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Season of pollsters and poll-stars By Bell Ihua

February 06, 2023

This article was first published in Business Day Newspaper on Monday 16 January 2023 At every General Election cycle, especially the presidential and gubernatorial elections, predictions, forecasts, speculations, guesses and even prophecies are rife as to which candidates are likely to emerge victorious and crowned winner at the end of the cycle. Politicians often work with polling consultants and media practitioners to conduct and disseminate public opinion polls to help them design and test their campaign strategies, as well as create the needed media buzz in order to gain some public optics for a possible bandwagon effect. Nigeria’s 2023 General Election cycle is not an exception, as we have seen an array of polls being released in favour of one presidential or governorship candidate or another. If my memory serves me right, there’s been about seven polls or so released so far. As I read through the press releases or news reports on the poll results and findings, some q

From academia to industry: seven tips for academics making the switch By Bell Ihua

February 06, 2023

Moving from academia to industry can sometimes be daunting, especially if the move was more serendipitous, than premeditated. I found myself in this position over 7 years ago, moving from a faculty position in the United Kingdom, to an industry-research position in Nigeria. Let me set out by stating for the records that I hold both the academia and industry in very high esteem, and the essence of this piece isn’t to place one above the other, but simply to share my thoughts and reflections on my move from core academia to industry. I have always been a firm believer that there should be more collaboration between “town” and “gown”, for society to fully reap the benefits of the knowledge economy. Reflecting on my experience, I have encapsulated 7 tips that helped consolidate my own move, from core academia to private sector opinion research consulting. It is my hope that this piece serves as a useful guide for academics seeking to take the leap into industry; particularly early care

Good night, Ambassador JTF Iyalla (1928 – 2019) By Bell IHUA

April 02, 2019

This article was first published in Business Day Newspaper of March 29, 2019. Nigeria, nay Africa and the global diplomatic community, has lost a titan in the person of Ambassador Joe Tonye Fubara Iyalla OFR, fondly called JTF or Joe Iyalla. He passed on in the early hours of January 30, 2019, at the ripe age of 90 years. A diplomat of diplomats, envoy of envoys and ambassador extraordinaire, Joe Iyalla stood tall in the diplomatic community and his influence towered through Nigeria’s Foreign Service and Business circles. My late father, Mr. Emmanuel E. Ihua was an Associate of Amb Iyalla, and served under him for 22 years as Group General Manager to his group companies, in his post-service life. I grew up knowing Ambassador as my father’s boss. It is therefore my distinct honour and privilege to pay tribute to this illustrious African diplomat, and to honour the friendship and mentoring that my late father enjoyed, learning at his feet. From very humble beginnings, t

What Research Has Joined Together, Let No Methodology Put Asunder - By Bell IHUA

March 19, 2019

This article was first published in Business Day Newspaper of 11th October, 2018. One of the common sins of Social Researchers is that after several years on the job, they begin to see human beings as tools to be used to achieve their research objectives. They no longer see the human side of their participants, but see them as mere puns on their chess board; just for the purpose of accomplishing a great research piece for publication or one that the client would be happy with when delivered. Unless social researchers train themselves consciously, they would find themselves guilty of this sin. I confess, I’m sometimes guilty. Ever so often, I catch myself veering off at events. Instead of relaxing and enjoying the moment, I seat there wishing I could share a few questionnaires, conduct a quick focus group or personal interviews to capture people’s opinions on any subject; especially when I have spotted a few folks in the crowd who seem quite opinionated. Of course, in a country

PICTURES: The Day Fela Visited Abuja

October 11, 2018

In 2014 to be precise, the British Council in Nigeria commissioned my firm to conduct a study on the Creative Sector in Nigeria. The study was to focus mainly on capturing the demographics of art audiences and the consumption of creative art offerings, of various types, in Nigeria. I recall the project was signed off by Ojoma Ochai, Director Arts, British Council Nigeria. You could imagine my excitement!! As an art buff, i super excited at the opportunity to lead a team of researchers to conduct a study focusing on my personal area of interest. As one would expect, the assignment offered me the opportunity of meeting and interviewing loads of interesting people and creative art personalities in Nigeria, such as - Nigerian Folk Artist and Founder of Eni'Obanke Art Centre, Segun Akinlolu aka Beautiful Nubia; Goethe Institute's Andre Schmatel; Wunika Mukan of African Artist Foundation; Muson Centre's Gboyega Banjo; Tola Akerele of Bogobiri House Lagos; Funmi Ogbogu of Negro

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