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GIIDAE: Nigeria Scholarship

Adetunji Hameed, MSc Development Finance (2021)

 

What did you do before coming to Reading?

Before coming to the University of Reading, I worked in the financial services industry in Nigeria for over a decade with cognate experience in Risk Management, Loan Structuring, Financial advisory, Business Development, and Investor Relations.

What are your career aspirations?

My career aspirations are to expand the frontiers of my finance career beyond the private sector to Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), Multilateral and other trade and development organisations.

What interested you in your chosen area of study?

I chose MSc Development Finance because it has broad modules that incorporate Microfinance, Theories and Practices of Development, Macroeconomics for Developing Countries, Appraisal of Agricultural and Rural Development Projects, and Research skills amongst other valuable learning outcomes. The International reputation and diversity of the Graduate Institute of International Development Agriculture and Economics (GIIDAE) and the School and Agriculture, Policy and Development (SAPD) was also a major attraction for me.

Why did you choose Reading?

The MSc Development Finance programme at Reading is highly reputed and offered me the opportunity to examine the key issues in this field and conduct analysis of financial markets in emerging economies, financial sector reform, and policies and institutions, to promote financial inclusion. Another point of interest for me was the various modes of learning as they use various interactive learning methods such as seminars, lectures, tutorials, classroom debates/discussions and field trips.

How do you think this qualification will help you in the future?

The body of knowledge gained encompasses the major areas that I will require to assume a leadership and strategic role in the Development Finance institutions and other related organisations. I believe that I will be able to translate the knowledge acquired from the programme for the growth and development of Nigeria through policy formulation and public sector reforms.

What have you enjoyed most about your time at Reading?

I love the town and have thoroughly enjoyed the cultural diversity and networking with individuals from different nationalities, academic and professional background.

Would you recommend the programme to other students, if so, why?

I would highly recommend this programme to both students from developing/emerging economies and those seeking to pursue further studies in the development area. The programme is globally recognised and provides students with both relevant theoretical knowledge and practical application of the teachings. The lecturers and tutors are vastly experienced and passionate and are always willing to support students through their learning journey.

How has the Scholarship helped you?

The scholarship has been an invaluable support to me in meeting the financial obligations of the programme. It also gave me further insights into the tremendous work the Graduate Institute of International Development Agriculture and Economics (GIIDAE) is doing to support human capital development in developing economies.

Is there anything that you would like to add?

I would like to express my profound gratitude to the Graduate Institute of International Development Agriculture and Economics (GIIDAE) for supporting my academic aspirations through the award of this scholarship. I remain committed to be an ambassador of the values of the institute even after graduation.