The Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG), part of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, announced the recipients of the AIG Scholarships who will join the Master of Public Policy (MPP) class later this month. They are: Wuraola Susan Babalola (Nigeria), Abiodun Wasiu Buari (Nigeria), Abdul-Razaq Dakurah Salifu (Ghana), Ujunwa Esther Ojemeni (Nigeria) and Godwin Mark (Nigeria).
Today, the new admissions window is also opening – applications for AIG scholarships to study for the MPP for the academic year 2022-23 are accepted from today until Sunday 10 October. Visit the AIG website to find out more about how to apply.
The 2021 scholars represent the fifth cohort of AIG Scholars to join the MPP as part of the partnership between the Blavatnik School of Government and AIG. Since 2017, 27 scholarships worth over £50,000 each have been awarded to future public sector leaders who have demonstrated a passion for the public sector.
“It is our fifth year of awarding at least five scholarships annually to high-calibre individuals who can influence best practice standards of governance in Africa, ensuring sustainable economic growth and social justice. We believe that the right leadership is a key driver of change and at the Africa Initiative for Governance, we are focused on building a critical mass of public sector leaders who are passionate about transforming the public sector for the benefit of the nation’s citizens. We are intentional in awarding our scholarships to those we believe have the capacity and the grit to be game-changers” said Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Founder and Chairman of the Africa Initiative for Governance.
The AIG Scholarships are fully funded by the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation. The 2022-2023 AIG scholarships application will only be open to applicants who already work in the public sector, aged between 25 and 45 years old.
“Through our AIG Scholarships, we are providing the next generation of public service leaders with a world-class public policy education that will equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to make positive change in their countries and across the continent” said Mrs Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, Director of the Africa Initiative for Governance. “The University of Oxford is one of the world’s top universities and the faculty of the Blavatnik School of Government consists of public policy academics and experts who advise governments all over the world. Our AIG Scholars learn from these teachers and bring their learnings to bear in the execution of their duties in the public sector. We believe that these scholars are future leaders who will contribute immensely to nation-building and transformation.”
After spending one year in Oxford to study for our Master of Public Policy, AIG Scholars are expected to return to their home country and apply their learning experience as change agents in their country’s public sector.
“I am appreciative of the confidence placed in me to embark on the journey to build Africa through policy and public sector support. I enjoin AIG to continue the support for the next generation of African leaders.” – Ujunwa Esther Ojemeni, 2021 AIG Scholar.
“I feel a weight of responsibility and sense of duty to transform Ghana’s public sector into one capable of accelerating the socio-economic development of the country. I am glad and exceedingly humbled by the AIG Scholarship. Not very often in this part of the world can one find such an opportunity. The AIG Scholarship will enable me not just study at Oxford but build a critical skillset to lead change in my country, Ghana, just as my forebearers” – Abdul-Razaq Dakurah Salifu, 2021 AIG Scholar.
