[Editor's Note: Zainab Iyiola is a member of the TWA Editorial Board and the author of previous TWA articles.]
When artificial intelligence (AI) first began appearing in petroleum engineering research, it was often met with skepticism. Today, AI has become one of the industry’s most transformative technologies, influencing everything from subsurface characterization to operational decision-making.
Few professionals have witnessed, and helped shape, that evolution as closely as Fatai Anifowose. A computer scientist by training and an AI researcher by passion, Anifowose has spent his career exploring how intelligent systems can solve complex energy challenges. His journey spans academia, industrial research and development, and international thought leadership, offering a unique perspective on innovation, leadership, and lifelong learning.
For the inaugural edition of Conversations with Energy Innovators, The Way Ahead speaks with Anifowose about his journey from computer science to AI leadership, the evolution of artificial intelligence in energy, and the lessons shaping the next generation of professionals.
Conversations with Energy Innovators is a new interview series by The Way Ahead that spotlights professionals whose work, leadership, and ideas are shaping the future of energy. Through these conversations, we aim to share practical insights and career lessons that inspire students, young professionals, and experienced practitioners across the industry.
Every career has a defining beginning. For Anifowose, the journey into AI was neither accidental nor straightforward. What started as an unexpected shift away from medicine ultimately became the foundation of a career dedicated to solving engineering challenges through intelligent technologies.
TWA: Many of our readers are familiar with your work today, but fewer know the journey behind it. Can you share your career story and some of the key experiences that shaped your path into AI and energy?
Fatai Anifowose (FA): I started out as a computer scientist focusing on software engineering. My interest in AI was sparked by a course that I took in my final year; an introduction to AI. That course kept ringing in my head while I navigated the world of computer programming. After 6 years of software programming practice, the opportunity came to study for a master’s degree at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). This was where I got the chance to apply AI to petroleum engineering challenges. After completing my master’s degree, I worked for 2 years at the same university and then realized that there is the need to further explore the application of AI in petroleum engineering. That took me to my PhD program where I conducted deep research into hybrids and ensembles of machine learning techniques. Since completing my PhD, my research journey has been very exciting.
TWA: Looking back, was there a particular moment, opportunity, or decision that significantly changed the trajectory of your career?
FA: Absolutely! During my high school days, there was this general belief that brilliant science students would go for medicine and surgery, commercial students would go for business administration and accounting, and art students would go for law and journalism. However, after my first failed attempt at meeting the highly competitive requirement to study medicine and surgery, my blessed advisers (dad and uncles) encouraged me to 'try' computer science. At that time, it was a new field of study and the expectation was that, just like the AI of today, computers will be everywhere one can think of, and there would not be enough hands to operate them. That was the beginning of my glorious journey.
From Skepticism to Mainstream Adoption
Long before AI became one of the industry’s most discussed technologies, Anifowose was already exploring its applications in petroleum engineering. His experience provides a unique perspective on how dramatically industry attitudes have evolved.
TWA: You have been working at the intersection of AI and energy for many years. How have you seen the role of AI evolve within the industry, and what changes have surprised you the most?
FA: I always like to narrate this interesting story whenever I am met with this kind of question. Back in 2009–2010, just after completing my master’s degree, I submitted a manuscript about the application of AI in the petroleum industry to one of the industry-focused journals. Surprisingly, the manuscript was brutally rejected, along with very harsh comments, indicating dislike, disbelief, and mistrust towards the AI/machine learning paradigm. It was simply seen as a 'cheat' and an unconventional tool; probably too unscientific to be reckoned with. Today, the story has completely changed. AI has gradually gone beyond a mere buzzword to become the “future” in almost all fields of human endeavor. AI-focused manuscripts with sound scientific bases are now accepted and published. Petroleum-focused conferences and professional events now have dedicated themes on AI applications and successful use cases. A lot has happened within a decade to make this 180° change in attention and trust.
Innovation Beyond Technology
TWA: When people hear the word 'innovation,' they often think of technology. In your view, what does innovation truly mean in the energy industry today?
FA: In my opinion, innovation is a culture of problem solving. It’s a mindset that all problems have a solution. My background in computer science taught me that there is no 'impossible' in problem solving. Even problems that are said to be 'intractable' still have 'approximate' solutions. In summary, innovation means that all challenges can be addressed and existing solutions can be improved. This leads to a culture of continuous improvement.
His experience serves as a reminder that many transformative ideas are often met with skepticism before gaining widespread acceptance. As his career matured, success became less about publications and more about creating technologies that improve real workflows and generate measurable value.
From Research To Real-World Impact
TWA: One challenge many technical professionals face is translating innovative ideas into business value. How have you approached this throughout your career, and what advice would you give to others?
FA: For me, this has been a natural progression. I believe everyone passes through the same path in their career journey. At the early stage, my focus was on producing papers and gaining recognition. Later, the focus shifted to making an impact through my work. The main reason I transitioned from an academic environment to the R&D sector of the industry was to see my work transforming workflows, generating and delivering value, and making real impact. This was not very easily achievable in an academic setting, even when there was industry collaboration. In the industry, there is more focus on technology value and operational impact than publications. After value realization has been achieved, the knowledge is then shared through conference presentations and journal publications.
Preparing the Next Generation
Much of Anifowose's work extends beyond research. Through conference presentations, mentorship, and professional engagement, he regularly speaks to students and young professionals about building meaningful careers.
TWA: For students and early-career professionals preparing for the future of energy, what technical and non-technical skills do you believe will be most important to develop?
FA: I have mentioned this in most of my presentations to SPE/European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers student chapters and young professionals. There are hard and soft skills. While hard skills represent what you do and your technical knowledge, soft skills guide how you do it and relate with other professionals. Hard skills start with our respective fields of study (science and engineering). It is necessary to excel in those areas to be able to solve the various challenges in our society. Soft skills are interpersonal, behavioral traits, including effective communication, active listening, adaptability, empathy, resilience, algorithmic thinking, open-mindedness, win-win mentality, and teamwork. Employers typically look for a healthy mix of both. A contemporary example of hard skill is AI. I have shared my opinion in various speaking opportunities and panel discussions (especially at KFUPM, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and Times Higher Education events) that I wish all students, irrespective of their fields of study, would take at least one basic course in AI before graduation. This will make all students AI-literate, know how AI works, know that it is not magic, and would not have unrealistic expectations about it.
Lifelong Learning
TWA: The pace of technological change can feel overwhelming. How do you personally stay current, continue learning, and adapt to new developments in your field?
FA: Yes. The pace of technological change has been fast in recent times. Continuous learning is key to remaining relevant and up to date. As a researcher, I do this by subscribing to the publication notification of relevant journals in my field. Having a journal notification subscription ensures that I get notified when a new volume or series of the journals is released for distribution. This is called ‘Table of Contents notification.’ I can go through the newly published titles and dive deeper into any one of them that appeals to my interest. I also attend conferences either as a presenter or delegate. Even a visit to the exhibition section of a conference is an opportunity to see new products of R&D. In addition to displaying and explaining their research products, exhibitors also share publications that their new inventions are based on. Other ways to remain updated with new research findings is to volunteer as a peer reviewer for journals and conferences.
Leadership Lessons
TWA: As someone who has worked across research, technology development, and industry leadership, what leadership lessons have had the greatest impact on your career?
FA: Over the years in my career, I have learned that there is personal growth and reciprocal development when one makes the effort to impact young professionals, share knowledge with peers and colleagues, and be open to criticism. Multidisciplinary collaborations are encouraged. An idea from an entirely different field might be a game-changer in the energy industry. Also, an innocent idea from a young professional could spark a bigger one in addressing a challenge. The key message is: Give everyone an equal chance to contribute to ideation processes.
Responsible AI and the Future of Energy
TWA: What is one common misconception people have about artificial intelligence in the energy industry that you wish more people understood?
FA: Many people think that artificial intelligence is like a magic wand that must work or deliver accurately at all times and in all cases. I would like people to know the results obtained from AI are as good as the data that were feed into it. The statement ‘garbage in, garbage out’ remains relevant till now. For generative AI, it should be noted that the results from the models should be taken with extreme caution, especially where precision in safety, health, and privacy are concerned. Hallucinations in these models are real. In machine learning and deep learning, proper data selection, model selection, and model validation are critical to ensure strong results.
The Future of Energy
TWA: As you look ahead, what excites you most about the future of energy, and what role do you hope the next generation of professionals will play in shaping it?
FA: Following the past and recent trends in publicly available data, energy demand will increase as the world population increases. The energy industry will continue to provide the energy the world needs. With the energy transition, hydrocarbon resources will continue to play a big role alongside other energy sources such as renewables in meeting the global demand. Young professionals have a big role to play in joining hands to innovate and create new technologies and improved methodologies that will ensure energy availability, affordability, and sustainability. A good mastery of the hard and soft skills will go a long way to attaining this lofty objective.
A Final Message To TWA Readers
TWA: Lastly, what is one piece of advice or insight you would like every reader of The Way Ahead to remember after reading this interview?
FA: Knowledge acquisition and technological innovation are a continuum. As new workflows are created, existing ones need improvement. Continuous learning is the fuel that will keep the engine of research, development, and operational efficiency running smoothly. Keep learning. Keep impacting.
Anifowose’s journey demonstrates that innovation is not simply about adopting new technologies. It requires curiosity, resilience, collaboration, and a commitment to ensuring that technical ideas create meaningful value. His reflections also offer an important lesson for professionals at every career stage. Technical knowledge provides the foundation, but continuous learning, communication, open-mindedness, and the willingness to learn from others determine how effectively that knowledge can be applied.
As the inaugural guest of Conversations with Energy Innovators, Anifowose sets the tone for a series dedicated to capturing the experiences and ideas shaping the future of energy. His message to readers is clear: keep learning and keep making an impact.
Five Takeaways From the Conversation
- Career paths do not always follow the direction originally planned.
- Innovation begins with a problem-solving mindset.
- Research creates greater value when it improves real workflows and decisions.
- Technical skills must be complemented by communication, adaptability, collaboration, and empathy.
- Continuous learning is essential for remaining relevant in a rapidly changing industry.
