Statement of Purpose: MSc PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

ASIYAT SALAWU
While growing up in Nigeria, I watched as different administration issue out government
policy from time to time and end up either implementing these policies wrongly or not
implementing it at all. Amidst various reforms agenda, policies, development plans and
programs, Vision 2010, Seven-Point Agenda and a host of others, the one that stuck with me
the most was the Vision 20:2020, which targets to catapult Nigeria into the league of the first
global 20 economies by the year 2020.
The long-term plan did not make a dent on Nigeria’s developmental challenges as many
Nigerians are in worse socioeconomic conditions than ever before. This is not because the
policy was bad but rather the implementation was terrible. That several economic malaises
including insecurity, epileptic power supply, week infrastructure and institutions still plague
the country suggests that the broader objectives of the goal are out of reach due to lack of
adequate implementation.
This left me thinking how I can help my dear country in the area of proper implementation of
good government policies.
The dedication to serve has always also been an integral part in any profession and in order to
be able to contribute positively to the growth of Nigeria, one must also have the necessary
skills to remain competitive and dynamic in initiating change. With all these, I wish to point
out my intention to apply for a Master’s degree in public administration which I believe will
help me go back to Nigeria feeling enhanced with adequate skills to help in good
implementation of government policies and help make my dear country great again. Looking
back, I believe that my educational background can help me with my application. I am a
graduate from my Bachelor of Science in Political science
I particularly found it interesting to specialize in Political science during my undergraduate
because of the numerous capabilities this subject can give me. It helped me create a
foundation of how service must be facilitated; without any bias or prejudice among groups.
Basically, I have completed BSC (Hons) in Political science from Federal University Dustin-
ma Katsina State, Nigeria and I have decided to do my post-graduate degree that is related to
the public/government sector because I believe that along with my current qualification and
this MSC Public administration, I will be able to come back home and help make, implement
and support policies that will drive my country to a great place again.
Now, as I try to embark into another phase of my career, I feel that the program at University
of Manitoba can be a determining facet for these realizations. In the end, I feel that my
experiences and skills have given me the training ground and preparation to embrace the
challenges of the Master’s degree. I feel that the program can give me better leverage in
understanding and enacting change. Thus, paving the way for transformation does not solely
rely on individuals but on the collective effort of all parties involved.
University of Manitoba has over 31,000 undergraduate and graduate students, and more than
181,000 alumni living in 139 countries and this enables cultural integration as incoming
students can settles in easily. I am particularly drawn to this university because it has been
popularly known to have been driving discovery and inspiring minds through innovative
teaching and research excellence which I also want to experience firsthand. The university
also believe that an exceptional student experience is built on the foundation of innovative
teaching that encourages students to learn, thrive and grow through unique experiential and
engagement activities both on and beyond campus. The university's strong links with the
industry enable students to have access to practical and innovative learning experiences
including the opportunity to work on real-life client-based projects and case studies.
Hopefully after completion of this program in coming year I intend to work for the objectives
of my professional career, which at the later stage transform to the objectives of my country
in fighting against incorrect implementation of government policies, corruption and
strengthening the economy of my country.
I sincerely hope that the admission committee finds my profile well suited to the
requirements of the course and gives me a chance to be a part of the esteemed university.