Skip to content

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE WORK

Staff Members.

Coordination. Research.
Day-to-day support.

Meet the people supporting the Centre’s administration, financial operations and research activities.

Explore staff profiles
Johnson Soji Olanrewaju

OFFICE COORDINATION

Johnson Soji Olanrewaju

Coordinator / Registrar — UK Office

Johnson Olanrewaju holds BSc. Accounting, MBA, M. Sc Accounting and Finance degrees. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Associates member of the Institute of Financial Accountants UK (IFA), and Institute of Public Accountants Australia (IPA). He is an alumnus of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, (LAUTECH) Ogbomosho, The University of Salford Manchester United Kingdom and Robert Kennedy College, Zürich, Switzerland.

Professional biography — Johnson Soji Olanrewaju

Johnson Olanrewaju has acquired work experience from major sectors, including banking, manufacturing, oil and gas services, and public governance. He started his career as an accountant with Benkaof Beverages Limited, Nigeria in 1987. He joined the services of Nigeria Oyo State Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning in 1989 as Head Internal Audit. In 1991, moved to Thodel Savings and Loans Limited, Nigeria as Assistant Finance Manager. In 1994, he later resigned to join Duncan Savings and Loans Limited, a Financial Institution in Nigeria. In 1998, he moved to American Bureau of Shipping Europe Limited as Accountant for the West Africa operations, the position he occupied till 2012 when he moved to the United Kingdom.

In the United Kingdom, he worked briefly with Crownwise Consult Limited as an Accounting staff, with Barclays Bank Plc and Lloyds Bank Plc as agency staff. He is currently a Senior Partner and Director of High Glory Associates Limited, a Financial Engineering Firm in the UK. He is the Coordinator of the Global Initiative Centre office in London.

Akinwande Stephen Oluwafemi

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

Akinwande Stephen Oluwafemi

Administrative / Finance Officer

Akinwande Stephen Oluwafemi is an accomplished finance professional with over five years of progressive experience in accounting, financial analysis, and organizational administration across both public and private sectors. His career trajectory demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of financial reporting, compliance management, and strategic business analysis, complemented by advanced technical proficiency in modern accounting systems and data analytics tools.

Professional biography — Akinwande Stephen Oluwafemi

Stephen's career began in tax audit and financial analysis, where he managed comprehensive financial reviews and tax audits for federal, state, and private organizations. This experience equipped him with deep knowledge of regulatory compliance, financial statement preparation, and governance frameworks. He developed proficiency in transaction processing, digital record-keeping, budget forecasting, and financial planning while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and professional integrity. His work with diverse organizational structures from government agencies to corporate entities, provided valuable insight into the complexities of financial management across different operational contexts.

Beyond traditional accounting functions, he brings advanced analytical capabilities developed through years of transforming complex financial data into actionable business insights. His technical toolkit encompasses QuickBooks, Xero, advanced Excel, Power BI, SPSS, and cloud-based accounting platforms. He is proficient in accounts payable and receivable management, budget forecasting, compliance monitoring, and data visualization. His experience working with diverse client portfolios both within Nigeria and internationally including fintech startups and small to medium-sized enterprises, demonstrates adaptability and a pragmatic approach to financial management across different markets and regulatory environments. This exposure has enabled him to bridge the gap between operational finance and strategic business decision-making, identifying financial trends and recommending process improvements that drive organizational efficiency.

Stephen's analytical mindset extends beyond numbers; he possesses the ability to translate financial data into strategic narratives that inform organizational direction. His experience in financial planning and budgeting reflects a forward-thinking approach to resource allocation and fiscal responsibility. He excels at streamlining processes, implementing digital solutions for record-keeping, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements skills honed through both his audit background and consultancy work across various sectors and geographies.

His educational foundation is robust, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance and a Higher National Diploma in Statistics. Professional credentials include certifications in Financial Statement Analysis, Data Analytics Using Python, Google Data Analytics Capstone, and advanced training in Excel, Power BI, and SAS. These qualifications, combined with his practical experience, demonstrate his commitment to continuous professional development and adherence to industry best practices.

Beyond his technical competencies, Stephen is recognized for his detail-oriented approach, exceptional organizational skills, and unwavering commitment to accuracy and professional integrity. His volunteer involvement in financial inclusion initiatives and community financial literacy programs reflects his broader dedication to responsible stewardship and community development. He brings a collaborative spirit to the workplace, excelling in virtual and team-based environments, and possesses excellent communication abilities that enable him to convey complex financial information to diverse stakeholder groups

Kudirat Ize Suleiman

RESEARCH & ADMINISTRATION

Kudirat Ize Suleiman

Research Assistant / Administrative Officer — Nigerian Office

Kudirat Ize Suleiman is a Data and Information Science professional, researcher, and academic writer with experience in research, data analysis, and evidence-based research. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Ilorin and a Master’s degree in Data and Information Science from the University of Ibadan, where she was recognized as the Best Graduating Student in her Master’s programme. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Social Informatics at the University of Ibadan.

Professional biography — Kudirat Ize Suleiman

Her research interests include data science, social informatics, data security, digital technologies, Internet of Things (IoT), personalized learning, and quantitative research. Her research has examined the awareness and utilization of IoT resources for personalized learning, and she has published research in this area.

Beyond her academic and research activities, Kudirat has demonstrated leadership and service within the University of Ibadan postgraduate community. She served as Chairman of the committee that pioneered the first Book Club at Abdulsalami Abubakar Postgraduate Hall. She also served as Financial Secretary of the Electoral Committee (2023/2024) and Chairman of the Electoral Committee (2024/2025) at the hall.

Kudirat is proficient in analytical and research tools including SPSS, Python, Excel, Power BI and NVivo. She is passionate about leveraging data, technology, and research to generate reliable evidence, support informed decision-making, and contribute to academic and societal development.

CONNECT WITH THE CENTRE

Start a conversation
with GICSRD.

Contact the Centre about research, training or institutional development.

Contact GICSRD