Onyegecha Nwawueze Ofurum, alumna, MSc in Education for Sustainability
Life skills and the Education for Sustainability MSc lifted Onyegecha's job role performance to a new level, enabling her to make greater positive changeStudying the MSc has given me the opportunity to combine both my personal and professional interest with the United Nation’s need to end extreme poverty.
Shaping the future of her country
Onyegecha Nwawueze Ofurum is certain that what she has learned from her studies at LSBU will no doubt be life-changing for her and for her country. As an educator, she benefitted greatly from the course as it deals with the theory and practice of education for sustainability.
I believe that the knowledge I’ve acquired can help shape the future of my country in terms of sustainable development.
- Onyegecha Nwawueze Ofurum
"Applying the knowledge and skills gained from the different modules, with guidance by my supportive supervisors, I explored the role of vocational education and training in poverty reduction for women living in the Niger Delta of Nigeria, with the aim of ascertaining a more female-specific programme designed for poverty reduction. Using human subjects and capturing their perspectives through interviewing, preceded by a period of observing teacher-learners interaction, was both enlightening and intriguing.
"The disabuse of some of my long-held assumptions by the findings of the research was a big surprise to me and shows the importance of change supported by good argument. This research became the highlight of the course for me because of the satisfaction that I have contributed to empowering women towards poverty alleviation, which will in turn enable them to make an impact in their lives, families and communities.“
On-the-job performance has soared
"The course offered the opportunity to develop a number of life-skills, which include leadership, communication and management as important for my personal and professional development.
“My master’s degree has improved my on-the-job performance because of the life-skills I acquired. Furthermore, I have learned to examine all my assumptions and consider others perspectives before making decisions. My organisation is a multi-ethnic and religious entity and the values and attitudinal changes I acquired from my degree encourage ethnic and religious tolerance, thereby making my job easier”.
Onyegecha was the Deputy Director Special Duties in the National Business and Technical Examinations Board, Benin City, Nigeria. Her office is an assessment body for artisans, craftsmen and master craftsmen, preparing them for the world of work and further education. Her MSc has helped her to be more confident and competent in her role, and she finds her job rewarding as she contributes to shaping the future of youths from both the formal and informal education sector and preparing them for participation in sustainable development. As such, with her improved performance, she feels her impact in her country is now even greater.
What message would you give to other future students considering studying at LSBU?
“LSBU is a wonderful place to study. With its friendly and supportive tutors with teaching excellence, it is No. 1 for graduate employment. With students drawn from over 130 countries, it is an inclusive and equal opportunity learning institution. It is located in central London, making it easily accessible. Perchance you do not want to travel to London to study, you can opt for part-time or distance learning. I am recommending this university to students who want to acquire the best learning experiences in a place that is ‘a home away from home’”.