Alumni

Ike-Elechi Ogba

Career Path: Professor of Marketing & Strategy, Ebonyi State University
Location: Ebonyi State, Nigeria

What are you doing now?

I am a Professor of Marketing and Strategy and Chairman of the Ebonyi State University Senate Committee on Library Development.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

Before my application to the University, I wanted a programme and a university that offers a blended programme with applied knowledge in teaching and research within Business/Management and Marketing. After reviewing the MBA curriculum and the benefits attached to the programme; including a visit to world-class Industries in South Africa or a short PG certificate course in EuraLille. I knew Northumbria (Newcastle) Business School was for me.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

It was a world of learning bliss. The blended teaching and learning style made my years in Northumbria absolutely gratifying. My lecturers: Nigel Coates, John Robinson, Dave Wassen, James O'Kane to name a few, had the skill of blending thought provoking lectures with workshop like seminars and group project in every subject. Their ability to balance online learning through the easy to navigate Portal, with physical discussions in classroom and Business games made student bonding; learning and retention perfect. My review of their profiles also shows that majority of them had both industry and academic experiences. It was in my University and my MBA programme that I understand the beauty of tailor-made formative and summative assessment feedback systems. Most of the feedback were presented in a friendly manner with a touch of pastoral care.

How connected was your course with industry?

Very industry focused. Through it, I was able to have insight into Woolworth, Nissan Sunderland, IBM London and Gregg's. Key industry leader's also visited to give us talks on inventions, new ideas in the industry etc. During same period, we were given access to the Northeast regional Marketing and Management Chartered bodies: CIM and CMI.

If you took on a placement during your course how did you feel this helped you in your career/ with your studies?

The University organised industry visits to some big organisations within the Northeast including Gregg's and Nissan amongst others.

What was the best thing about your course?

Research course content, students from all the continents in the world, exposure to advanced e-learning, exposure to Originality test for research (Turnitin) when it was new to so many universities, interactive open door policy from academic and non-academic staff of the university with good pastoral care and the opportunity to grow within the university. Hence I was elected as first Chairman of the International Society for Overseas Students (iSOC) and eventually, lectured at Northumbria before returning to Nigeria.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

Studying at Northumbria helped me understand and appreciate the power of mentorship, creative thinking and applied industry knowledge in building one's core competencies and distinctive capabilities for job performance. Having been equipped by these facts, it was easy for me to identify by career dreams and navigate my way up into university and industry leadership. During my stay at the University, I was privileged to work with my Programme Leader in preparation for QAA between 2005/7; the knowledge I acquired was instrumental to my success in leading my University as Director of Academic Planning to full accreditation status of 84 programmes between 2014 and 2017.

Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now throughout your career?

1. Idea generations and critical Business decision making technique/skills derived via business game 2. Business Analytical skills 3. Key Performance Indicator (KPI) design and performance analysis skills. 4. Business planning and crisis management skill 5. Leadership and change management skill 6. Advanced Research skills

What did you enjoy most about your time at Northumbria University?

Learning, learning learning especially within the library basement, food court at Ellison Square, afternoon swim at the city pool, and a stroll to millennium bridge via Eldon Square for window shopping and sight seeing when I need a break from learning

What advice would you give somebody who is considering studying at Northumbria?

Come prepared to acquire real time applied knowledge; but also ready to have fun. The night life is out of this world, but learning is at a world-class standard. Call or email student affairs/admission anytime you have questions. They respond anytime and on-time.