AIG-Imoukhuede Foundation: Empowering, improving and engaging Public Sector Leaders through Scholarships
AIG-Imoukhuede Foundation is a dedicated humanitarian and philanthropic organization enhancing public sector effectiveness and improving access to quality primary healthcare in Nigeria and Africa.
We are pleased to announce the opening of applications for the prestigious AIG Scholarships Programme 2024 – 2025.
Background:
Launched in 2017, the AIG Scholarships offer an exceptional opportunity for outstanding West Africans aspiring to serve in the public sector. This scholarship supports the pursuit of a Master of Public Policy at the renowned Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.
Since its inception, we have awarded twenty-nine scholarships, each worth over £50,000, to future public sector leaders who have shown remarkable dedication to the betterment of society.
Programme Details:
Financial Support: We provide comprehensive funding for tuition, living expenses, and a stipend for a summer project.
Coaching and Mentoring: Extensive support is offered to scholars to ensure a fulfilling experience at Oxford and beyond.
Career Development: AIG Scholars receive guidance to map out their career paths and access opportunities aligned with their interests and expertise.
Understanding Master of Public Policy (MPP)
A Master of Public Policy (MPP) is a postgraduate degree program that focuses on providing students with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to understand and address complex public policy issues. This interdisciplinary degree blends elements from economics, political science, sociology, law, and other related fields. The program is designed to train future policymakers, analysts, and leaders in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to effectively navigate the challenges of public policy formulation and implementation.
Here are some key components that an MPP program typically entails:
- Policy Analysis: MPP programs emphasize the development of analytical and research skills to assess and analyze public policy issues. Students learn how to evaluate existing policies, collect and analyze data, and propose evidence-based solutions.
- Economics: Understanding the economic principles and their application to public policy is crucial. Students learn about microeconomics, macroeconomics, public finance, and cost-benefit analysis to assess the impacts of policies on society.
- Policy Areas: MPP programs often offer courses covering a wide range of policy areas such as health policy, education policy, environmental policy, social welfare, international relations, urban development, and more.
- Policy Process and Implementation: Students explore the policymaking process, including the roles of different stakeholders, institutions, and interest groups. Additionally, they study the challenges associated with policy implementation and the importance of evaluation and feedback.
- Quantitative and Qualitative Methods: MPP programs typically include training in both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Students learn to use statistical tools, conduct surveys, and employ case studies to analyze policy issues.
- Ethics and Public Values: Given the significance of public service and policymaking, MPP programs often discuss ethical considerations and the importance of understanding and incorporating public values in policy decisions.
- Leadership and Communication: Effective leadership and communication skills are essential for policy professionals. MPP programs often offer courses or workshops on public speaking, negotiation, and policy advocacy.
- Internships and Practical Experience: Many MPP programs provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships in government agencies, think tanks, NGOs, or other relevant organizations.
- Capstone Projects: Towards the end of the program, students may complete a capstone project or thesis, where they apply the skills and knowledge acquired throughout their studies to address a real-world policy problem.
It’s important to note that the specific curriculum and focus of MPP programs may vary between universities, but the general aim is to equip students with the expertise and understanding needed to contribute to effective policymaking and public service.
Importance of equipping and Empowering Public Sector Leaders with Master of Public Policy (MPP)
Equipping and empowering public sector leaders with a Master of Public Policy (MPP) is crucial for several reasons:
- Effective Policy Formulation: Public sector leaders with MPP training have a deep understanding of policy analysis and development. They are equipped to identify pressing societal issues, gather relevant data, and design evidence-based policies that address these challenges effectively. This expertise leads to more informed and well-considered policy decisions.
- Evidence-Based Decision Making: MPP programs emphasize data-driven approaches and analytical skills. Public sector leaders with this training can make decisions based on rigorous research and analysis rather than relying solely on intuition or political expediency. This results in policies that are more likely to achieve their intended outcomes and have a positive impact on citizens’ lives.
- Cross-Sectoral Collaboration: Public policy challenges often require collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders. MPP graduates are trained to understand the complexities of different sectors and can facilitate cooperation and coordination among diverse actors to implement comprehensive and holistic solutions.
- Policy Evaluation and Adaptation: MPP programs emphasize the importance of policy evaluation and learning from both successes and failures. Public sector leaders with this training are better equipped to assess the effectiveness of policies, make data-driven adjustments, and ensure continuous improvement in the delivery of public services.
- Global Perspective: Many MPP programs include an international or global focus, enabling public sector leaders to understand and address complex global challenges such as climate change, migration, and international trade. This broader perspective helps leaders think beyond national borders and adopt innovative and collaborative approaches to policy challenges.
- Ethical Decision Making: MPP programs often include courses on ethics and public values. Public sector leaders with this training are more likely to make ethical decisions and consider the social implications of their policies, ensuring that public resources are used responsibly and for the greater good.
- Crisis Management and Resilience: Public sector leaders with MPP training are better prepared to handle crises and emergencies effectively. Their analytical skills and understanding of policy processes enable them to respond quickly, adapt policies as needed, and implement measures to build resilience in the face of future challenges.
- Bridging Theory and Practice: MPP programs often incorporate practical experiences, such as internships or capstone projects, which allow students to apply their knowledge to real-world policy issues. This practical exposure equips public sector leaders with hands-on experience and a better understanding of the complexities of policy implementation.
- Long-term Vision: MPP graduates are trained to think critically about long-term consequences and intergenerational impacts of policies. They can plan and design policies that consider sustainable development and future generations’ needs.
In summary, equipping and empowering public sector leaders with an MPP helps enhance the quality of policymaking, ensures evidence-based decision-making, fosters cross-sector collaboration, and promotes ethical and responsible governance. Ultimately, it contributes to more effective and responsive public services, leading to improved societal well-being and development.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for the AIG Scholarships Programme, candidates must:
- Hold a Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of a second-class upper qualification.
- Currently work in the Nigerian public sector (Ministries, Departments, Agencies & Parastatals) at either Federal or State levels.
- Be between 25 and 45 years of age.
- Have a minimum of seven (7) years of combined private and public sector work experience.
Programme Schedule:
- 31st July 2023: Admissions open for our 2024 intake.
- 15th September 2023: Deadline for applications to the AIG Scholarships.
- 23rd September 2023: Invitation for Computer-Based Tests.
- 5th – 12th October 2023: Essay Submissions.
- 25th – 30th October 2023: Video Interviews.
- December 2023: Final Selections.
- 5th January 2024: Deadline for MPP Applications.
- May 2024: Pre-departure Orientation.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply
For more information and to submit your application, visit our website or email us at [email protected].
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to make a lasting impact on your nation’s development. Apply before the application closing date on 15th September 2023.
Join us in shaping a brighter future for Africa through effective public service leadership!
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