Charles
Abe

Dr Charles Abe is currently the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at the International Development Foundation for Community Integration & Support Services (IDF), a not-for-profit organisation steering the involvement of people of African descent and its Diaspora living in Nottingham. The IDF aims to bring people together to discuss problems such as education, health, social and community care, and cultural issues affecting their local and wider communities.

Can you tell us about your Masters project?

“My dissertation was on Diasporic Association and Community Integration: A Case Study of the Yoruba Community Association Nottingham.”

What made you choose to study at NTU, and in the UK?

“I believe that NTU is a world-class university, and my daughter who had studied there did very well.”

What do you enjoy most about your course at NTU?

“I liked the way our course leader handled the entire course, and his compassionate approach to the students. I also enjoyed using the Clifton library, as it was a very quiet and serene environment to study in, with adequate facilities and eager staff. The debt management team were very supportive of me as a self-sponsored student, and I was able to arrange a mode of payment convenient for me."

What do you think about the course staff?

“All the staff I came across were absolutely amazing. The course leader was beyond fantastic - he was kind, approachable, mature, and experienced. He understood how to deal with students, and make the course stress-free.”

What do you think about the facilities available to you?

“The facilities were perfect. The lecture rooms were comfortable and well-equipped for lectures and private studies. The library facilities were superb, and the learning environment was good too.”

What do you like about studying and living in Nottingham?

“Studying and living in Nottingham is great. I have lived in Nottingham for over 15 years now and it can’t get any better.”

Why would you recommend your course / NTU to someone looking to study MA International Development?

“The lecturers, staff and facilities are superb and the course itself is needed in the international development industry.”

How do you think the course, and having a postgraduate qualification, will help you to progress your career?

“I am positive that this course, together with my previous studies and qualifications, will enhance my consultancy skills in third sector.”

Have you completed any work placements?

“I did my placement with The Yoruba Community Association Nottingham. I helped to set up their association office, developed their web site, and did a number of events like language classes for those wanting to learn the Yoruba language.”

What are your career plans after graduating?

“I’d like to take on whatever comes my way in the development sector, for example, consultancy work, or programme monitoring and evaluation.”