I didn’t start out on my finance career expecting to become a lecturer at the University of Ibadan. My interest in becoming a chartered accountant began in high school when I joined the commercial class. Later, while studying for a bachelor’s degree in accounting, I was influenced by my professors and lecturers, especially Professor Olaseni Akintola-Bello who remains a guiding light.
My first corporate role was internal control officer at First City Monument Bank, one of Nigeria’s leading banks. Subsequently, I joined Fidelity Bank where I spent 11 years. It was while I was at Fidelity that I gained my qualification and also my PhD. The ACCA course content provided a rich seedbed for advancing my interest in finance. My PhD in Finance and the ACCA Qualification are among my biggest achievements so far, along with recognition as an ACCA advocate in Nigeria which I am pleased to make time for.
Perhaps it was inevitable that I would join the teaching profession in the end. I have a passion to learn and impart knowledge. The love of finance as an academic field of study is like a fire shut inside me. Thus, I see the academic role as a lifetime calling.
In my role I have the chance to inspire future financial professionals on a moral path. It’s a huge responsibility
In my daily work I teach core finance courses. These include corporate finance, investment and capital markets and basic econometrics. Finance as an academic field of study has become a dominant field in economics, with business schools driven by its scientific rigour and real-world applicability.
The chance to inspire students is a major personal drive. Learning is the seed for knowledge and knowledge is the seed for change. While research and community service are important to me, I try to offer an approachable face to students so they are not inhibited from learning and seeking counsel.
There is a trust deficit in our society. Case studies on the consequences of ethical and unethical behaviour demonstrate the importance of acting ethically. In my role I have the chance to inspire future financial professionals on a moral path. It’s a huge responsibility. Social norms are crucial to the functioning of a market economy and the impact of their violation on reputation make teaching an act of nation building. To raise awareness about ethical behaviour I’m also involved in the Young African Leadership Initiative.
Keeping up with developments in the profession is hugely important. I do this through digital subscriptions to journals like AB magazine, The Economist, Project Syndicate and The African Portal. ACCA CPD alerts are also invaluable. In addition, I follow business leaders through their social media feeds.
I’m a fan of Manchester United and I follow football keenly. I also volunteer at my place of worship, the 50,000-seat capacity Faith Tabernacle.
