From struggles to success: Nigerian asset, Dr Alexander Victor’s journey through education and opportunity

In a recent podcast session with Paddy Quinn and Nathan Bell, Dr. Alexander Victor shared his inspiring journey, detailing how he overcame obstacles to achieve success despite being a dropout. His story is one of resilience, determination, and self-driven learning.

Dr. Alexander’s academic path began outside the traditional classroom setting. Self-educated in his early years, he later pursued studies in machine learning, financial mathematics, and global policy. His expertise allowed him to lecture across multiple fields, including business, finance, and economics. With three masters degrees in mathematics and PhD. in the same field, he credits his deep understanding of numbers for expanding his ability to think critically and explore various disciplines. He confidently stated during the podcast that he could teach anything he set his mind to, except medicine and surgery, as he did not want to take risks with people’s lives.

His academic journey took a significant turn in 2017 when he moved to Nairobi, Kenya, after securing a scholarship for his PhD. At the time, he was already pursuing a PhD. in Nigeria and made the bold decision to run both programs concurrently. This dual commitment required immense discipline, but it also broadened his global academic exposure.

After obtaining his second PhD, Dr. Alexander returned to Nigeria, expecting recognition and career opportunities that would allow him to contribute to the academic community. However, he faced unexpected setbacks. The doors of top universities did not open as he had hoped. In his eagerness to share knowledge with younger scholars, he even offered to teach for free. Yet, these efforts were met with little enthusiasm, leaving him disheartened.

Frustrated by the lack of opportunities in his home country, he made the decision to return to Nairobi. To his surprise, the reception in Kenya was vastly different. He was welcomed with open arms, granted the recognition he had long sought, and given access to opportunities that allowed him to excel in his career.

Dr. Alexander reflected on the challenges that shaped his journey, including financial struggles and coming from an underprivileged background. These difficulties defined his early years in Nigeria, making his academic path more demanding. However, his story highlights the power of perseverance and the importance of seeking opportunities beyond one’s immediate environment.

In 2023, he moved to Ireland, continuing his journey in academia and further expanding his impact. His experiences serve as a reminder that success is not always found where one expects it, but rather where opportunities align with talent and hard work. He had gone ahead to win multiple awards and recognitions.