Having been through different experiences, both in her teaching career and her exposure to other fields, Gift saw one of the major challenges facing the education system in her home country of Nigeria centered around management and leadership.
“Although often trivialized in my native country, leadership has proven to be the bedrock of any thriving industry. Unfortunately, this important role has been handled mostly by practitioners with little or no experience in the management or administrative field, thereby resulting in an inefficient coordination in the industry,” said Gift.
This is an area that Gift is passionate about and while her current role as a classroom teacher means she can have an impact on the lives of students, she’s striving to have an impact on the education industry as a whole.
With a drive to make a change, she enrolled in the Master of Leadership and Management in Education at the University of Newcastle, Australia.
“Even though I am very much concerned about leadership in the industry and wish to contribute to this, there is little I can do currently as a classroom teacher, hence this made me pursue this degree,” said Gift.
While there were a few reasons Gift chose to study at the University of Newcastle, the reputation of the education program stood out in her eyes.  
“When it comes to my specific program, the University is ranked in the top 150 in the world for Education. Secondly, they are strong in education research – their program courses are built on applied world class, multidisciplinary research.
“In addition, the University has a robust student support system that facilitates sustainable academic integrity.
“My studying experience so far has been quite encouraging, it has opened my insight to some factors that makes me stand out as an exceptional teacher,” said Gift
Gift was also one of the lucky students to receive a scholarship to help with her studies, and while she didn’t know she’d received a scholarship during the time of her application, she’s grateful for the opportunities it’s provided.
“I was so overwhelmed when I saw the mail. The first person I told was my sister who I live with in Australia and she was very happy with me.
“The scholarship given will help me financially in my studies and make me more focus academically. It will empower my academic and career goals by removing the financial barrier,” said Gift.
In applying her studies once she finishes, Gift hopes to provide a quality, inclusive learning environment that is backed by her knowledge in leadership in education.
“Upon completion of my studies, I intend on setting up my school where I can impact the knowledge and experience being learnt, help learners have access to in-depth and cohesive learning programs, influence highly effective teachers focused on improving student outcomes, and provide a quality, inclusive learning environment that is responsible for student voice and opportunities for parents and community to participate in learning and decision-making partnership,” concluded Gift.
These aspirations don’t seem too far off with the experience Gift will gain with the Master of Leadership and Management in Education.

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Gift Ifeoma Iheme

Having been through different experiences, both in her teaching career and her exposure to other fields, Gift saw one of the major challenges facing the education system in her home country of Nigeria centred around management and leadership.

Leadership has proven to be the bedrock of any thriving industry.

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