Chisom Ogundairo
Programmes Analyst
Meet our gap closer of the month, Chisom Ogundairo, Programmes Analyst at the Foundation. Chisom shares about her work and what makes it truly fulfilling.
“There is something deeply fulfilling about knowing that the programmes we facilitate are not just building knowledge but enabling real people to drive meaningful changes within the public sector,” she says.
Please share your educational and professional background.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English from Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, which gave me a strong foundation in written and verbal communication. I began my career in the healthcare sector, working in fast-paced, service-oriented environments that sharpened my interpersonal and organisational skills. Driven by a desire to find greater purpose and contribute more meaningfully, I transitioned into the development sector and joined the Foundation as a Programmes Intern, supporting programme delivery and stakeholder engagement. Over time, I have grown into my current role, where I continue to contribute to the effective implementation of impactful initiatives.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the development sector?
I was seeking more purpose and intention in my work and wanted my efforts to contribute to something impactful. That realisation pushed me to explore opportunities where I could be part of work that drives real change and goes beyond immediate tasks. That desire led me to explore the development sector, where I found exactly that. It has allowed me to contribute to public sector reform efforts and support initiatives aimed at creating sustainable impact. Knowing that my contributions are part of a broader effort to improve systems and impact lives is both fulfilling and motivating.
What do you do at the Foundation?
I work as a Programmes Analyst on the Alumni Network and Advancement Team, where I support sustained collaboration among alumni of the Foundation's capacity-building initiatives, including the AIG Public Leaders Programme and the AIG Master of Public Policy. My role centres on ensuring that alumni have the support, connections, and visibility they need to drive meaningful change within the public sector. This includes showcasing the impact of their reform projects, promoting outcomes and creating opportunities for continuous learning, particularly through initiatives like the Mentorship Programme. I also support efforts to keep the alumni community active and connected through convenings and regular engagement activities.
What does a typical day look like?
There is rarely a typical day at the Foundation, and that is something I genuinely appreciate. That said, my day usually begins with a team check-in to review progress on key initiatives and align priorities. From there, I engage with alumni; responding to messages, supporting activity on the alumni platform, and facilitating engagements that keep the network vibrant. My day also involves meetings and conversations with colleagues and stakeholders aimed at improving our processes and strengthening collaboration. At the heart of it all is communication, coordination and a consistent focus on driving meaningful engagement across the alumni network. .
What makes the work that we do at I the Foundation unique?
Our shared commitment to long-term, sustainable impact. We do not simply deliver programmes and move on; we invest in people. We equip public sector leaders with the skills, networks and ongoing support they need to drive meaningful reform, and we remain engaged with them long after the formal programme ends. Through our alumni network, we continue to learn from, support, and amplify the work of our alumni, ensuring that the impact of what we do extends well beyond training and translates into real, visible improvements in public service delivery.
What is one project or moment at the Foundation that you are especially proud of, and why?
I am especially proud of is the Mentorship Programme, where we connect our alumni with experienced mentors for a structured period of guidance and learning. What makes it particularly meaningful for me are the check-in conversations we have at the end of the programme. During these sessions, both mentees and mentors share their experiences, and it is always very encouraging to hear how positive and impactful the mentorship journey has been. Knowing that the programme supports their growth and strengthens their ability to lead and deliver reform in the public sector is deeply fulfilling.
How has your work at the Foundation shaped your perspective on public sector reform in Nigeria?
Before the Foundation, I did not fully understand the public sector. But now, I can say there are people who genuinely care about what they do and want to make impact. Hearing the reform projects and ideas from participants made me realise that public servants are not the lazy or unserious people we were made to believe they are. They are real people with ideas, dreams, and the willingness to do better.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
For me, it is being able to communicate what we do in a clear and meaningful way. Whether it is through design, print, or storytelling, knowing that what I am putting out helps people understand the impact we are making especially in how we’re working to close the gap between Africa and the rest of the world.