Nigerian Diaspora Advocate, Dr. Yewande Aina-Marshall, Bags Doctorate in Business Administration from UK University

In a significant milestone that underscores the impact of diaspora-led transformation, renowned Nigerian strategist and advocate, Dr. Yewande Aina-Marshall, has been awarded a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) by Teesside University, United Kingdom.

A seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in strategy, governance, and public service transformation across Europe and Africa, Dr. Aina-Marshall’s latest academic achievement reaffirms her commitment to building systems that work for people. Her doctoral research, titled “Project Portfolio Management: A Case Study of Nigerian Public Projects,” critically explores how to enhance transparency, efficiency, and execution within Nigeria’s public sector.

“This doctorate is not the culmination of a journey, it’s the beginning of deeper service,” Dr. Aina-Marshall said. “I am committed to ensuring that research does not sit on a shelf but is applied meaningfully to shape systems, policies, and the lives of people across Nigeria and Africa.”

Her thesis puts forward a strategic framework designed to improve governance across large-scale public initiatives, and comes at a time when Nigeria is striving to rebuild institutional trust and reform critical sectors.

Teesside University praised the research for its depth, relevance, and potential to create real-world impact, describing it as a significant contribution to African-led solutions in the space of public administration and development.

Dr. Aina-Marshall’s career spans leadership roles in top-tier global organisations including the London Stock Exchange Group, Marks & Spencer, BT Group, British Council, NHS, Microsoft, and Schneider Electric. She has led transformational projects, advised international boards, and served as a strategic advisor across both public and private sectors.

Beyond her professional achievements, she remains a vocal advocate for diaspora participation in national development. Her editorial leadership in a journal focused on diaspora business innovation continues to spotlight African thought leadership on global stages.

Her recent academic milestone is expected to further enrich her contributions to policy dialogue, institutional reform, and inclusive leadership in Nigeria. Her work offers a practical blueprint for improving project governance across ministries, departments, and agencies—bridging academic insight with actionable implementation.

Known for her emotional intelligence, cultural dexterity, and calm leadership style, Dr. Aina-Marshall is widely regarded as a unifying voice in the international development space. She continues to champion the role of diaspora talent in shaping Africa’s development trajectory.

As Nigeria deepens its conversations on reform, accountability, and capacity building, Dr. Aina-Marshall’s achievement stands as a powerful testament to excellence and a reminder of the critical role diasporans can play in driving sustainable change.