Gift Ogwa

Alumni Relations Analyst

Our Gap Closer of the month, Gift Ogwa, Alumni Relations Analyst speaks about her work at the Foundation and what she finds most rewarding about it. “One very rewarding part of my work is seeing transformation. Seeing the shift in perspective, the difference of approach, work ethic and even seeing these alumni become reform champions is beautiful to see,” she affirms.

Please share your educational and professional background. 

I am a Medical Doctor currently completing my Master in Public Health programme. My professional experience spans clinical practice, health education, research, project management, programme support, and stakeholder engagement. I am also trained in project management, stakeholder engagement, and public health foresight, with additional certifications that strengthen my ability to design and support impactful initiatives. Across these roles, my work has centred on strengthening systems, improving people’s experiences, and helping organisations deliver impact more effectively.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the development sector? 

I’ve always been drawn to work that makes a tangible difference in people’s lives. Early exposure to community health challenges in Nigeria showed me how much potential lies in well-designed programmes and committed leadership. In many ways, the development sector found me. I wanted to contribute to work that begins with one-on-one impact and extends to whole communities and institutions. The sector offers that intersection of purpose, people, and long-term, scalable impact.

What do you do at the Foundation? 

At the Foundation, I work on the Alumni Relations Team. Our alumni include participants of our structured capacity-building initiatives, such as the AIG Public Leaders Programme and the AIG Scholarship for the Master of Public Policy. My role ensures that our alumni, one of the Foundation’s greatest investments, have the support they need to keep championing reforms across Africa.

This includes showcasing the incredible work they are doing, creating avenues for continuous learning through the Mentorship Programme and Upskilling Programmes and also collaborating with them to execute and cascade their reform initiatives. In essence, I help strengthen the alumni network, ensuring our programmes and platforms truly meet their needs and contribute to building a network of leaders driving public-sector excellence.

What does your typical day look like? 

My day usually involves a blend of planning, coordination, and communication. I start by reviewing my weekly priorities and curating my daily tasks. From there, I may review ongoing projects, respond to alumni needs, and prepare materials for programmes. I also work closely with colleagues across teams to ensure alignment and seamless delivery of alumni-focused initiatives. Some days are operational, others more strategic. However, at the heart of it all is a commitment to ensuring our alumni feel supported, informed, and connected.

What makes the work that we do at the Foundation unique? 

We are deeply committed to closing the gap between Africa and the rest of the world. Our strategy recognises that sustainable reform requires not just improved systems and technology, but investment in people; particularly public-sector leaders. Beyond providing training and resources, we cultivate a community of practice, accountability, and shared learning. Our approach is research-backed, intentional, relational, and shaped by both local realities and global best practice. Ultimately, we invest in people who are building a public sector that truly serves its citizens.

What do you find most rewarding about your work? 

In addition to the opportunity to be part of something much bigger than myself and collaborating with amazing colleagues, one very rewarding part of my work is seeing transformation. Seeing the shift in perspective, the difference of approach, work ethic and even seeing these alumni become reform champions is beautiful to see. Knowing that my work contributes, even in a small way, to strengthening our Public Sector keeps me motivated every day.