Oxford college selects Nigerian for inaugural Ladipo Adamolekun postdoctoral fellowship

St Antony’s College, University of Oxford, has announced Ernest Udalla as a fellow for its inaugural Ladipo Adamolekun postdoctoral fellowship.

The fellowship supports research on Nigerian public administration and was established by Ladipo Adamolekun, a Nigerian professor and former dean of the faculty of administration at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

In a statement on Tuesday, St Antony’s College said Udalla was chosen from a field of over 40 eligible applicants by a committee chaired by three of its fellows who work on Africa and social policy.

He will take up his fellowship in January 2024.

“Dr Udalla holds a PhD in Political Science with specialisation in Public Administration from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka,” the statement reads.

“He is currently a lecturer in the Department of Political Science, Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State, and a Junior Research Fellow, at the Institute for French Research in Africa (IFRA), University of Ibadan.

“He has published in both local and international journals and has many book chapters to his credit. His research interest areas include public administration and public policy.”

According to the statement, Nandini Gooptu, acting warden at St Antony’s, said the new fellowship will add great value to the global and diverse academic community at St Antony’s.

“The award will enable the appointed Fellow to present and discuss their research, interact with the College’s regional study centres, exchange ideas, and take part in and contribute to the academic and social community of St Antony’s,” the statement reads.

“The Postdoctoral Fellowship covers international travel, accommodation and living costs and provides full access to the University and the College’s libraries and other research facilities.

“The Fellow is assigned a mentor to make sure that they can make the most of their time in Oxford.”