Dr Andrew Enaifoghe graduated with a PhD in Public Administration on Tuesday, 6 July 2021. His is a story of not losing sight of one’s dreams.
This dynamic young African researcher, enthusiastic presenter, avid reader, preacher and inspirational writer was born and raised in Nigeria by Mr and Mrs Enaifoghe Salami. He is the first born of four children. He has other siblings as he comes from a polygamous family.
After doing his lower and higher grades Dr Enaifoghe then proceeded to do his Bachelor’s Degree in History and International Studies with honours at Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Nigeria, in 2007. Ten years later he came to the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) to study towards a master’s degree and completed it in a space of six months and then registered for his doctorate degree in 2018. By November 2019 the research was complete. It was sent out for external examination in March 2020 just before the national lockdown was implemented, due to the global pandemic of Covid-19.
The scholar’s research interest is multidisciplinary, covering social sciences and humanity- political science, international relations and public administration. His specialty is in good governance and participatory democracy. His topic was “The Need for Community Participation in the Decision-Making Process in South African Municipal Administration: An Assessment of Pietermaritzburg and uMhlathuze Municipalities”. The study discovered that the community’s commitment to participate in local government administration, in the decision-making process, requires an investment of interest of all concerned members in the activities that address their common affairs. For a community to participate in local government administration for proper service delivery, requires physical involvement in the generation of ideas, contributions that will inform decision making and sharing of responsibility.
The study critically looked at the dynamics of citizens’ participation in the new South African democratic system. It contributed to the body of knowledge including multiple peer-reviewed articles in accredited journal publications including book chapters and several conference proceedings. During the course of his study, Dr Enaifoghe had a record of over 40 published articles and book chapters.
“I have in the past few years contributed to the body of knowledge by displaying an excellent ability in researching socio-political, socio-economic and administrative issues relating to African governance, political development and have translated my findings into publications,” Dr Enaifoghe said. The scholar’s streak of achievements did not end there. In 2019, he was one of the recipients of the prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Research and Excellence Award, winning in the Best Postgraduate with Research Output (highest publication for the 2018 academic year) category. In 2020 he was a guest lecturer at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA on “Youth Participation in #EndSARS”, an introduction to comparative politics course. Over and above this, he has tutored undergraduate and honours students at the Management College of South Africa as well as been a high school principal in Nigeria from 2014 to 2015.
Some of his fondest memories at UNIZULU include the receiving unwavering support from his friends and the opportunities the University afforded him to gain leadership skills through several student organisations.
Apart from his friends, Dr Enaifoghe had the support of his uncle Prof Michael Osuide and his parents and siblings on his journey to obtaining his doctorate.
To students pursuing their qualifications, the scholar said: “The journey is not a smooth ride but I want you to know this: when it gets tougher, it gets higher and bigger, it gets bigger and better too. Never settle for less and never give up, for every finish line begins a new one. Live every day as a new race. Don’t give up, look for someone to hold your hand. If I could do it, you too can. I want you to believe in yourself and keep your eyes on the goal.”
In his spare time, Dr Enaifoghe enjoys spending time at the beach, being outdoor with friends, cooking and travelling.
– James Thwala
- July 16, 2021