Zidyeb Madaki
Evidence and Impact Analyst
Meet our gap-closer of the month, Zidyeb Madaki, Evidence and Impact Analyst at the Foundation. Zidyeb tells us about his work and how it has shaped his perception of public sector reforms.
“My work at the Foundation has deepened my appreciation for the complexity of public sector reform and the importance of long-term commitment to change. This experience has strengthened my belief that meaningful transformation is possible when the right systems, people, and partnerships are in place,” he says.
Please share your educational and professional background.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the American University of Nigeria, Yola. I have also completed professional training in Data Analytics and Business Intelligence, earning certifications in data analysis, monitoring and evaluation, and business intelligence tools. Professionally, I have gained experience across research, monitoring and evaluation, banking operations, and project management. My work involves supporting public sector reform initiatives, conducting research, developing systems and processes, managing performance data, and designing monitoring frameworks that enable organisations to effectively measure, track, and enhance their impact.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the development sector?
I have always been passionate about creating change and contributing to initiatives that improve people's lives. The development sector provides a unique opportunity to combine analytical thinking with social impact. Being able to generate evidence, measure results, and support programmes that strengthen institutions and improve service delivery motivates me. Knowing that my work contributes to better governance and stronger public sector systems makes the work both fulfilling and purposeful.
Walk us through the work you do, who it impacts and what you find most rewarding about it.
As a Monitoring and Evaluation professional, I support the design and implementation of systems that track programme performance, measure outcomes, and generate insights for decision-making. My work involves developing monitoring frameworks, collecting and analysing data, supporting evaluations, and ensuring that evidence is used to improve programme effectiveness.
The work impacts a wide range of stakeholders, including public servants, government institutions, programme beneficiaries, and development partners.
What I find most rewarding about it is seeing how data and evidence can drive better decisions and contribute to tangible improvements in public sector performance.
What does your typical workday look like?
A typical day involves reviewing programme data, supporting monitoring activities, analysing findings, and working with project teams to ensure that performance indicators are being tracked effectively. I also spend time developing reports, participating in stakeholder meetings, and supporting the design of surveys and evaluation tools. No two days are the same, but each day presents an opportunity to learn and contribute to the Foundation's mission.
How important are Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) frameworks in development projects, and how do they influence decision-making and project outcomes?
Monitoring and Evaluation frameworks are critical to the success of development projects because they provide a structured way to measure progress, assess results, and identify areas for improvement. In public sector reform initiatives, M&E frameworks help ensure accountability, transparency, and evidence-based decision-making. They enable organisations to understand what is working, what is not, and why. By generating reliable data and insights, M&E frameworks help stakeholders make informed decisions, allocate resources effectively, and improve programme outcomes over time.
What makes the work that we do at the Foundation unique?
What makes our work unique is the commitment to driving sustainable and systemic change. Rather than focusing solely on short-term interventions, the Foundation does the deep work of strengthening institutions, building leadership capacity, and supporting reforms that create lasting impact. This ensures that our programmes address root causes and contribute to meaningful improvements across the public sector.
What is one project or moment at the Foundation that you are especially proud of, and why?
One project I am especially proud of is the development of the Alumni Management System, which was designed to track the reforms, projects, and contributions of programme alumni. The system provides a structured way to monitor alumni engagement and capture the impact of their work across various institutions. Seeing the system move from concept to implementation and successfully serve its intended purpose was a particularly rewarding experience.
What made this moment even more meaningful was the personal insight it gave me into my own strengths and interests. Working on the system helped me realise how much I enjoy building processes and systems that solve problems and improve decision-making. Watching it function effectively and generate valuable information remains special because it demonstrated the tangible impact that well-designed systems can have on programme monitoring and learning.
How has your work at the Foundation shaped your perspective on public sector reform in Nigeria?
My work at the Foundation has deepened my appreciation for the complexity of public sector reform and the importance of long-term commitment to change. It has shown me that sustainable reform requires strong leadership, institutional capacity, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making. I have also gained a better understanding of the significant impact that well-designed reforms can have on governance, service delivery, and citizens' quality of life. This experience has strengthened my belief that meaningful transformation is possible when the right systems, people, and partnerships are in place.