Nabila Okino - The Fletcher School Leadership Program for Financial Inclusion
Her Opportunity Story spotlights Nigerian women who have landed transformative opportunities and provides detailed insights for other Nigerian women who would be applying to those opportunities. In the first edition, Nabila shares her experiences and insights on becoming a Fellow of the fully-funded Fletcher School Leadership Program for Financial Inclusion at Tufts University, USA. Applications for the Fellowship are currently open. Apply here.
Nabila Okino
Nabila Okino is a Policy Analyst at the Central Bank of Nigeria, a Fellow of the Fletcher Institute for Financial Inclusion, and one of the co-founders of The Continental Approach. She holds a Master’s Degree in International Human Rights Law and Practice from the University of York and was awarded the prestigious Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship.
With over four years of experience in development and policymaking, Nabila has worked with NGOs in Nigeria and conducted ground-breaking research projects for institutions like the University of York and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Her interests encompass the protection and promotion of women's rights, global equality, and sustainable development in Africa. She pursues these passions through research, advocacy, and policy change initiatives. In addition to her professional pursuits, Nabila is an enthusiastic traveller who enjoys exploring diverse cultures. She also enjoys reading and collecting literary books by African authors.
Before the Fellowship
What inspired you to apply for The Fletcher School Leadership Program for Financial Inclusion, and how did you prepare yourself for the application process knowing the significance of this opportunity?
I was inspired to apply for The Fletcher Leadership Program for Financial Inclusion (FLPFI) because of the intersection of my current role as a policy analyst for a financial regulator and my background working on social and development issues. The FLPFI presented an exciting opportunity to bridge my experiences in financial policy and development and work towards creating policies that can improve people’s lives.
Preparing for the opportunity was quite interesting. For me, a lot more mental preparation was needed. Many of the program's alumni and applicants have extensive backgrounds in the financial sector, which initially triggered feelings of imposter syndrome. My first thought was that I wasn’t going to get it because I am relatively new in the sector. I had to overcome these doubts and muster the confidence to submit my application. Beyond this mental preparation, I dedicated considerable time to thoroughly understand the program's requirements. I meticulously crafted and reviewed my essays, ensuring they reflected my passion, dedication, and the unique perspective I could bring to the program.
Can you share insights into the specific financial inclusion challenge that you aimed to address through this program? What motivated this choice, and how did you identify and prioritise this challenge?
My financial inclusion challenge explored how reduced charges for digital transactions and the transparency of the fees charged by financial institutions can encourage women to use digital financial services in Nigeria. The initial motivation was personal. Like some people, I frequently scrutinised my bank statements and often found arbitrary charges that left me perplexed. This led me to question the fairness of these fees and compelled me to seek clarity of the exact nature of the fees.
However, as I delved deeper into this issue and considered the broader implications, I recognized the potential negative consequences of these charges, especially for women with small businesses. Policies aimed at reducing cash circulation and promoting the use of digital financial services were being implemented, and it troubled me to think that these charges could undermine the savings and income of individuals, particularly women. This realization was further solidified through interviews with my research participants, highlighting that this issue was indeed a substantial concern affecting a significant portion of the population.
As an applicant, what strategies or resources did you find most helpful in securing your place in the program and how did you prepare yourself for the learning journey ahead?
Firstly, I wanted to ensure I had a strong foundation for the financial inclusion challenge I aimed to explore. To achieve this, I immersed myself in extensive research, delving into policy papers from the World Bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CGAP among others. These documents provided me with a good understanding of the issue and its nuances. Additionally, I sought insights from policy briefs authored by previous FLPFI alumni. These resources not only helped me gain a clearer sense of what The Fletcher School expected but also provided valuable examples of the quality and depth required in my application.
When it came to preparing for the learning journey itself, I adopted an open and receptive mindset. Rather than focusing on specific preparations, I embraced the idea of starting from scratch if necessary. This willingness to learn and adapt allowed me to approach the program with a fresh perspective and an eagerness to absorb new knowledge and experiences.
During the Fellowship
The program involves a combination of online modules, a residency and the Global Policy Forum. Could you describe a particular moment or aspect of the program that significantly deepened your understanding of financial inclusion and policy development?
Each component played a vital role in deepening my understanding of financial inclusion and policy development. Among these, the residency held a special place in my experience, as it provided a unique opportunity for in-person interaction with other fellows. One particularly significant aspect of the residency that enriched my comprehension of financial inclusion and policy development was our engagement with the 8 Question Method (8QM). This methodology served as a powerful framework for analysing and addressing my financial inclusion challenge. It guided me through a series of iterative steps, forcing me to thoroughly explore the problem I aimed to solve.
What made the 8QM truly transformative was its capacity to challenge my assumptions and ensure that I considered all relevant variables that could influence my policy proposal, both positively and negatively. This critical thinking process not only broadened my perspective but also honed my ability to develop comprehensive and effective policy solutions.
Fellowships often create a unique network of peers. How did your interactions with fellow participants and instructors during the fellowship contribute to your growth and perspective?
The fellowship brought together a remarkably diverse group of 18 fellows hailing from 17 different countries. This rich tapestry of cultures and perspectives created a vibrant learning environment. I consider this diversity one of the most valuable aspects of the fellowship experience. I now have connections with individuals from places as diverse as Fiji, Seychelles, Brazil, Mongolia, and South Africa, among others. This network is a tremendous blessing, as it provides a global perspective and a pool of resources I can tap into when needed.
Moreover, engaging with the exceptionally brilliant facilitators and instructors proved to be an invaluable experience. Practical activities and the sharing of their experiences added depth to our learning. Being part of such a dynamic space was an instant confidence booster. We were tasked with navigating complex challenges and contributing to discussions with the potential to shape policy directions in various countries. This experience has empowered me to think beyond boundaries and aspire to achieve so much more in my professional journey.
Could you share an instance when you encountered a significant obstacle or challenge during the program’s residency or policy development process, and how did you navigate and overcome it?
During the program's residency and the policy development process, I encountered a significant obstacle when working on the problem statement, a crucial component of the 8 Question Method (8QM). To craft a robust problem statement, we were required to construct something called a problem tree, which involved breaking down the problem we aimed to solve into its most granular elements. This phase initially left me feeling somewhat stuck and uncomfortable.
The challenge arose because the process of creating a problem tree demanded that I confront and challenge my assumptions. It pushed me far out of my comfort zone, which, as is often the case, can be an unsettling experience at first. I found it difficult to dissect the problem in such a detailed manner. However, my facilitators played a pivotal role in helping me navigate this obstacle. They encouraged me to embrace the process, urging me to think deeper and assuring me that, in the end, it would all come together and make sense. Their guidance and support were instrumental in helping me overcome this challenge, and indeed, as I persisted, the pieces fell into place, and the process began to make perfect sense.
Nabila Okino
After the Fellowship
After the program, how do you envision applying the knowledge and policy solutions you've developed to address the financial inclusion challenge in Nigeria?
Following the program, I envision applying the knowledge and policy solutions I've developed to address the financial inclusion challenge in Nigeria through my current role, which places me in a position to offer policy ideas for consideration and implementation. While this is a promising opportunity, I recognize that the path from proposal to implementation is a complex one, rife with challenges.
The insights and expertise gained from the FLPFI have opened my eyes to the potential hurdles I may encounter during the implementation phase, particularly in navigating intricate stakeholder relationships. However, I approach these challenges with enthusiasm and an open mind. I'm excited to embark on this journey, fully aware that it will require dedication and persistence, and I'm eager to see where these efforts will lead and the positive impact they can have on enhancing financial inclusion in Nigeria.
What advice would you offer to future applicants from Nigeria considering The Fletcher School Leadership Program for Financial Inclusion, especially in terms of standing out in the application process, making the most of this opportunity and maximising their impact on financial inclusion in the country?
For future applicants from Nigeria, I would offer the following advice:
Show Genuine Passion: It's essential to convey a deep-seated passion for financial inclusion in your application. Demonstrating your genuine commitment to improving financial inclusion can make a powerful impression. Share your personal experiences, if relevant, that ignited this passion within you.
Identify a Clear Challenge: While you may not have all the data or solutions at the outset, it's important to have a well-defined financial inclusion challenge in mind when applying. Your application should convey that this challenge is worth exploring and solving, even if you're in the early stages of understanding it.
Openness to Learning: Once accepted into the program, be as open as possible to new ideas and perspectives. Your previous experiences and knowledge are valuable, but approaching the program with a willingness to learn, challenge your assumptions, and explore innovative solutions is crucial.
Network and Collaborate: Take advantage of the diverse cohort of fellows and instructors you'll encounter during the program. Build strong relationships and collaborations with your peers, as they may offer valuable insights and support in your future endeavours.
Persistence and Adaptation: Understand that implementing policy solutions in the real world can be challenging. Be prepared for setbacks and obstacles along the way but remain persistent in your efforts to drive positive change. Adaptation and flexibility will be key to overcoming these challenges.
Resources Utilized
Can you share the academic, professional, or personal resources that played a pivotal role in your success and personal growth before and during the Fellowship?
The following resources played a pivotal role in my success and personal growth before and during the Fellowship:
World Bank Publications: Subscribing to the World Bank's publications provided me with valuable insights into global development challenges and ongoing efforts to address them. This knowledge broadened my perspective on the issues I aimed to tackle.
CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor): Reading policy papers and research reports from CGAP, a leading organization in financial inclusion research, allowed me to stay informed about the latest trends, innovations, and challenges in the field.
Innovation for Poverty Action: Exploring policy papers and research studies from Innovation for Poverty Action enhanced my understanding of evidence-based approaches to poverty alleviation and financial inclusion.
Policy Briefs by the CBN: The CBN has numerous policy papers and analyses on the state of financial inclusion in Nigeria. The National Financial Inclusion Strategy is a good starting point.
Supportive Personal Network: The unwavering belief and support of the people in my personal network were instrumental in my journey. Their encouragement and confidence in me, especially during moments of self-doubt, motivated me to apply for the program and saw me through the entire fellowship process.
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