As I reflect on my time as a Queen Elizabeth Scholar, I am filled with immense gratitude for the
journey that has unfolded before me. This experience has not only shaped my academic and
professional aspirations but also profoundly impacted my personal growth and worldview. I
embarked on this program with a desire to learn, contribute, and expand my horizons, and I am
pleased to say that it has exceeded my expectations in every way.
My Journey to Canada
I arrived in Canada on the 28th of August 2024 to embark on my scholarship term after what felt
like the longest wait for my visa approval to Canada. I was excited to finally embrace this
opportunity which I had waited to start. The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship with the theme: Wurin
ta na yin rubutu program; Her own room to write not only provided an opportunity for West
African women in the Academia to advance research but also designed to foster community,
collaboration, and empowerment. Upon arrival we met with the Principal Investigator and Head
of the Institute of African Studies who received us very warmly, we were also graciously received
by the co-ordinator Farhana Moshira who we had been in close contact with, who took us to
Carleton University. The journey on the first day started with attending a vigorous tour around the
campus by the campus tour team and ended with an August end-of-month meeting by the IAS
which featured an official welcome by the Department, scholarship board and fellow scholars.
Academic Development
As a Scholar who just completed and was conferred my PhD degree, I carried out research on the
role of Digital Citizenship in enhancing Entrepreneurship Behavior in Graduate Students in South-
South Nigeria. This scholarship was going to help me further direct my research and get more
perspective on an international scale. As a lecturer, navigating many responsibilities in the work
and home front, was ready to take the opportunity to focus on my research and put in more time
into enriching my work and getting more results.
Mentorship
My mentor Diane Isabelle of the Sprott Business School, Carleton University was my mentor on
this journey. She was hands-on with all the resources, guidance and tutelage and was more than
willing to meticulously read my work. With Digital citizenship being the order of the day as digital
technologies are what our everyday life revolves around it was interesting to take it a step further
by diversifying into the role of self-awareness in the use of these tools such as Artificial
intelligence. The focus was on Business Education programs which centers around improving
Instructional Delivery. I was able to have sit-down sessions with my mentor occasionally where we had conversations
aimed at improving my research direction. My papers and drafts were thoroughly reviewed and I
always left each session feeling better and more energized and motivated to move on and apply
corrections and inputs on different areas. We also had time to engage in other activities which
enabled relaxation between the busy schedules which was mentally energizing.
Placement
My non-academic Placement partner was at Africa Trade Desk founded by Susan Namulingwe
and Victoria Choor, , As a scholar focusing on digital citizenship and entrepreneurial activities,
this placement provided an ideal platform to deepen my understanding of African trade dynamics
and the role of digital innovation.
During my time at the Africa Trade Desk, I conducted research focused on developing a directory
that would list businesses owned by Africans in the diaspora. This directory aims to enhance the
visibility of these businesses and foster support across various sectors. A key aspect of the project
was identifying a sustainable business model for the directory, ensuring that it would not only
work in the present but also have long-term viability. I analyzed existing models, explored what
has been successful, and envisioned what could work moving forward.
An important part of this research involved surveying a variety of businesses to understand their
needs and how they envision enhancing their growth. This led to valuable insights into the role of
digital citizenship, especially for businesses with an established online presence. The project
underscored the importance of creating a robust digital business profile, which not only increased
visibility but also provided key data for business strategies and growth potential.
Additionally, I participated as a volunteer in the planning and logistics of the Nigeria-Canada
Trade & Investment Business Forum (NCTIBF 2024) in partnership with Africa Trade Desk.
Through this, I gained valuable skills in event coordination, research analysis, and strategic
business development. The experience of working with the Africa Trade Desk has been
instrumental in expanding my professional competencies, and I look forward to applying these
skills in advancing digital entrepreneurship and trade initiatives across African communities in the
future.
Networking Activities
Before the scholarship, I established initial contacts with scholars and professionals online, which
helped me build connections. Working closely with my mentor, Dr. Diane Isabelle, at the Sprott
School of Business has been a cornerstone of my professional network. Her guidance and
willingness to share resources created a supportive environment that enriched my academic
journey and introduced me to other faculty members and industry contacts. Monica Patterson,
another faculty member, also played a crucial role in connecting me with various individuals in
my field. Her introductions to peers and industry experts, both in-person and via Zoom, allowed
me to establish meaningful relationships. We also connected with various people through the
Institute of Africa Studies events. I scheduled regular coffee chats with faculty members and fellow
scholars to discuss our research and share ideas. These informal meetings fostered a supportive
atmosphere for exchanging knowledge and exploring common interests, ultimately strengthening
my professional network.
Academic and Professional Growth
The scholarship provided a unique opportunity to engage in research and practical experiences that
deepened my knowledge and skills in my field. Working alongside seasoned professionals and
mentors exposed me to cutting-edge methodologies and new perspectives that have enriched my
understanding. The collaborative research projects I participated in have given me a solid
foundation in evidence-based practices, which I intend to apply in my future work.
Moreover, attending conferences and seminars broadened my network, connecting me with like-
minded professionals and fellow scholars from diverse backgrounds. These interactions were
invaluable, allowing for the exchange of ideas and forging partnerships that I believe will last well
beyond the program.
Community Engagement and Cultural Exchange
One of the most rewarding aspects of this experience was the opportunity to engage with the local
community. Participating in community service activities allowed me to give back in a meaningful
way while also learning from the people I interacted with. The cultural exchange was equally
enriching, as I learned about different traditions, languages, and lifestyles that helped me gain a
deeper appreciation for diversity and the shared humanity that binds us all. The Queen Elizabeth
Scholarship not only facilitated these experiences but also challenged me to step outside of my
comfort zone. It was not just about academic or professional development; it was about becoming
a more holistic individual who understands the importance of community involvement and global
citizenship. Adapting to the Canadian culture and business environment has been a transformative
experience. Engaging with local communities and attending various events helped me develop a
better understanding of Canadian values, customs, and professional etiquette. This integration not
only enhanced my interpersonal skills but also broadened my perspective on global citizenship.
Through my church(Trinity Anglican church), I was also able to join a community and engage in
several activities like the food bank, a visit to the Meech Lake in Gatineau and Young Adults
meeting once a month.
Seminars and Conferences:
QES end of Project Seminar
As part of activities to wrap up this incredible program, the Institute of African Studies, Carleton
University organized a hybrid valedictory seminar. I was a part of the team that coordinated the
planning and organization of the event. This involved preparing the program of events, reviewing
abstracts by other scholars, and coordinating with the Principal investigator, Program coordinators,
Administrative Officers and fellow scholars. We organised saw to the seating arrangement in the
venue, presentation slides computation, and meetings with the moderator and technical team.
Alongside other scholars, we presented our research which provided a good avenue for dialogue
in the series of enriching topics from various scholars in different fields. The feedback was positive
and I received comments for the development of my research as well as partnerships and future
project collaborations.
Qualitative Research Seminar Organised by Luciara Nardon of the Sprott Business School
I attended a qualitative interview seminar series that greatly enhanced my research methodology.
The series covered topics such as preparing effective and insightful interview questions, techniques
for reflective interviewing, working with symbols and metaphors, utilizing visual data, data
preparation and analysis methods, and ethical considerations. These sessions helped me refine my
approach to qualitative research, making my data collection and analysis more robust.
Nigeria Canada Trade and Investment Business Forum 2024:
Nigeria Canada Trade and Investment Business Forum 2024 (NCTIBF2024), organized by
Affinity Global Trade & Investment Ltd. in partnership with Africa Trade Desk and in
collaboration with the Nigeria High Commission, Ottawa. One of the most rewarding aspects of
my experience was the opportunity to volunteer at the Nigeria Canada Trade and Investment
Business Forum 2024. This event was deeply enriching, as it allowed me to engage directly with
the local community and contribute meaningfully to the success of the forum. Through my
involvement, I was able to not only support the event but also immerse myself in valuable
community service activities, which provided a sense of fulfilment.
Role of the African Canadian Diaspora in Trade and Foreign Policy
I attended the hybrid conference organized by the Africa Study Group (ASG) on “The Importance
and Role of the African Canadian Diaspora in Trade and Foreign Policy” on October 5, 2024.
Participating online allowed me to engage with a diverse group of participants, and I had the
opportunity to connect with several attendees on LinkedIn. This experience not only expanded my
understanding of the African-Canadian diaspora’s potential impact on Canada’s trade and foreign
policy but also helped me forge valuable professional relationships that can enhance future
collaborations.
Institute of African Studies Seminar Series
I had the opportunity to attend the Institute of African Studies Seminar Series, where the
discussions on topics like “Ritual Mobilities: Amulet Collections, Ecological Knowledge, and the
more-than-human World of the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Southwestern Indian Ocean”
as part of the Knowing Africa Series were incredibly enriching. The seminar on “Indigenous
Knowledge and Entrepreneurship in Africa: Why Now?” stood out for me, emphasizing the
importance of integrating indigenous practices into modern entrepreneurial frameworks.
I thoroughly enjoyed these sessions as they expanded my understanding of the deep connections
between ecological knowledge, history, and contemporary business practices in Africa. It provided
valuable insights into how traditional knowledge systems can influence current and future
entrepreneurial ventures, which aligns with my research interests in digital citizenship and
entrepreneurship.
Imagining Equality Conference
Attending the Imagining Equality conference hosted by Shireen Hassan provided me with essential
insights into the role of AI in my research direction. The discussions and collaborations that
emerged from this conference have enriched my understanding and approach to my research on
AI’s integration in various contexts.
African Caribbean Business Network
I also had the privilege to attend the ACBN conference which started on the 27th of October, 2024
with a networking night which held a New Life Project office and then the Conference Day 1 at
the Richcraft Hall at Carleton University. It was nice to listen in and network with organizations
promoting black businesses and engaging in conversations geared towards promoting the Black
culture in Ottawa, Canada.
Carleton Top 5
Through the top 5 Carleton, I was able to get updates on events on campus of which I attended
most of the ones of interest to me. The AI series organized by the teaching and Learning services
TLS was insightful, especially in enriching thoughts for my research.
Leadership Activities
My QES experience has significantly improved my leadership skills in several ways. Throughout
my research and engagement with various projects, I learned to take initiative and lead discussions,
especially when collaborating with peers and faculty.
During my QES experience, I took on leadership roles in various capacities. One significant
activity was coordinating the seminar series alongside my fellow scholar, Celina Aju-Ameh, where
we were responsible for organizing abstracts, scheduling presentations, and ensuring smooth
communication between participants. This involved strategic planning, effective communication,
and collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
I also played a leadership role during the Nigeria-Canada Business and Investment Summit, where
I helped manage key logistics for the event, ensuring that sessions ran smoothly and participants
had the necessary support. These experiences strengthened my leadership, problem-solving, and
organizational skills.
Volunteering at the Nigeria Canada Trade and Investment Business Forum allowed me to organize
tasks and coordinate with diverse stakeholders, enhancing my ability to work effectively in a team.
I also gained confidence in making decisions and addressing challenges, which has strengthened
my problem-solving capabilities.
Generally, my QES experience has equipped me with the skills to lead effectively, communicate
clearly, and inspire collaboration among team members.
Challenges Faced During Scholarship Application and Mitigation Strategies
One of the major challenges I faced during the scholarship application process was the significant
delay in obtaining my visa, which lasted much longer than I anticipated. I had initially set a
timeline for my preparations, but the extended waiting period for the visa made it difficult to plan
and move forward with other logistical aspects of my scholarship journey.
To mitigate this, I adjusted my timeline and focused on tasks that could be accomplished remotely,
such as finalizing my research proposal, organizing documents, and staying in close contact with
the scholarship coordinators. I also explored alternative solutions for travel arrangements and
remained flexible with my schedule to ensure that once the visa was approved, I could transition
smoothly into the next steps of the scholarship program.
One of my activities, still in its ideation phase, aims to create a business directory for African diaspora
enterprises. The goal is to enhance visibility and foster networking and support among various
sectors, boosting growth and collaboration. During preliminary discussions and research, it became
clear that a significant number of businesses have not fully embraced the concept of digital
citizenship. Many are still unaware of the advantages a strong digital presence can offer in terms
of visibility and connectivity. This highlighted a surprising gap in digital literacy, emphasizing the
need not only for the directory itself but also for education on the importance of digital presence
in today’s business landscape. The challenge goes beyond just building the directory—it involves
ensuring businesses understand and leverage digital tools.
Key Example of Results from Networking Activities at Carleton
One of the most significant outcomes of my networking activities at Carleton was my connection
with Matilda Dipri from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). Through our
discussions, I was introduced to the AI for Development in Africa Network, which is directly
aligned with my research interests in artificial intelligence and digital entrepreneurship. This
connection opened doors for future collaborations and provided invaluable resources for my work.
Community Engagement and My Role
During my QES experience, I was involved in volunteering at various events, including the
Nigeria-Canada Business and Investment Summit organized by the Africa Trade Desk. My role as
a volunteer involved coordinating sessions, assisting with logistics, and supporting the smooth
running of the event. This allowed me to interact with professionals, entrepreneurs, and community
leaders, facilitating meaningful conversations about the potential for economic collaborations
between Nigeria and Canada.
Additionally, I participated in organizing seminars and community-based discussions at Carleton
University, where I contributed to facilitating sessions that promoted knowledge sharing and
community engagement among scholars and business professionals.