Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu

What is your PhD about?

My PhD is on the international treaty against corruption, referred to as the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). My focus is on examining the application and impact of Chapter V of UNCAC, which covers asset recovery, with a focus on Africa.

Why did you choose Sussex/CSC?

I chose the University of Sussex because of it research excellence and interdisciplinary approach. Having the CSC within the school of Law, Politics and Sociology has made it easy for me to benefit from the disciplines of politics, governance and law, and from the academic researchers.

What were you doing before you started your PhD?

I am a World Bank-trained anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) assessor and have assessed many African countries. I served as an Assistant Director in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) (2004-2016) and as Director of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit of EFCC (2012-2013). I have also served as an adviser to the President of Nigeria from 2016 to 2023. I founded the African Center for Governance, Asset Recovery and Sustainable Development as well as the JC Ibekaku Hope Project. I am also a member of the faculty of the Digital Evidence and Forensic Cybercrime Institute.

Do you have any advice for someone considering a PhD?

As a research student, I believe that selecting a topic that one is passionate about is crucial. Additionally, choosing a school that offers practical and academic insight into real-life issues is essential to achieving academic excellency.