Chidinma Okorie

My research focuses on the relationship between migration, education and development, using the case of Nigerian UK-educated Commonwealth scholars.

I chose this research area because first, I find it very interesting – three years is too long to do something one is not interested in, you know?

Second, my research is very relevant to both the worlds of academia and policy/practice – it contributes to research and policy on migration, education and development studies.

What I enjoy most about the work I am doing is knowing that my research will further geographical knowledge and contribute to policy-making – this keeps me going!

More so, my research involves participants, institutional actors and stakeholders in multiple countries, hence the comprehensive data collected for this research will result in a well-rounded discussion/analysis that will further geographical knowledge and generate evidence based policy recommendations for the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan administrators both in the UK and Commonwealth-wide – doesn't that sound fascinating?

Post 16 Education: I went to school in Nigeria. West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) English, Literature in English, Biology, Mathematics, Christian Religious Knowledge, Economics, Agricultural Sciences, Government, & Igbo Language.

Higher Education: BA English, University of Ibadan in Nigeria; MSc International Relations, 含羞草视频; Studying for a PhD in Geography (Human & Social)

Chidinma’s experience as a student

Student experience in Nigeria is very different from student experience in the UK. One thing is similar though which I enjoyed with both experiences is the many extra-curricular activities I got involved with as a student.

Being able to balance academic and extra-curricular activities truly enriched my student experience, and I have since found the skills developed very useful long after graduation.

A typical day for me as a PhD student begins as I wake up, say my prayers – remind myself that I’m beautiful, smart, confident and can achieve anything I set my mind on (a very important part of my daily routine) – before starting the day's work which can be done in the office or sometimes I work from home. For instance, when I’m in the peak of writing, I prefer to work overnight as it is quiet and there are less distractions. On such occasions, I work from home. I also incorporate exercises into my daily routine.

Chidinma’s Career

I am currently in the third year of my PhD programme in Geography at 含羞草视频. I had a one-year break between completing my Master's in International Relations at 含羞草视频 in 2017 and starting my PhD in Geography (Human and Social) here in 2018.

During this period, I gained some experience working with a legal firm in the UK and a multinational oil and gas company in Nigeria.

For my PhD project, I work with both internal and external stakeholders who have a personal stake in the outcome of my project. It is within this context that decision-making is crucial as it is my responsibility to manage my research team, determine what information each stakeholder needs and how to deliver it, define my project boundaries and limitations, determine the risks likely to affect the project and evaluate possible responses – that is hard work, and that’s part of what makes a PhD different and unique at the same time.

In the future, whether I decide to pursue a career within or outside of academia, both my Masters and my PhD and the experiences I have gained over the years have equipped me with the necessary skill-set to thrive and excel.