Blessing Asuquo-Ekpo, a leading Public Policy Analyst and Program Manager, with unwavering global reach is a Doctoral candidate in the Department of Public Policy and Administration, specialising in policy analysis and program management at Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi.
In this interview with BIOLUWATIFE AKINYEMI, she speaks about her role as an Education and Health Data specialist for a Non-Profit in Mississippi called SR1 that seeks to reduce disparities in Education and Health, her current project, SR1 C.O.O.L to be Healthy Project and its intricacies.
Tell me about your academic and professional backgrounds
I am a Policy and Program Analyst with a robust track record in the education and health sectors, aiming to enhance outcomes for marginalised groups. I have a Bachelors in Policy Studies and Administration and a masters in Political Science, both from the University of Calabar, Nigeria. I am now studying for a PHD in the Public Policy in the US. I am very passionate about evidencebased research hence why I am an advocate for using data-driven insights to inform policy reforms and program interventions, with a commitment to advancing educational and health equity.
What is the motivation behind your focus on education and health policy sectors?
The focus on the education and health sectors stems from a recognition of their fundamental roles in fostering a thriving society and economy. Education is crucial for developing a skilled workforce that can drive innovation, maintain economic competitiveness, and ensure national security. The motivation behind this focus is to address the opportunity gaps and disparities in access to quality education, especially in underserved communities and underrepresented populations. By improving literacy rates, we can enhance workforce readiness and economic prosperity. In the health sector, the motivation is to advance health outcomes, which are intrinsically linked to educational success and economic stability. Healthier populations are more productive and can contribute more effectively to society. Addressing health disparities ensures a more equitable society where all individuals have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. My dedication to evidence-based interventions in both education and health are aimed at promoting equity, improving outcomes, and securing a prosperous future for all.
With your extensive background in policy analysis and programme management, what do you see as the most pressing issues in education and health today, and how do you intend to address them?
I see several pressing issues in both education and health in Nigeria today. In education, the most pressing issues today revolve around the achievement gaps and opportunity disparities, particularly in STEM education, addressing the learning losses and inequalities inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as tackling the critical shortage of qualified teachers, particularly in STEM subjects.
These gaps are more pronounced in underserved communities and underrepresented populations, leading to a crisis in STEM teaching and learning.In the health sector, the most urgent issues are improving access to quality healthcare services, especially in rural areas, addressing the high rates of maternal and child mortality and the need for evidencebased interventions are critical concerns.
To address these challenges, I plan to advocate for and implement targeted interventions that support vulnerable populations, invest in teacher training programs, and enhance healthcare infrastructure and services in underserved regions. This will be achieved by employing research and development in education and healthcare, modernizing data systems, and fostering crosssector collaboration, I aim to bridge the divide, promote equity, and create a cohesive strategy. By focusing on these areas, I aim to contribute to creating a more equitable and effective education and health system in Nigeria.
You were recently featured on WLBT on the SR1 C.O.O.L to be Healthy Project, how do you feel about the feat?
I feel incredibly honoured and proud to have been featured on WLBT for the SR1 C.O.O.L to be Healthy Project. This project, which served 200 individuals in Central Mississippi, was a remarkable opportunity to make a tangible difference in the community’s health and well-being. The positive feedback from participants, who reported learning new skills, losing weight, and improving their physical activity, validates the impact of our collective efforts. It’s gratifying to see such enthusiasm for continued health practices beyond the project’s duration, and I am thrilled that our success in promoting healthier lifestyles has been recognized. This project not only achieved its goals but also introduced new strategies for future health interventions, especially in communities most affected by health disparities. Being able to contribute to this meaningful work and witness the direct benefits to participants’ lives is truly rewarding.
Before you left Nigeria, you founded a Non-Profit organisation, the Anchor Foundation, where you served as the Programme Manager; how did this experience prepare you for managing the SR1 C.O.O.L to be Healthy Project?
My experience as the Co-founder and Program Manager at the Anchor Foundation in Nigeria was instrumental in preparing me for managing the C.O.O.L to be Healthy Project. I was deeply involved in researching and developing programs aimed at improving education outcomes, reducing poverty and hunger, and conducting health outreaches and skills acquisition for women. This role required me to draft and review advocacy and fundraising proposals, as well as to monitor and supervise the implementation of programs, which sharpened my skills in project management and resource mobilization. These responsibilities cultivated my ability to manage complex projects, analyze their effects, and ensure their success through meticulous monitoring and evaluation. I successfully managed multiple initiatives, including “action against hunger” projects, health outreaches, and skills empowerment projects for girls and women in rural communities. This experience provided me with a solid foundation in managing communitybased programs and addressing the needs of diverse populations.
When I transitioned to the C.O.O.L to be Healthy Project, I was able to apply these skills effectively. I planned and organised the program’s structure, activities, and goals, and managed its daily operations. My prior experience in resource allocation, group categorisation, and data analysis allowed me to measure the program’s impact accurately, which included improvements in cardiovascular health, weight loss, and overall physical activity among participants. My role at Anchor Foundation equipped me with the necessary tools and insights to successfully manage and deliver the SR1 C.O.O.L to be Healthy Project, ensuring that it achieved its objectives and made a significant impact on the health and well-being of the Central Mississippi community.
Can you share some insights into the feedback you received from participants and how it shaped the project’s activities or future phases?
The feedback received from participants was overwhelmingly positive and instrumental in shaping the project’s activities and its future direction. Participants expressed a strong appreciation for the program, noting the power of understanding their health and the encouragement they received to improve it. Many highlighted the tangible benefits they experienced, such as weight loss, healthier snacking habits, and increased physical activity, which were direct results of the program’s interventions. This feedback not only validated the effectiveness of the project’s approach but also provided valuable insights for future phases. For instance, the high attendance and positive response to the healthy cooking demonstrations and basketball activities indicated a strong interest in these areas, prompting us to consider maintaining and possibly expanding these components in subsequent iterations of the program. Moreover, the participants’ expressed desire to continue the healthy practices learned and their appreciation for community engagement and accountability reinforced the importance of these elements. As a result, we plan to further emphasize community-building aspects and support mechanisms that encourage sustained health and wellness among participants. The feedback also highlighted the success of our measurement indices, such as tracking blood pressure, weight, and stamina, which were crucial in demonstrating the program’s impact on
cardiovascular health and overall well-being. These metrics will continue to be a key part of our evaluation process, ensuring that we can effectively monitor progress and make data-driven decisions for the program’s continuous improvement. Participant feedback has been a cornerstone of our project’s success, providing us with the necessary information to refine our approach, reinforce effective strategies, and identify areas for enhancement in future phases of the project.
The SR1 C.O.O.L to be Healthy Project was a resounding success; can you describe the initial challenges you faced when launching the project and how you overcame them?
The Project indeed achieved considerable success, but like any substantial initiative, it faced initial challenges. One of the primary challenges was engaging a diverse demographic spanning various age groups, from children to senior citizens, in Central Mississippi. To overcome this, we organized a wide range of activities, such as walking, biking, soccer, basketball, dance, barre, and healthy cooking demonstrations, ensuring inclusivity and catering to different interests and physical capabilities. Another challenge was ensuring accessibility and convenience for all participants. We addressed this by scheduling activities on both weekdays and weekends and offering them at no cost, thus removing financial barriers and accommodating varied schedules. Measuring the impact of the project on participants’ health was also crucial. We implemented indices of change measurement, such as taking blood pressures daily, weighing every week, and assessing stamina for physical activity every 2 days. These measures allowed us to track improvements in cardiovascular health and other health benefits, providing tangible evidence of the project’s success.
Your research appeared to have provided valuable insights into policy standards and implementation. Can you discuss how you intend to apply these insights to improve the quality of policies in Nigeria?
Leveraging my experience in identifying gaps in policy monitoring and application, I aim to ensure that policies are not only well-crafted but also effectively executed. Also, creating data-driven policy solutions will be instrumental in addressing societal challenges. By standardising data collection methods, investing in technology, and building the capacity of professionals, the quality and reliability of the data that informs policy decisions can be improved. Furthermore, utilising analytical tools and frameworks to measure and evaluate policy outcomes are very crucial as these tools provide real-time visualisation of policy impacts, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions based on empirical evidence.
You have a well-rounded approach to research, allowing you to analyse data effectively. How will this approach help you in developing programme interventions that address the specific needs of underserved communities in Nigeria?
My well-rounded approach to research, which emphasizes thorough needs assessment, data collection, processing and analysis, will be instrumental in developing program interventions that address the specific needs of underserved communities in Nigeria. By leveraging data, I can identify the most pressing issues and trends within these communities, ensuring that interventions are tailored to their unique circumstances. This approach allows for evidencebased decision-making, which is crucial for designing effective programs. Additionally, continuous data monitoring and evaluation will enable me to adjust and refine interventions in real-time, ensuring they remain relevant and impactful. Ultimately, this data-driven strategy will help create sustainable solutions that genuinely improve the lives of those in underserved areas.
As someone who has been recognised for significant contributions in policy making, research, and education, do you have plans to leverage your experience and skills to influence the policymaking process in Nigeria’s education and health sectors?
Yes, I have concrete plans to do that. I have plans to start a research and policy center in Nigeria, I am committed to harnessing the synergy between data analysis and policy formulation to address pressing social issues. My center’s work will revolve around creating data-driven policy solutions, particularly focused on areas such as education, gender equality, health, and poverty. We will provide policymakers and the public with actionable insight using tools that will enable the measurement and evaluation of policy and program outcomes, thereby determining the effectiveness of initiatives across various sectors. There is a huge lack of seasoned policy analysts due also to the lack of research centers in Nigeria, the center will act as advocates for policies that are informed by empirical evidence and help in building the capacity of policymakers through training and support.
and then