Dr Obioma Oparah
Obioma's PhD studies in Political Science at the University helped shape an illustrious career in the Nigerian Foreign Service.
| Name | Obioma Oparah |
| Degree Course | PhD in Political Science |
| Year of Graduation |
1986 |
Your time at the University
The University of Edinburgh always has an aura of being a great centre of academic excellence, which conjured my interest and desire to go there for a postgraduate degree. The variety of courses and programmes; the big library and its liberal rules; the willingness of staff to respond to enquiries, guide students and attend to their needs; the serenity of Edinburgh and its medieval architecture, etc. These are some of the treasured memories of my years at the University.
The University of Edinburgh always has an aura of being a great centre of academic excellence.
Tell us about your experiences since leaving the University
As a Nigerian diplomat and ambassador, I had a very exciting career in the Foreign Service, for 33 years, in nine different countries, from 1976 to 2009.
With experiences of inestimable value and notable memories, I served, at different times, as a diplomat in New York, Portugal, Egypt, Hungary, Switzerland, Ireland, and Ambassador to Cuba, Ethiopia and Djibouti. From 2007 to 2009, I was, again, appointed concurrently ambassador to the African Union and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), from where I finally retired.
Alumni wisdom
Be focused in your studies and allow minimum distraction, as the sky is large enough for you on successful completion of your course.
Send us your profile
We are interested in the role that the University has played in your life, either directly – in terms of skills and knowledge – or indirectly, via friends, experiences or chance encounters. Please get in touch and you and your experiences could feature on our website.
