Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

My responsibility is to advise the Commissioner on various aspects of the health sector. I supervise the Directors of the seven departments in the Ministry. I assist in providing oversight function of the eight parastatals of the Ministry. I am the Chief Accounting Officer of the Ministry.

Work with any of the parastatals in the health sector as well as our development partners such as World Health Organisation, UNICEF, National Primary Health Care Development Agency; attend any events to which top government functionaries have been invited; review current research activities (proposal writing, literature review, data collection, data analysis, writing up articles for publication or presentation); correspond with colleagues and staff via phone calls, text messages, social media and e-mail, inspection of on-going or completed projects in health facilities; signing of cheques for release of funds to individuals or organisations.

I enjoy seeing the results and impact of policies and projects in the life of people around me. I also enjoy writing or editing speeches for the Governor, Commissioner or myself to be read out at events. I also enjoy the coverage of our activities by print and electronic media. I enjoy the opportunity to partner with international organisations as well as local organisations on projects of mutual interest.

1. Poor funding of important activities due to misplaced priorities.
2. A culture of mediocrity that makes it difficult to motivate staff to get jobs done on time and leaves you with no option than to do more than your fair share of work in order to get results.
3. Corruption and lack of transparency which appears to be entrenched in the entire system.

I actually rose through the ranks from Director to Permanent Secretary which is an appointment made by the Governor of the State based on seniority, local government of origin, performance and merit. The job gives me tremendous power to promote the health of the public. I also have the unique opportunity of formulating evidence-based health policies including translation of research to policy and practice.

My qualifications include:
MB.BS, FMCPH, FWACP, DTM&H, DHSM, MPH (HSR)

Research skills in translating research to policy, conducting systematic reviews, implementing public health informatics, publishing research in peer review journals, presentation of research at conferences, reviewing articles for journals and grant writing.

Programmatic skills for strategic planning, mobilizing community and professional groups for grass root action.

Clinical skills as a Medical Doctor in the areas of reproductive health, control of tropical diseases as well as provision of occupational health services.

When I resumed work as Director of Public Health at the completion of my course in October 2010, I was able to mainstream some of the lessons learned through the following activities:

1) Organisation of certificate short courses in Primary Health Care, Disease Control and Public Health by distance learning (e-learning) for health and health-related workers through the Department of Public Health of the Delta State Ministry of Health and the NGO I founded in 2002 namely Public Health Impact Research Centre (www.phirc.org). From 2011 till 2013 over 80 doctors health and health-related workers in Delta State and beyond have benefitted from the programme.

2) Establishment of a Public Health Informatics Committee in the Department of Public Health of the Delta State Ministry of Health. The committee has been promoting the use of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) in medical practice, research and training. It has also produced a Public Health Informatics Bulletin comprising Public Health data and other relevant Public Health information that would guide stakeholders in the planning, implementation and evaluation of health programmes in the state.

3). Organisation of in-house training on systematic reviews for Scientific Officers in the Department of Public Health of the Delta State Ministry of Health.

4) Sensitisation of Medical Doctors in Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara to set up a research group to establish partnership with research institutions.

5) Publication of two books in May 2012 titled:
i. Maximising the benefits of foreign education: A memoir of my experience studying abroad as an international student form a developing country.
ii. Medico-legal issues of incapacitated persons

(A total of 86 copies of the first book were donated to the Delta State Ministry of Higher Education to present to the beneficiaries of the Delta State Government Overseas Scholarship Scheme for graduates from Delta State who obtained First Class Honours from the inception of the scheme in 2009.)

6) Organisation of a conference on Strengthening Scientific Research in Medicinal Plants, under the auspices of Public Health Impact Research Centre, in Asaba on June 16th 2012; a vision conceptualized from the assignment I submitted during the course titled, “A systematic review of the efficacy of African Traditional Medicine.”

As Permanent Secretary of the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency from November 2014 to December 2016, I was able to achieve the following:
i. Being on track for polio end-game strategy;
ii. Attainment of 88% measles vaccine coverage for 2015, the best since 2005;
iii. Successful organisation of 12 campaigns (Supplemental Immunisation Activities) with support from development partners;
iv. Establishment of Breastfeeding Support Groups in 8 LGAS - Aniocha South, Ethiope East, Ethiope West, Ika North East, Isoko South, Ndokwa East, Okpe, and Oshimili South LGAs;
v. Awareness creation on prevailing health issues using mobile Public Address system in markets, distribution of fliers and airing of jingles;
vi. Commencement of activity plans developed during the retreat with His Excellency and monitoring implementation using key performance indicators;
vii. Inauguration of Essential Drugs Project Committee;
viii. Conduction of Integrated Supportive Supervision for and data collection from 100 PHCs in the State with support from UNICEF;
ix. Disbursement of 8 research and project grants;
x. Organisation of Training of Primary Health Care Workers on Neonatal Resuscitation, Basic Life Support, and District Health Information System.

Organised voluntary, non-remuneration blood donations. Currently there are 4 centres in Delta State where well meaning individuals can donate blood voluntarily.

Submission of 4 memos on behalf of the Ministry to the National Council on Health; dissemination of resolutions from the National Council on Health to stakeholders for implementation; Submission of progress report on the resolutions.

Participation in and facilitation of several advocacy and awareness creation programmes in collaboration with local NGOs that work in the area of Care of the Elderly and Physically Challenged, Control of Cancer, Control of Sickle Cell Disorder, Voluntary Blood Donation and Nutrition.

Facilitation of the Sensitisation and Institutionalisation of Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance Response.

Facilitation of the roll out of the Delta State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme.

Future plans:
1. Be involved in clinical trials of medicinal products as well as non-medicinal products such as obtained in applied  (operational) research.
2. Obtain a PhD in Public Health.
3. Part-time lecturing.
4. Part-time clinical practice.

a. Develop short, medium and long term goals and write them  down.
b. Develop a plan of action for achieving your goals.
c. Review the plan monthly or quarterly checking off completed activities.
d. Celebrate accomplishment of the goals.
e. Training in Health Services Research empowers you to become an expert in several fields hence I highly recommend it to potential students.

Thank you for the opportunity to reflect on how my course in University of Sheffield has influenced my career progression.