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Olanike Ajayi

Pearson Fellow

MPP Candidate

My name is Olanike Dorcas Ajayi, a first-year Master of Public Policy student from Osun State, Nigeria. I am interested in researching how integrating public participation in the policy cycle can positively impact tackling the incessant policy failure and combat the multiple security challenges driven by political violence and ethno-religious insurgencies that have crippled economic advancement and social development in Nigeria.

Prior to joining the Harris School of Public Policy, I served as an information officer with the Federal Ministry of Information and Communication at the Child Rights Information Bureau unit under the Public Communication Department. My primary role is to inform families about the social policies and programs that support child development.  I also handle public complaints about out-of-school children and children at risk of early marriage, child labor, and child abuse while helping them access information on available channels to seek help or redress. My passion for social justice and welfare has enabled me to hold volunteer positions in mentorship and leadership capacities to deliver impactful social service to children, youths, and women.

Olanike holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Ekiti State University, Ekiti State, and a Masters degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos, Lagos State, both in Nigeria.

Baidoa, Somalia

Makeshift, temporary shelter made of plastic and clothing at a refugee center in Baidoa, Somalia.