Edith is a recent MA Education graduate from the University of Reading who has held leadership positions working in the education sector, and also has a doctorate degree in Sociology of Education from the University of Lagos, Nigeria.
“As the Managing Director of Agled Consulting on education-related matters, I worked closely with Developing Effective Private Education Nigeria (DEEPEN) under Mott Macdonald UK on School Improvement Services for school owners in Lagos State, Nigeria. I have always aspired to be that leader who can uplift the management of staff members in an organisation/company.”
With a firm belief in self-development, Edith was inspired to further her knowledge by her twin daughters, who were studying at the University of Reading at the time. Impressed with her daughter’s experience, she decided to “test the waters” by enrolling on pre-sessional English 3 and 4 courses at the University of Reading online. Edith was satisfied with the pre-sessional courses and then decided to go for an MA in Education in Leadership and Management. “Upon visiting the London Road Campus, I was attracted to the Institute of Education (IoE) because of the location, the reputation of the Institute, the history, the serenity, and the beauty. I was also captivated by the enthusiasm of the Programme Director for (IoE), Professor Rebecca Berkley which inspired me to choose the University of Reading for my MA Education programme”.
Driven by her passion, Edith chose MA Education to acquire more knowledge in Leadership and Management in Education and to potentially boost her career. “I have an interest in education, and this has spurred me to continue to acquire more knowledge in the field. I also believe that continuous learning is essential for me to reach greater heights in my career, so I decided to learn more and equip myself for more leadership roles”. Unsurprisingly, her research work (as part of the MA Education) was on Distributed Leadership for school improvement, where she was most inspired by the Leading, Managing and Implementing Change topic area.
“The course has shaped my leadership skills. I now have a deeper understanding of what it means to lead as I am more reflective and have become a confident inspirational leader, following my research on distributed leadership. With this, I am now excellent at managing behaviour and have developed the capacity to inspire and influence others in my profession to do the same. I have also been opportune to work as a student panellist for the University of Reading where some of my knowledge in leadership have been used”.
Speaking on the support she has received and her experience at the IoE,
"I have had enormous support from the university staff, my academic tutor and lecturers especially Dr Jo Anna Reed Johnson, Co-Director MA in Education, whose mentorship and cheerfulness got me thinking of following the administrative path. The University has support systems for students to help them achieve their goals. Most excitingly, I have met and gained knowledge from like-minded people in the field of education, made good friends from this programme that I can call on for professional (or personal) advice, and acquired quality knowledge and confidence. These are indeed priceless”.
As the end of her MA in Education draws closer, Edith looks forward to settling in Reading to work in an establishment where her knowledge in leadership will be fully utilised. She is also inspired to make an impact in educational leadership, especially in her home country Nigeria.