PhD student — Kingsley Omon

After completing a Masters in digital business at the University of Salford, international student Kingsley is pursuing a PhD that focuses on Nigeria's national digital economic policy and strategy at the same institution

Why did you decide to pursue Doctoral research at Salford?

Choosing the university for both my Masters degree and subsequent PhD was a conscious decision.

For almost twenty years, I've been drawn to Greater Manchester because of two influential figures - Friedrich Engels and Karl Marx. Their groundbreaking work, especially The Condition of the Working Class in England and The Communist Manifesto, ignited a passion in me.

As such, I wanted to immerse myself in the same environment that shaped their ideas, hoping to find inspiration to make a difference in the lives of future generations - especially in developing countries.

Additionally, the university's focus on applied research and its connections to industry make it an ideal environment to develop my academic and practical skills.

How does this fit in with your career plans?

The title of my PhD is 'Stakeholder Identification and Involvement in Digital Economy Policy Development and Implementation: A Critical Systems Heuristics Evaluation of Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020-2030).'

This research aligns with my career goal of becoming a leading researcher and policy development expert, helping developing countries transition into and benefit fully from the technologies shaping modern digital economies.

By gaining in-depth knowledge of stakeholder engagement in policy development, I aim to contribute to the creation of effective digital policies that promote inclusive growth and development.

How did you choose your PhD supervisor?

Based on my research proposal and career goals, the university assigned the most appropriate supervisors with the right expertise and experience.

What was the application process like?

The application process was rigorous and competitive. It involved submitting a detailed research proposal outlining my research question, objectives, methodology and expected contributions. I spent considerable time conducting a thorough literature review and refining my research focus. Additionally, I prepared academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement, highlighting my motivation and suitability for the PhD programme.

The process was challenging but rewarding, as it forced me to articulate my research ideas clearly and convincingly.

How are you funding your postgraduate study?

I am a self-funded international student with no grant, bursary or scholarship. My personal business back home 100% funds my studies and related costs.

Tell us a bit about the PhD and what it involves.

I'm conducting a comprehensive investigation of stakeholder identification and involvement into the development of Nigeria's National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020-2030) by employing the Critical Systems Heuristics (CSH) framework to analyse the policy development process, specifically identifying and evaluating key stakeholders' motivation, roles and degree of involvement in shaping the policy.

In other words, I am asking the question - who is reasonably qualified and essential in formulating a digital economy policy in a developing country such as Nigeria, and who should?

My research aims to contribute to the development of more inclusive and effective digital policies, by understanding the dynamics of stakeholder involvement and engagement.

How does research life differ to that of a Masters student?

Doctoral life is significantly different from a Masters. It demands a higher level of independence, self-discipline and time management skills, among other things.

While a Masters focuses on coursework and assessments, a PhD is primarily research-oriented, requiring extensive literature review, data collection, analysis, theory, framework or model development, and a lot of writing. In summary, the researcher is expected to develop new knowledge that will enrich the literature and domain of practice.

As such, the workload is more demanding, and the journey is often characterised by periods of in-depth research and extensive iterative writing.

While challenging, I find the journey exciting as there is always something new to uncover.

How are you managing working while studying?

Managing my business remotely takes a good chunk of my time when I am not researching, writing, teaching or developing curricula and teaching material for undergraduate and postgraduate taught students.

Indeed, balancing a part-time job, including teaching at the university, along with my PhD study, requires effective time management and prioritisation. I have found it essential to create a detailed schedule and allocate specific time blocks for work, studies, and my personal life. Open communication with various colleagues about my academic commitments has also been crucial in managing my workload effectively.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I aspire to pursue a career as a full-time higher education lecturer or become a university research fellow. I am also interested in working as a policy development expert in the digital economy sector with government agencies, international organisations, or research institutions to contribute to the development and implementation of inclusive and impactful digital technology policies.

What tips would you give to others interested in studying a PhD?

• Develop a strong research interest. A passion for the topic is essential for sustaining motivation throughout your research journey.
• Build a strong support network by actively seeking support from supervisors, peers, mentors and influential domain experts to overcome challenges and celebrate your achievements.
• Effective time management is a non-negotiable skill to develop. As a PhD student, you must prioritise tasks, set realistic goals, and create a structured study plan to balance research, teaching and your personal life.

Find out more

• Read about getting an academic job.
• Explore what to do next after your Masters.
• Consider postgraduate research at the University of Salford.