Tell us a little bit about your background...
I am from Afikpo North Local Government of Ebonyi state in Nigeria. I completed my bachelors in English and Literature from University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria. My undergraduate research focused on the post conflict reconstruction processes of the Nigeria civil war of 1967-1970. After my undergraduate study, I secured a lecturing role in a higher institution where I taught first- and second-year students. I also served as the director of Youth and Community peace Initiative in a non-governmental organization in Nigeria, where I was involved in intra/inter community conflict resolution and peace building.
What inspired you to study Diplomacy and International Security (MSc)?
I have a long-term fascination for security, conflict management and peace building processes in conflict torn and flashpoint rural regions. This is because, I seek a peaceful, safe, just, and fair society. My motivation to study MSc Diplomacy and International Security is because the course focuses on non-violent approaches to conflict resolution and security. It also offers in-depth and high-quality research skills of historical and current methodologies of security and diplomacy. This course also offered me the opportunity to align my career interest with the commonwealth theme of “strengthening global peace, security and governance” aimed at promoting global peaceful co-existence.
What did you enjoy most about your course?
I enjoyed every bit of my course. I particularly enjoyed the interdisciplinary dimension of this course because it offered me the opportunity to broaden my learning interest. I also enjoyed the seminars and presentations which offered me the opportunity to hone my public speaking skills. The opportunity to engage and learn with practitioners was intriguing! This course offers so many amazing opportunities and transferrable skill sets.
What specialist knowledge/professional skills have you developed whilst studying the course?
I have garnered the skill of contemporary conflict resolution methods using specialised skills of negotiation and mediation. I have honed my skills and expertise in public speaking and have also gained the ability to present my works to a multicultural audience. The MSc Diplomacy and International Security have helped me to also develop in-depth knowledge and high-quality research skills of the historical and current methodologies of diplomacy and global security.
What do you think of the support available?
The teaching and administrative staff of MSc Diplomacy and International Security provide a supportive learning environment for students to thrive and grow. They respond to enquiries and resolve complaints promptly. They also provide constructive academic feedback. They are warm, friendly, empathic and provide both emotional and academic support to students. I am particularly thankful to programme director Dr Rogelia Pastor-Castro for time spent together with colleagues over the coffee and lunch table.
What advice would you give to a prospective student coming to study your course?
First, I absolutely affirm that this course is worth studying. This course offers a lot of opportunities to thrive and grow, and lots of transferable skills. So, spread your wings and broaden your learning from the option modules. I challenged my own learning by taking modules from the various option modules and I am enthusiastic of my learning experience, exposures, and the skills I have garnered. Secondly, this course requires lots of personalised study, and you can broaden your learning from the various study materials available in the university library and online resources. Read veraciously, develop new ideas, write, and challenge yourself to new frontiers. A disciplined study habit is equally essential.
What are your ambitions for the future and how do you think your time at Strathclyde will help you achieve your goals?
My career plan is to teach contemporary diplomatic approaches to conflict management and advanced security tactics in schools and within the rural communities of conflict torn regions. My passion is to find solution to the underlying causes of conflict resurgence and security challenges of Nigeria. I am committed to promoting peace building processes through volunteering and advocacy from the grassroots and amongst young people. I shall also obtain my doctorate and other relevant professional trainings. This will give me the platform to play advisory role to government of nations on strategic conflict prevention and contemporary security tactics. Through my study here at Strathclyde, I have garnered essential knowledge and in-depth research skills as well as the moral strength that has set me on a path to achieving my dreams.
