Kehinde Ajayi, a recent graduate of Agricultural Economics from the prestigious University of Ibadan. Hailing from Akure, Ondo state, Kehinde shares her journey from childhood dreams of nursing to discovering her passion for numbers and economics. Despite initial hesitations, Kehinde embraced Agricultural Economics, driven by family influence. Throughout her academic years, she found fulfillment in leadership roles and a deep interest in areas like finance, accounting, and research within Agricultural Economics. Now, poised to enter the professional world, Kehinde envisions a career that merges academia with finance,aiming to make impactful contributions to a more sustainable economy through education, mentorship, and data-driven decision-making. With Folaranmi Ajayi she shares her journey. Excerpt
Tell us about your background
I am Kehinde Ajayi; a 24-year-old graduate of the Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan. I hail from Akure in Ondo state, and I’m also based there. Furthermore, I’m the last born of a family of five. Furthermore, I have a twin sister and an elder brother. Furthermore, I attended Oyemekun Primary School Akure for my primary education, and St Louis Grammar School Akure for my secondary school education.
What motivated you to pursue a degree in Agricultural Economics at the University of Ibadan?
I never really wanted to study Agric Economics from the start. While growing up, my dream course was nursing, but I later found myself in Agric Economics due to my inability to meet the University of Ibadan nursing cut-off mark. Also changing my course from nursing to Agric Economics was influenced by Daddy who seems to like the course.
Can you share a memorable experience or project from your time studying Agricultural Economics?
I remember my 300 Level days when we were taught courses related to economics and accounting, I discovered I could relate more as I have always been someone good with figures. It was such a platform to learn more. Also while studying, I became a local director of IAAS UI, this also helped me to work on so many things in terms of leadership and management.
How do you envision applying your knowledge of Agriculture, Economics, and Finance to contribute to a more sustainable economy?
I plan to go into the Academics field coupled with finance, which will help me to instill the right knowledge in the education sector of society. Also as a person passionate about academics, I plan to have an academy that will be open to teens for mentorship and other things as it unfolds. For the finance part, every business needs to take the financial aspect seriously. As an upcoming financial analyst, I plan to use my data analysis skills to make projections that will help organizations make better financial decisions. For the Agriculture part, the cost of living in the economy is outrageous right now. I plan to use the knowledge of agriculture I have for a home garden and also to give out consultations or advice to people within/ outside the Agricultural sector.
Could you please elaborate on any specific areas within Agricultural Economics that you are particularly passionate about?
Finance, Accounting, Research.
How do you plan to stay updated with the latest developments and trends in the field of Agricultural Economics?
I plan to maximize so many information groups on social media and I also apply for opportunities or programs that will keep me up to date.
Have you been involved in any extracurricular activities or internships related to your field of study?
No, this has been one of my desires. During my 400 (IT), I only got to spend it on farmland not where the figures part of the course is needed. Partly for the Agricultural aspect, I will say yes but have not had the opportunity to explore the economic aspect.
What are your short-term and long-term career goals within the Agricultural sector or beyond?
Getting a master’s degree and Ph.D in fields related to economics and finance
Taking professional certifications like ACCA, CFA, etc.
How do you plan to utilize your skills in data analysis to address challenges or explore opportunities in Agriculture and Economics?
Every business requires an accurate record /data to function well in society. Agric economics has equipped me with the right skills to solve economic problems within and outside the Agricultural sector, one of which is research, through research? Survey, problem causes are known and solutions are proffered after the study has been carried out, a successful research study is incomplete without the input of a data Analyst. I currently know how to use MS Excel, SPSS, STATA, etc. This will help me to explore opportunities that come with research study.
