I was admitted to pursue a Ph.D. degree in Plant Breeding in June, 2020 in the School of Science and Engineering of Atlantic International University, Honolulu, United States of America (USA).
The over three (3) years of academic activities in Atlantic International University (AIU) have exposed me to diverse experiences in research, self-development, human resource management, project development and management, community engagement for developmental projects as well as life experiences among others.
The independent field research work on my Ph.D. thesis topic, “Evaluation and Genomic Characterization of Segregating Population of Rice (Oryza Sativa) Genotypes Developed for Blast (Pyricularia Oryzea) Resistance in Nigeria” refreshed and exposed me to rice breeding techniques for development of resistance to rice blast disease which is a common disease of rice in Nigeria that causes yield losses. Some entries of rice genotypes were identified as resistant to the disease and selected for advancement into F2, F3 and successive generations to stabilize the gene responsible for the resistance in order to develop a resistant variety.
When successfully developed and released into the national seed system, the rice variety will contribute to the control of the disease and increase the production and productivity of rice in the country that will enhance rice farmers’ income and livelihood.
Besides the experiences in my chosen areas of expertise, which is plant breeding/ seed technology in particular, and agriculture in general, my academic pursuit in AIU exposed me to experiences in other fields of human endeavours.
The live webinar sessions on diverse topics on work ethics, project development and management, human resource management, among others too numerous to mention taught me how to manage and motivate staff for higher productivity, team work to achieve common goals, project management, etc.
These experiences enhanced my performance in managing development partners’ funded projects in which I am part for excellent results in project activities execution some of which were, Groundnut Upscaling Project, Yam Improvement for Income and Food Security in West Africa (YIIFSWA)-Phases I and II, and presently PROSSIVA project.
As a Director, the experiences acquired in AIU have helped me become more responsive to actualizing the goals of my organization by directing my departmental activities in a more effective, efficient and result oriented manner, manage staff better and encourage team spirit among staff in achieving set goals.
The online live lectures, instructions and experiences shared with the faculty, (the academia, advisors, and tutors) and support staff of the AIU have been wonderful. The prompt, dedicated attention and encouragement given to me as a student over challenges during my academic career in the AIU by the academic and non-academic staff were great. The instances of resolved tuition fees payment hitches by the finance staff with patience, offering alternative means of resolving such were very encouraging.
An academic program at Ph.D. level or at any level for that matter cannot be achieved without access to study resources. The online library resources of AIU with well stocked study and reference materials which are easily accessible gave a great impetus for the success recorded. It is my hope that these resources will still be available to me as an alumnus to study for self-development and research.
