What are your strengths?
My strengths are my ability to work hard, meet expected targets and connect very well with international community.
May I know your weaknesses?
My weaknesses are fear for failure and restlessness when things are not done properly.
What are your goals?
My goals are to be very dynamic and to obtain results that are always impactful.
Where do you want to be in next 5 years time?
In the next 5 years I want to be internationally acclaimed as one that has provided solution to a very critical global challenge.
What 3 positive words would your colleagues/friends say about you?
Hardworking, Dynamic, Diligent.
Tell me about a time when something went well?
During my Ph.D defense my External Examiner said to me “Congratulation, You worked so hard and I am impressed”.
Tell me about a time when something went wrong and you dealt with it?
In 2014 when I Chaired a Local Organizing Committee to organize a national conference in my country, a certain sub-committee did not function well. That could have coursed a big disappointment but because I made it a point to review daily the activities of each sub-committee, the lapses was quickly identified and corrected. We finally had a wonderful conference.
What is your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement is my ability to coordinate effectively my teaching work with my research work, numerous reviews of manuscripts and my mentorship of upcoming scientists and Researchers on daily basis and still provide time for my family.
What & who motivates you?
My motivation came from the daily challenges that I experienced and where people see problems, I see challenges and opportunities. These made me to think of what I could do. The work of great scientists who contributed to knowledge made me believe that I too can do the same in my own way.
What do you want to develop about yourself?
I want to be a great Researcher whose effort will have impacts capable of solving so many challenges around the world.
How do you handle pressure/stress?
My slogan is ‘Never ever be tensed up under any pressure or stresses’. I have a daily plan of activities with a little flexibility to allow any urgent work to be done while still meeting up my daily task.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Going to the gim for an hour a day or take a walk with my wife.
What’s unique about you?
Reliability and dependability.
Tell me about how a professional qualification you have obtained has helped you personally?
Professional qualification has reshaped my focus towards many things such as laboratory analysis, classroom management during lectures, research proposal development just to mention a few.
Tell me about a significant crisis you have faced?
In the middle of my Ph.D research, I had challenges accessing certain laboratory equipment which caused a significant delay until I was able to get a link which I later followed to get through.
How do you resolve conflict in the groups or teams that you are a part of?
I used superior, undisputed ideas most times as great weapons to resolve conflicts. Parties in conflict can never ignore an idea that will mutually benefit them.
Tell me about a time when you changed your priorities to meet others’ expectations?
When I was the President of the Postgraduate Association during my Ph.D programme, there was an instance where I made up my mind to start a building project for offices and shops and recreational facilities. In the general meeting the congress felt the project was too big to handle and opted for a small restaurant. I then changed my priorities in order to carry them along.
Tell me about a difficult decision that you have made?
My brother’s son was found guilty of examination misconduct by an investigative panel that I chaired and we recommended that he be expelled in accordance with laid down regulations. Our decision was upheld by the Management of the Institution and he was expelled from the institution.
What significant problems have you faced in the last year?
Lack of funds and lack of access to laboratory facilities and equipment for research.
Tell me how you organize your work and schedule your time?
I pre-plan my activities well ahead of time while considering priorities and deadlines and I make effort to remain faithful to the schedules.
Describe a situation you were involved in that required a multi-dimensional communication strategy?
When I chaired a committee to plan a national conference, a multi-dimensional communication strategy was employed to get every together for a smooth conference.
Give an example of a difficult or sensitive situation that required extensive communication?
Currently, I am a member of our Institution’s Research Committee and my role here is to review already revised proposals for compliance to guidelines according to Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) Abuja, Nigeria, who are the funder. I am also to email completed proposals to TETFUND. Getting researchers to comply strictly with these guidelines require extensive communication.
What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?
I currently head my Department in my Institution. I have published widely and gained international recognition. I have attended and presented papers in many international conferences. These give me satisfaction because I feel that I am fulfilling my goals.
Describe a time when you led or motivated others?
Leading and motivating others is a daily routine for me as I constantly welcome many staff in my office who seek to understand the rudiments of research, link with international communities, development of research proposals and access to grants.
Describe a situation where you were successful in getting people to work together effectively?
When I took over as the Head of my Department, I started by holding meetings with my clerical staff, then the Academic staff, the Laboratory staff, students’ Executives and finally the entire students. I pledge for support and also listen to their grievances. Since then, we have all been working together peacefully.
Describe a situation in which you were a member (not a leader) of a team and a conflict arose within the team. What did you do?
Recently there was a conflict between the Executives of our Diocesan Laity Council and the Diocesan Laity Chaplain and I was there because of my involvement in a particular committee. I told them that we are in a critical heirachy of the church such that our failures will greatly affect members. Hence, we must make effort to manage ourselves so that we don’t lead others astray. That calm nerves and brought peace.
Tell me about a time when you were able to change someone’s view point significantly?
A young man who was given part time appointment in my Institution some years back rejected the offer because the pay was very poor. I changed his views by telling him to look at future prospect of the job rather than the poor pay which was subject to improvement anytime. He finally accepted my views and took the offer. Just 3 months after, so much changed in terms of earnings and he was very happy and is still a very happy man.
Tell me about a time when you were asked to do something that you disagreed with?
In elections where we were told to vote for a particular candidate against my conscience, I always disagreed.
What your researchers should develop in research?
My researchers will articulate a clear problem statement and after that develop objectives that are in line with the problem.
What type of research is going on in your laboratory?
Currently we are trying to develop starter cultures for traditional fermented foods that undergo spontaneous fermentation.
Describe a specific problem solved by you?
I have designed a procedure for handling students’ results preparation in my Department in a much easier way. I have also designed a procedure for low cost weaning food for rural women using cereals that are abundant in Nigeria.
What is an approach for a problem?
First study the problem, and then find out if others have approached this problem before and to what extent. Identify gaps and think of how to fill those gaps.
Give some commonly faced repercussions in your life with which you failed to meet your deadline?
Such cases don’t really occur except for very trivial issues which may not result in significant consequences.
What are the qualities of an ideal student/ learner?
Hard work, dedication and perseverance.
What are the qualities of an ideal teacher?
Dedication, hard work, loyalty and contentment.
Which stage of education for a child is important?
All stages are important but most especially the basic education. This is the foundation upon which other levels of education are built.
Does nationalism has any impact in learning process?
Nationalism has impact in learning because of different approaches to teaching and learning as well as the learning environment.
Does one education system suit for all set of students across the world?
No. Education should be tailored towards solving the pertinent problems of a community or country.
How to initiate problem based learning?
Learning should involve hands-on activities where learners are always assigned task to complete.
What is the goal of education?
Education is to provide knowledge needed for development.
What is the root cause of existing scenario of choosing education as an earning source than learning source?
This is due to quest for material gains and selfishness.
Role of emotional intelligence of a person?
It provides the bases for rational thinking as a way of solving problems.
How to define a success?
Success is a positive accomplishment after a hard work.
How to handle failure?
To fail is an encouragement. Failures only tell someone that you can do it yet in another way.
Does a person daily routine has an impact in learning?
It does very significantly.
Finally, what do you suggest the young/upcoming researchers?
Be hardworking and focused.
