To Coincide with the International Women’s Day on 8th March we interviewed Yeye Nwidaa (a Partner at Jackson, Etti & Edu, Nigeria) and our current LLM student.
What were you doing in your profession before you started your course at CCLS?
Before starting my course at CCLS, I was actively engaged as a Partner at Jackson, Etti & Edu, a distinguished full-service law firm in Nigeria. Within the firm, I have the honor of leading the Regulatory, Compliance and Governance Practice, providing invaluable compliance and regulatory advisory services to both local companies and foreign investors venturing into the Nigerian market. With over 17 years of experience in the legal field, my journey at Jackson, Etti & Edu has been enriching.
How do you think studying at CCLS will help you in your career?
I chose to undertake an LLM program in Regulation and Compliance for the following reasons: firstly, to enhance my understanding of the intricacies of what it means to be a Compliance professional, and secondly, to understand the EU/UK regulatory landscape. As the head of a newly formed compliance department, my Firm, Jackson Etti & Edu in its usual fashion of empowering its people for success supported this drive to acquire knowledge that will be applied upon the completion of my course to develop my entire Compliance Team.
What has been the highlight of your time at CCLS so far? Do you have any examples?
The highlight of my time at CCLS has been the Induction Week, especially the visit to the Cumberland Lodge. I was impressed by the level of detail in curating the timetable for the 2-week induction, as this helped me to understand and adjust to life in the UK as a student, as well as learn more about the University.
During the brief stay at the lodge, the commitment of the lecturers to our well-being and academic preparedness left an indelible impression. Prof Garry Gabison’s induction lecture still motivates me to keep pushing.
Do you have any recommendations for other women studying for a postgraduate degree?
I would recommend that before applying/studying for a postgraduate degree, women (indeed everyone) should first articulate and answer the following questions: Why this course? What gains are expected for the development of my career and life in general?
Some level of clarity on these would propel women to achieve more in the pursuit of a postgraduate degree.
Do you have a message for women reading the article on the International Women’s Day?
Be visible regardless of your level of exposure or experience. Visibility is not only instrumental in unlocking new opportunities but also in amplifying your contributions and impact within your respective spheres.
Has there been any particular woman who has inspired you in their career?
Yes. Mrs. Uwa Ohiku, one of the senior partners in my firm Jackson, Etti & Edu. Mrs. Ohiku epitomizes intellectual prowess and exemplary communication skills.
Since joining the firm in 2009, her deliberate mentorship, characterized by coaching me to gain technical expertise and emotional intelligence, has profoundly influenced my professional journey, inspiring me to strive for excellence and apply understanding in dealing with issues and people.