Jimi Ogunnusi
Successful UWE postgraduate Jimi Ogunnusi overcame many challenges to get to where he is today, least of all moving from Nigeria to the UK. Now running two businesses and working at UWE in two roles, Jimi wears many hats including UWE's Regional Director for Africa, where he develops partnerships and recruits students to UWE, and as a UWE lecturer, facilitating classes for postgraduates on leadership, management, change and organisational behaviour.
Light bulb moments
Although initially motivated to move into politics, Jimi found that working and lecturing in Higher Education an effective vehicle to develop and communicate his ideas: "My roles at UWE bring me in contact with many international students, especially many Nigerian students. Many who arrive at UWE are used a very different learning style; where retaining information is the main goal in their education. It can take time to break through this, but when you do, there’s this amazing ‘light bulb’ moment as they realise the value of becoming independent learners, able to critically analyse information and take greater responsibility for their learning. It is moments like this that really motivate me."
Jimi finds running businesses at the same time as working at UWE keeps his knowledge and skills fresh and up-to-date. Jimi is CEO of Moto Supreme, which began following his frustration at not being able to source unleaded petrol in Nigeria "I took a risk and invested as a distributor of Nulon, a fuel reduction product. It paid off and keeps me connected to the realities of commerce, adding essential credibility to my work with MBA students at UWE." Jimi is also the founder and managing director of BQM Consulting, leading workshops and seminars and often working closely with the British Council. This experience has helped a significant number of students he teaches at UWE to go on to start their own businesses. He fins so much value in sharing these experiences with students, especially, how he has taken calculated risks and turned problems into profitable solutions.
"One of my proudest moments was being featured in a special edition publication by the British Council to mark Nigeria’s 50th Anniversary and celebrate the ties between Nigeria and Britain. It was an honour to be featured in the midst of a group of very renowned Nigerians."
Coming from overseas
Having lived in both the UK and Nigeria since a young age, Jimi is very positive about his experience at UWE, and felt it was a natural step to accept an invitation to work there. He advises would-be students to seriously consider UWE Bristol as a place to study; "Many international young students might not have the UK or Bristol on their radar as a study destination, but few are disappointed when they get here. There are many benefits to studying at UWE, Bristol for international students; I honestly believe that a British education is among the best in the world, that students here become independent learners with significantly improved language skills."
Outside the comfort zone
Jimi studied Post Graduate Management Studies at UWE, followed an MA in Management and Organisational Learning in 2000. He reflects on this experience and has some great tips for current students "When studying at UWE, my comfort zone was challenged, I think this helped me take a few risks, moving my ideas forward and got me to where I am now. I encourage students to reach beyond the confines of their course, and engage fully with all the services on offer. Do make full use of UWE’s Careers Service. They can, for example, help you connect with a potential employer or find valuable work experience."
When looking at what his plans for the future hold, Jimi emphasises his drive to improve employment in Nigeria. "I am committed to developing my ideas, and am working towards establishing a regional office in Nigeria to help potential students get a taste of the UWE experience and graduates access local enterprise support."
Page last updated 24 January 2013