I became a professional teacher and headmistress at age seven - this was the case in most of my pretend-play sessions. More than two decades later, I have worn several hats: teacher, tutor and mentor. Indeed, I have a beautiful life; not perfect but beautiful. Many times I have enjoyed help in the form of scholarships as my parents were full-time missionaries. My primary education was funded by my parents whilst my secondary education by the gracious Pastor Bimbo Odukoya of blessed memory. My undergraduate studies was funded by Redeemer’s University, this was particularly beneficial as the scholarship ran for four years. My Oxford M.Sc. in African Studies was funded by the Kaduna state Government via St Antony’s College. However, I also have memories of not receiving funding. Once, at the age of 19 I was invited to present my History paper at Austin ,Texas but was denied a visa due to funding. There was also a span of about 4 years just before commencing my M.Sc. at Oxford in 2022 when I attempted to commence my PhD without any success.
But now I’m here, not yet where I intend to be but nearly there. After years of trying to commence my PhD , after multiple rejections and acceptances with no funding, I’m here again with an offer letter but no funding. My goal to research History Education in Nigeria is very dear to my heart. And hopefully this desire is not mine alone as I see how rapidly historical consciousness is dying out in my dear nation. Beyond my DPhil , I intend to employ the findings of my investigation to foster conversations around reviving history education in Nigerian schools and improving the quality of textbooks in the discipline. I am also interested in researching models for private low-cost quality education with the hopes to create a replicable framework which the Nigerian government can adopt. I am particularly interested in education and education policy, especially for marginalized people.
Will you kindly support?
Thank you for your time.