Nijendra Giri

Bachelor of Information Technology

Nepal

Information Technology graduate Nijendra Giri is heading to the United States on a scholarship to pursue a master's degree researching Artificial Intelligence.

He plans to return to Nepal one day and apply his knowledge to help tackle his country’s technological challenges and drive economic growth.

Nijendra is a 26-year-old tech enthusiast. He initially came to New Zealand to study diplomas in Website Development and Software Development in the South Island.

After a stint in the workforce, he decided to enrol in the Bachelor of Information Technology at OPAIC. He chose OPAIC because of its strong academic reputation, industry-focused curriculum, and hands-on learning approach.

“The supportive faculty and diverse student community made it an ideal place for me to grow both academically and professionally,” he says.

Nijendra was also fortunate to receive a scholarship during the Covid-19 pandemic, enabling him to continue his education.

“The combination of high-quality teaching, real-world projects, and strong industry connections at OPAIC helped me gain valuable skills and experience,” says Nijendra.

One of his most exciting projects was creating a website for Just MOMO, an online dumpling store run by Nijendra and four friends.

“I built a system that handled customer orders, inventory management, sales tracking, and business operations, making it easier for my non-tech-savvy friends to manage the business.”

He says his lecturer, Barry Dowdeswell, played a crucial role in guiding him through this project, helping him refine his skills and approach.

Nijendra has now been accepted into the University of the Potomac in Virginia, with a scholarship covering more than half of his study. He was helped by a letter of recommendation Barry provided.

Nijendra will be pursuing a Master of Science in Computer Science, focusing on Artificial Intelligence and its positive and negative impacts.

“After completing my studies and gaining work experience, I plan to return to Nepal to establish my own software company, addressing the country’s technological challenges and contributing to its economic growth,” he says.

Beyond technology, Nijendra has a passion for the outdoors, coming from a country famous for its breathtaking mountains, including Mount Everest.