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Where and what did you study before joining LSHTM?

My undergraduate degree was at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where I studied Pharmacy, and also my two post-graduate studies (Masters in Public Health and Master of Science in Health Economics, Management and Policy) were done in the same university.

How did you apply for your research degree?

I deliberately informed close colleagues that I was looking for a PhD opportunity outside my home country. However, two senior colleagues who have followed my progress in the development sector and understood my quest towards a doctoral degree shared the advert from the EDCTP funded West African Network for Tuberculosis, AIDS and Malaria (WANETAM) with me. The advert had a list of research themes and respective supervisors from where I chose my topic of interest.

How did you make your application stand out?

I developed my application completely by myself. I combined my knowledge of the subject matter, with information garnered from literature review, laced with passion and desire to be selected, and above all my faith in God to make my application stand out from others. The oral interview was also great, my potential supervisor and other members of the interview panel gave me the opportunity to showcase myself as the candidate to be selected.

Can you explain your research topic in one sentence?

I am examining the impact of COVID-19 on social health insurance and the implications towards the universal health coverage journey in low and middle-income countries with a focus on Nigeria.

What barriers have you faced during your education?

I am the only daughter of my parents and the first female pharmacist in my family. Due to my visible quest for more education, I was often asked by some extended family members, "Why are you going further?", "Is your undergraduate degree not enough?" In fact, for the PhD, it was very discouraging. A lot of my colleagues felt and expressed that I did not need a PhD due to my growth in the industry, they’d ask ‘"why abandon your work to face a life full of mental and financial challenges associated with undertaking a PhD?" During my master's programmes, I couldn’t navigate into some academic networking circles for fear of being turned down. I have also faced the barrier of raising a family, working in the development sector and at the same time pursuing academics. On financial barriers, I had always wanted to study at a prestigious world class institution like LSHTM but did not have the resources and had to decline some previous offers.

How have the barriers you’ve faced shaped your academic and personal development?

The barriers I have faced have greatly shaped my academic and personal development. For fear of being turned down, I took a decision that I must deeply and further engage in self-learning so that I will be sought after and asked to join when I present what I can offer. This approach was the turning point in my quest to do a PhD. Regarding the triple roles of raising a family, alongside working in the industry and pursuing my academics, I brought my husband and children into the world of my dreams early enough, so when I mention that I need space to read, everyone understands my language.

What advice would you give to someone to help them overcome a similar challenge?

Challenges will never end. Overcome your internal fears, let your immediate family know your dreams, and keep taking jabs at opportunities...don’t quit until you get there.

How are you finding your research so far?

Very interesting! I have had to pick up many skills through self-learning, organised sessions, interactions with my great supervisors (couldn’t have had it better) and a network of peers. It has been an amazing journey so far. No regrets!

What are your plans for after your research degree?

Wow, I love the development sector, I have spent the greater part of my youth in the development sector, now coming into the research world, I would love to combine the two. My future aspiration is to work in multilateral organizations/donor agencies where I will be overseeing multicountry projects while also conducting research.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for a research degree at LSHTM?

Go for it, one of the best places to be in the world. The organisation of the doctoral programme is super excellent!

• Learn more about research degree programmes at LSHTM.