streamlining preventive maintenance schedules to reduce backlog and improve task completion timelines.
• Led execution teams in troubleshooting and upgrading process control systems during weekly maintenance, incorporating key indicators to minimize downtime and increase monthly dispatch targets by 17%.
• Analyzed production equipment reliability and provided technical insights using TIS, supporting data-driven decisions for predictive maintenance planning and achieving 91% Net Asset Availability (NAI).
• Facilitated safety and project toolbox talks, promoting compliance and continuous improvement during maintenance and system interventions.
• Selected as Project Engineer for Process Control System (PCS) upgrade, managing the seamless transition from Allen Bradley PLC to Siemens platforms, enhancing system integration and performance.

Developed AI algorithms for safety-compliant data handling and contributed to risk-mitigating strategies in automated decision-making models.

• Supported the development of AI algorithms for safety-compliant data handling in academic competition systems, emphasizing reliability, transparency, and fairness in evaluation logic.
• Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to improve the integrity of science question assessments by applying safe machine learning practices aligned with data ethics and compliance frameworks.
• Contributed to risk-mitigating strategies in automated decision-making models, ensuring accuracy in scoring logic and minimizing algorithmic bias.
• Facilitated structured testing and validation phases, reinforcing system robustness and fail-safe responses within high-stakes educational settings.

Led end-to-end solar projects, scaled ventures, developed digital platforms, and provided strategic consulting, driving significant market expansion and operational efficiency.

• Designed and executed end-to-end solar projects totaling over 100 KVA across 5 Nigerian states, managing system design, contract bidding, procurement, installation, and commissioning for key clients.
• Scaled Panakenergy's revenue from zero to over N25M within one year by leading comprehensive business development, strategic partnerships, procurement, sales, and talent acquisition.
• Developed and deployed over 6 fully functional websites, including e-commerce platforms with integrated payment/shipping, serving diverse local and international clients.
• Consulted on business strategy and launch operations for two ventures (Necherem Automobils and Scolic Spectra), delivering comprehensive business plans and overseeing staff onboarding and operational setup for smooth market entry.

Developed an AI-based risk assessment platform and contributed to CAPEX project execution, enhancing operational efficiency and predictive maintenance.

• Developed and deployed an AI-based risk assessment platform, improving documentation efficiency and reducing risk evaluation time by 30%, directly supporting audit-readiness.
• Supported instrumentation reliability and performance, achieving 96% Net Asset Availability (NAI) and meeting Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) objectives through SAP-coordinated preventive maintenance.
• Programmed and configured PLCs and SCADA/HMI systems, standardizing data acquisition and improving operational consistency through developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Participated in the execution and commissioning of CAPEX projects, including ABB VSD and Hot Gas Generator (HGG) systems, collaborating with OEMs to ensure seamless delivery and zero faults.
• Applied root cause analysis and developed a TinyML model for real-time monitoring of cement mill bearings, enhancing predictive maintenance capabilities.
• Managed technical documentation and compliance reporting via TIS, contributing to comprehensive trend analysis and operational transparency.

Maintained high uptime for mini-grid power systems, managed solar installations, and led safety investigations, significantly improving operational safety and efficiency.

• Maintained 95.5% uptime across 10 rural mini-grid power systems by ensuring rapid emergency response and proactive preventive maintenance scheduling.
• Managed end-to-end execution of over 12 solar system installations (5-10 KVA) across 3 Nigerian states, overseeing all phases from planning to timely commissioning.
• Led investigations into over 12 safety incidents, identifying root causes and deploying corrective actions that reduced recurrence by 45%.
• Conducted bi-weekly site safety audits and over 60 equipment inspections, ensuring compliance with internal HSE and regulatory guidelines.
• Collaborated with contractors and facilitated monthly safety meetings, promoting a strong risk mitigation culture and improving contractor safety scores by 20%.

Assisted in heavy-duty equipment servicing and managed resources, contributing to operational readiness and material waste reduction.

• Assisted in heavy-duty equipment servicing, contributing to enhanced readiness and reliability during site operations.
• Managed resources, including spare parts and fuel usage, reducing material waste by 10% through proactive inventory oversight.

Awarded for exceptional engagement as a graduate student.

Recognized as a scholar by HOLCIM Group.