Working full-time as an IT specialist at the American International School in Abuja, Isaac Bankole was keen to develop his leadership skills while continuing his career in an IT environment. With a wife and two small children to care for, in addition to the significant demands of his job, the need for flexibility while studying was paramount.
“As a Nigerian man you have different responsibilities than you might have in other parts of the world. For example, I am not only responsible for my own family’s welfare; I am also responsible for my parents. I am putting my siblings through school too, so I am not in a position to move to another country to study.”
One of his colleagues was already enrolled at the University of Roehampton, London Online, and after doing his own research into the quality and recognition of UK degrees, Isaac realised that Roehampton Online was the best fit for his educational pursuits. In 2013, he enrolled on the MSc in Information Systems Management programme.
“I chose the University of Roehampton to earn my advanced degree because it was flexible and organised,” says Isaac. “What has surprised me most, however, has been the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of students from across the world. Through collaboration with students from different sectors and backgrounds, I have strengthened my leadership skills, and have been able to apply them to my role in IT.”
Engagement is an important component of the online curriculum. Networking, sharing best practices and learning from and with students and faculty members located around the world helps bring the course material to life through differing perspectives. And Isaac took this one step further.
Having quickly learnt how to manage his time while balancing his various responsibilities, Isaac was making successful headway with his programme. A significant moment arrived during discussions in his sixth module: Isaac noticed that not only were there four other Nigerian students in his research group, but they all hailed from Abuja – with some living just a few kilometres away.
Empowered by his new leadership skills, Isaac took the initiative and reached out to the group. At first they communicated via email, arranging a face-to-face meeting at a local café soon afterwards. In chatting, debating and tearing apart complex theories, Isaac gained a sense of a shared experience that allowed him to feel even more energised and motivated to succeed.
The students formed a regular study group, meeting every month to share thoughts and ideas over coffee. With the help of social media and Inspirenet, the University’s social networking platform, the group grew in numbers over the following months as more Roehampton Online Nigerian students joined from other programmes and disciplines. By creating such a strong supportive community that fosters mutual encouragement, the group members have been able to motivate each other throughout their educational journey. In addition, because students share many of the same interests and passions, genuine friendships have grown to provide lasting sources of advice and inspiration.
Another source of inspiration came from Olusegun Shokunbi, a recent online graduate from Roehampton Online’s MSc in Project Management programme. As a graduate from the University’s first online cohort, Olusegun joined them to talk about his experiences while undertaking his final module. This insightful session resulted in the group growing to more than 100 members.
Olusegun says: “It was really a surprise that such a group existed in Abuja and it was a great honour when they invited me to speak with them. I was glad to have the opportunity to demonstrate the quality of education Roehampton Online offers and participate in the sharing of genuine ideas.”
“I am proud of the Abuja study group’s growth in strength and numbers,” says Isaac. “With such powerful local support and expertise regularly effecting change, I feel the possibilities are endless.”
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