Nigerian Lady Bags an Outstanding Award From One of the World’s Top University

Harvard’s Extension School has awarded Nigerian Nonyelum Adanma Ujam the Dean’s Prize for Outstanding ALM Capstone.

This prestigious recognition, which honors exceptional academic achievement, was given to Ujam for her outstanding scholarship in completing her Master’s degree in Global Development Practice.

Ujam’s award-winning thesis, “Improving Access to Basic Education: A Development Plan,” was inspired by the Alternate School Programme. This initiative was developed during her tenure as Special Adviser to the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development.

Before her appointment, Ujam worked at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Information Technology and Development Finance.

Reacting to the award on LinkedIn, Ujam stated: “My work focused on improving access to basic education in Nigeria, targeting underserved and unserved communities. Primary education in Nigeria is compulsory and free, as per the Federal Government’s Universal Basic Education Policy (1999).

“As of 2021, the global number of out-of-school children and youth aged 6 to 18 was 244 million, with 20 million from Nigeria.

“My capstone examined the use of social intervention programs to incentivize school attendance, involving the whole community—from parents to community leaders. This encourages the entire community to support school attendance.

“This work began during my time as Special Adviser, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, through the Alternate School Programme.

“A crucial part of my capstone is the M and E framework I designed, which adapted and localized the United Nations SDGs targets, impacting 8 of the 17 Goals, 26 targets, and 32 indicators.

“I must also mention the support of my client, the Ilmi Children’s Fund, which contributed to this success.

“I am deeply passionate about expanding access to education and its socio-economic impact. Improving lives and livelihoods is the goal, driving inclusiveness and sustainability is the ambition. I hope we can rethink formal education to cater to social, cultural, and religious nuances, ensuring no one is left behind.”

Nonye Ujam is married to Hon. Dr. Chukwuemeka Ujam mni, Managing Partner of Nina Jojer Limited and former House of Representatives member, known for sponsoring the Digital Rights Bill. They have four children.

READ ALSO: Gov Sani Awards Scholarships To Kuriga Students, Donates N10m To Teacher Who Died In Captivity

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, VANGUARD