Graduate / Choosing Economics as a course of study was a simple choice. Suggestions, additions and subtractions [6]

My interest in Economics and my decision to further my studies in this field is as a result of my passion and believe in the importance of economic efficiency and social welfare. Living in a developing nation like Nigeria where an uneven distribution of income and lack of basic amenities is a norm, the huge contrast between the rich and the poor has always puzzled me and this has made me question how the economy functions and even encourages such disparity in income and standard of living. I grew up on the poor side but was opportune to school and interact with children from rich families for my secondary school education, the striking difference between the quality of life of the rich and poor made me think and strategize about how I can be part of the solution to eradicating poverty in my country.

My secondary school Economics teacher, Mr Ajumo answered some of my questions about the economy which increased my zeal to know more. He became my best teacher and I excelled under his tutoring. I was an Art student with a love for both Literature in English and Economics; interestingly Economics is classified as a subject matter of both Art and Science. It is defined by principles and maxims but still allows for self expression in the form of analysis and interpretation. Choosing Economics as a course of study was a simple choice as I was able to combine my love for reading, writing and self expression with my passion to know more about social welfare, taxation, public finance and the economy in its entirety.

At undergraduate level, I enjoyed my courses greatly and was fortunate to have brilliant lecturers. Although courses like Micro & Macro Economics, Public Finance and Economics of development came easy to me, however Mathematical Economics with topics like game theory and pareto optimality and its endless opportunities for real life applications piqued my interest and zeal for Economics even more. To me, the study of Economics is a life skill which if applied will ensure rational decisions in resource allocation (money, time, energy) and individual choices thereby leading to maximum satisfaction.

In my studies towards a master's degree, I hope to explore pareto optimality in details to better grasp how economic efficiency can be achieved and social welfare improved. In the Nigerian economy, there is a lot of room for pareto improvements,better understanding of the concept and its scope of application will enable me proffer solution to the inefficiency in the economy.I would also love to do more research on game theory with emphasis on strategic market choices analysis for an in-depth understanding of the logic of economic decisions. I look forward to learning more about economic subjects and ultimately apply acquired knowledge to solve real life problems.

When asked why I did not proceed immediately to graduate studies after my first degree, I usually answer that I decided it was better for me to gain practical work experience. The three-year gap gave me the opportunity to study my immediate environment and its needs, map out a career plan to meet such needs and also improve my financial standing. My work experience in E-Banking gave me the opportunity to interact and learn from people from other disciplines. The work ethics and high level of commitment required for banking has trained me to be disciplined and focused and these positive traits will be transferred to my study.

I am also interested in the social aspects that your University offers, especially networking with other students, societies and a little bit of sports. While in Redeemer's University, I was the Welfare Officer Redeemer's University Economics Student Association (RUNESA) and I was able to offer financial, academic and emotional support to students through the platform and would love to be involved in similar groups in your University. In my leisure time which is mostly weekends, I love to read, go out with my family and get involved in welfare services in my church.

My masters program in Economics will better prepare me for my aspiration as an entrepreneur in Agricultural sector.My aspiration upon completion of graduate studies would be to purse my PhD in Agricultural Economics because I believe in the Agricultural opportunities in Nigeria where economic dependency is largely on oil Revenue. Focus and development of Agricultural business in Nigeria will greatly decrease unemployment, poverty and crime rates in the country which will translate to improved social welfare and standard of living, hence the passion to specialize in Agricultural Economics.