New Law and Management Postdoctoral Fellows

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The College of Law and Management Studies has appointed Dr Sulaiman Luqman, Dr Adeyeye Olufemi, Dr Naveen Bandari and Dr Oluyomibo Pitan as postdoctoral scholars as part of its drive to produce quality research that contributes to the betterment of society and to the University’s goal of Pre-eminence in Research.

Luqman, Bandari and Olufemi are attached to the Graduate School of Business and Leadership. Luqman previously worked as a Lecturer in the Department of Banking and Finance, Faculty of Management Sciences, at Ekiti State University in Nigeria. Olufemi previously held the position Chief Lecturer and Director of the Entrepreneurship Education Centre at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic in Nigeria. Pitan, who is with the School of Economics and Finance, was an Economics Tutor at the International School, University of Ibadan in Nigeria

Luqman’s research profile boasts about 25 publications, 19 of which have been published in both local and international peer-reviewed journals. His postdoctoral research topic is: “The Effect of Corporate Restructuring on Performance: A Comparative analysis of Nigerian and South African Quoted Companies”.

‘I was motivated to apply for the fellowship position because academic research and publication are paramount to career development and since postdoctoral fellowship provides an opportunity for a period of uninterrupted research activity and interaction with colleagues from different backgrounds, I expect to publish articles and establish research collaborations with the School even after the fellowship has ended,’ he said.

Olufemi a researcher and writer who has presented many scholarly papers at conferences and seminars, 20 of which have been published in reputable peer-reviewed journals and he has also jointly co-authored many textbooks in the field of Banking and Finance.  His research topic titled: “Bank Reform and the Health Status of Nigerian Banks: A Preliminary Investigation using an Integrated Early Warning Signal” aims at evolving a veritable early warning signal, which can be used as analytical decision support tool in bank monitoring system to detect banks experiencing severe financial difficulties early enough to prevent bank failure.

‘I have always had a strong desire for an enabling academic environment that encourages quality research; enhance academic excellence and rewards productivity. UKZN is notable to be a leading light in this regard, as testimonies abound to justify that assertion.  The postdoctoral research scholarship will equally provide the enabling environment to conduct research in collaboration with other research scholars from different backgrounds, cultures and countries as well as with staff of the University to ensure better output,’ said Olufemi.

For Pitan, whose research profile includes five publications in reputable local and international journals the fellowship is an opportunity to become an international scholar, fuel her passion for research and to acquire new knowledge to give her an edge over her peers.

‘I hope to gain more experience in terms of teaching and research and learn new skills on how to relate with people of diverse race and culture. ‘In the long run, I hope this will increase my productivity and enhance my competitiveness in the labour market,’ she said.

Pitan’s research topic is: “Graduate Employability: a Comparative Analysis of Skills Mismatch in the Nigerian and South African labour market”.

College Dean of Research Professor Marita Carnelley said the College looked forward to an improvement in the production of research because the new Fellows were highly motivated individuals who would engage in fulltime postdoctoral research under the supervision of a member of the academic staff in the College.

 Thandiwe Jumo