I was exposed to modern research and policy analysis techniques which formed a strong foundation of my research and evaluation capabilities.
Can you tell us about your career path and current role?
When I graduated, I joined the Anti-Corruption Bureau as a Senior Economist. A year later, I was promoted to Principal Economist. After another two years, I was promoted to head the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation division as the Chief Economist.
Largely, I'm responsible for coordinating policy, planning and research, directing my team, managing the budget for the division and providing guidance for the implementation of new programmes and projects.
In what way did your experience at University of Sheffield prepare you for your current career?
I was exposed to modern research and policy analysis techniques which formed a strong foundation of my research and evaluation capabilities. These have been critical in my day to day work at the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). The application of the knowledge and skills have been essential in the design and implementation of effective anti-corruption initiatives. For instance, ACB has initiated a process of integrating ethics and integrity content in all levels of education. We have started with primary level through the implementation of anti-corruption sources project as an interim measure while awaiting commencement of primary school curriculum review. This process was well informed by research exercise that was coordinated and led by myself and colleagues in PME section.
Tell us more about your experience at Sheffield in general
Sheffield city is a wonderful, quite and evergreen city that makes it more suitable for one to focus on their studies. Besides that, its people are so friendly. I had friends whom I connected with well while there and made my stay so wonderful. Secondly, I had a good educational relationship with my tutors. They were always ready and open to assist on anything brought their attention. Their skills in delivering their lessons was superb and I was much impressed by my applied econometrics tutor, he made econometrics seem ease for everyone.
What advice would you give to students interested in pursuing a similar career to you?
Focus and don't shy away from seeking guidance from tutors whenever you're faced with problems. Leverage learning aids and labs that the university offers freely and at one's pace. The learning labs were instrumental in my success as a student at the university, they made my education journey smooth.