Isiaka Raifu | Economics | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Isiaka Raifu | Economics | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Isiaka Raifu, Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), Nigeria

Dr. Isiaka Akande Raifu is a distinguished economist and researcher with expertise in financial economics, development economics, and econometric modeling. Holding a B.Sc. in Economics with First Class Honors from the University of Ibadan, he was the best graduating student of the 2011/2012 session. He later earned his Master’s degree from the same university and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. His research focuses on economic resilience, financial sector development, and public policy impact. Dr. Raifu has worked with reputable institutions, including the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), where he contributes to policy-oriented research. He has published extensively in high-impact journals and received numerous academic awards. His work continues to influence policy decisions and economic strategies in Africa and beyond. He remains dedicated to bridging economic theory with real-world applications, aiming to foster sustainable development and economic growth.

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Suitability for the “Research for Best Researcher Award” – Isiaka Akande Raifu

Dr. Isiaka Akande Raifu demonstrates an outstanding academic and research profile, making him a strong candidate for the “Research for Best Researcher Award.” With a First-Class Honours degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan and multiple prestigious awards recognizing his academic excellence, he has consistently exhibited exceptional intellectual capabilities. His research experience is further enriched by his role as a Research Associate at the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), where he actively contributes to economic policy research and analysis.

Dr. Raifu’s extensive publication record is a key strength. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals, covering diverse topics such as financial development, renewable energy, institutional quality, economic resilience, military expenditure, and tourism economics. His interdisciplinary approach to economic research, incorporating policy implications, makes his work highly relevant to global economic challenges. The acceptance of his work in reputable journals like Renewable Energy, Sustainable Development, and Tourism: An International Interdisciplinary Journal underscores the academic rigor and impact of his contributions.

🎓 Education 

Dr. Isiaka Akande Raifu’s academic journey is marked by excellence and distinction. He earned a B.Sc. in Economics from the University of Ibadan, graduating with First Class Honors and receiving multiple awards, including the Ojetunji Aboyade Memorial Prize and the U.A.C Prize in Economics. He pursued his Master’s degree at the same institution, receiving a scholarship due to his outstanding academic performance. His postgraduate research focused on the financial status of firms and their investment behavior, providing critical insights into Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. Currently, he is advancing his studies towards a Ph.D. in Economics, further deepening his expertise in macroeconomic policies, financial development, and economic modeling. His educational background has laid a strong foundation for his research contributions, enabling him to analyze complex economic issues and propose innovative policy solutions that drive sustainable development.

💼 Professional Experience

Dr. Isiaka Akande Raifu has built a robust career in economic research and policy analysis. He is currently a Research Associate at the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), where he conducts policy-relevant economic research. Previously, he served as the Head of Research and Compliance at Aegis Financial Services, analyzing financial trends and regulatory frameworks. His experience also includes roles as a Data Analyst at Analysts’ Data Services and Resources Limited, where he worked on economic modeling and data-driven research. Early in his career, he gained industry experience as a Sales Representative at Beasco International Nigeria Limited. Dr. Raifu’s professional journey reflects his deep commitment to economic analysis, research excellence, and policy advocacy. His ability to bridge theoretical economic concepts with practical applications has positioned him as a valuable asset in both academic and professional economic spheres.

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

Dr. Isiaka Akande Raifu’s academic excellence and research contributions have earned him numerous prestigious awards. As the best graduating student in his undergraduate program, he received multiple accolades, including the Ojetunji Aboyade Memorial Prize, the Coopers and Lybrand Prize, and the Clement Isong Prize in Economics. His outstanding performance also secured him the U.A.C Prize and the Professor F. S. Idachaba Trust Fund Award for Academic Excellence. In recognition of his postgraduate achievements, he was awarded a scholarship by the University of Ibadan for his Master’s program. His research has been widely recognized in academic circles, and he continues to receive accolades for his contributions to economic policy and financial development. These awards highlight his intellectual prowess and dedication to advancing economic research, reinforcing his reputation as a leading economist committed to impactful scholarship and policy innovation.

🌍 Research Skills On Economics

Dr. Isiaka Akande Raifu possesses exceptional research skills, particularly in econometric modeling, financial economics, and policy analysis. His expertise extends to quantitative research methodologies, time-series econometrics, and macroeconomic policy evaluation. He has a strong command of statistical software such as Stata, EViews, and R, enabling him to conduct rigorous data analysis and empirical studies. His research has explored diverse economic issues, including the nexus between financial development and economic growth, the impact of renewable energy on economic performance, and institutional quality’s role in economic resilience. Through his publications in high-impact journals, he has contributed significantly to global economic discourse. His ability to integrate theoretical models with real-world economic challenges makes his research highly relevant for policymakers and financial analysts. Dr. Raifu’s research continues to shape economic policy discussions, particularly in the areas of sustainable development and financial sector reforms.

📖 Publication Top Notes

  1. Title: Investigating the relationship between changes in oil prices and unemployment rate in Nigeria: linear and nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag approaches
    • Authors: IA Raifu, A Aminu, AO Folawewo
    • Citation: 52
    • Year: 2020
  2. Title: Financial development and agricultural performance in Nigeria: what role do institutions play?
    • Authors: IA Raifu, A Aminu
    • Citation: 51
    • Year: 2020
  3. Title: Reaction of stock market returns to COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown policy: evidence from Nigerian firms stock returns
    • Authors: IA Raifu, TT Kumeka, A Aminu
    • Citation: 49
    • Year: 2021
  4. Title: On the determinants of unemployment in Nigeria: what are the roles of trade openness and current account balance?
    • Authors: IA Raifu
    • Citation: 42
    • Year: 2017
  5. Title: Do government revenues matter for economic growth? Evidence from Nigeria
    • Authors: IA Raifu, AN Raheem
    • Citation: 28
    • Year: 2018
  6. Title: The effect of military spending on economic growth in MENA: evidence from method of moments quantile regression
    • Authors: IA Raifu, A Aminu
    • Citation: 25
    • Year: 2023
  7. Title: The effect of financial development on unemployment in Nigeria: do measures of financial development matter?
    • Authors: IA Raifu
    • Citation: 23
    • Year: 2019
  8. Title: The effect of financial development on unemployment in emerging market countries
    • Authors: IA Raifu, JA Afolabi
    • Citation: 22
    • Year: 2023
  9. Title: The institutional role in oil revenue‐economic growth nexus in Nigeria
    • Authors: IA Raifu
    • Citation: 22
    • Year: 2021
  10. Title: Financial Development and Manufacturing Output Growth Nexus in Nigeria: The Role of Institutional Quality
  • Authors: A Aminu, IA Raifu, BD Oloyede
  • Citation: 22
  • Year: 2019

Ekta Selarka | Economics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ekta Selarka | Economics | Best Researcher Award

👤 Dr. Ekta Selarka, Madras School of Economics, India

Dr. Ekta Selarka is an accomplished academic and researcher in the field of economics, with a focus on corporate governance, financial economics, and gender diversity. Currently an Associate Professor at Madras School of Economics, Chennai, Dr. Selarka has built a robust career, having previously held academic and research roles at esteemed institutions such as the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research and Amrita School of Business. She holds a Ph.D. from IGIDR, Mumbai, with her dissertation centered on corporate governance in India. Over the years, Dr. Selarka has earned recognition for her contributions to economic research, publishing extensively in renowned journals and books. Her expertise includes applied corporate finance, firm performance, and banking misallocation. She is also deeply involved in various academic services, serving on editorial boards and doctoral committees. Dr. Selarka is passionate about mentoring students and advancing research in the field of economics.

Professional Profile 

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🌟 Summary of Suitability for the “Research for Best Researcher Award”

Dr. Ekta Selarka demonstrates strong qualifications for the Research for Best Researcher Award through her extensive academic background, diverse research portfolio, and significant contributions to her field. With a Ph.D. from the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR) in Mumbai, her dissertation on corporate governance in India laid the foundation for her research focus on critical topics such as corporate governance, gender diversity in corporate boards, corporate social responsibility, and the banking sector.

Her professional trajectory showcases both depth and breadth. As an Associate Professor at the Madras School of Economics, she has successfully combined teaching, research, and academic service. Her roles as an academic council member, seminar coordinator, and doctoral committee advisor demonstrate her commitment to advancing institutional and academic excellence.

🎓  Education 

Dr. Ekta Selarka holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the prestigious Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR), Mumbai, completed in 2008. Her doctoral dissertation, “Essays on Corporate Governance in India,” was supervised by Professor Subrata Sarkar. Dr. Selarka also earned her Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Electrical Engineering from Bhilai Institute of Technology in 2000. Throughout her educational journey, she has developed expertise in the intersections of corporate governance, finance, and economics. Her academic foundation has been further strengthened through various fellowships and research grants, including the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) and Endeavour Executive Fellowship. Her academic endeavors are deeply rooted in empirical research and data analysis, which she combines with her teaching and outreach activities. Dr. Selarka’s education not only defines her research expertise but also underpins her ability to contribute meaningfully to discussions on corporate governance, sustainability, and gender diversity in economics.

💼 Professional Experience

Dr. Ekta Selarka is currently serving as an Associate Professor at Madras School of Economics (MSE), Chennai, a position she has held since December 2017. Prior to her current role, she was an Assistant Professor at MSE from April 2011 to November 2017. She has also contributed as a Visiting Faculty at the Amrita School of Business, Coimbatore, and worked as a Research Economist at IGIDR, Mumbai, where she developed her expertise in corporate governance and applied finance. In addition to her academic roles, Dr. Selarka has gained industry experience as a Business Analyst at GE Capital International Services Ltd. Her diverse experience includes teaching courses such as Behavioral Finance, Financial Economics, and Corporate Finance, as well as conducting workshops and online lectures on research methods, corporate governance, and gender diversity. Dr. Selarka is also involved in various academic services, further advancing her professional portfolio.

🏅Awards and Recognition 

Dr. Ekta Selarka has received numerous prestigious awards and fellowships in recognition of her contributions to the field of economics. She was awarded the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) grant for the period 2018–2020, following a similar grant for 2013–2015. In 2018, Dr. Selarka was honored with the Endeavour Executive Fellowship in Australia. She has also received the UK-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI) fellowship (2013–2015) and a Doctoral Student Fellowship from the Reserve Bank of India (2000–2004). Her academic accomplishments are further reflected in her 3rd rank achievement at Pandit Ravishankar University in 2000. Dr. Selarka’s work on corporate governance, financial economics, and sustainability has earned her recognition within both academic and policy-making circles. She continues to be a sought-after speaker at international conferences, sharing her insights into economic theory and practice, especially in emerging markets.

🌍 Research Skills On Economics

Dr. Ekta Selarka’s research skills encompass a wide range of quantitative and qualitative methodologies that have been honed through years of academic and industry experience. She specializes in empirical research, with a particular focus on corporate governance, applied corporate finance, and firm performance. Her skills in econometric analysis, statistical modeling, and financial data interpretation enable her to address complex economic issues, particularly in emerging markets. Dr. Selarka is proficient in various programming languages and statistical tools, including Excel, SAS, and Matlab, which are integral to her research. She has extensive experience in panel data analysis, event study methodologies, and structural equation modeling, all of which contribute to her work on topics such as gender diversity, CSR, and banking misallocation. Her interdisciplinary approach, combining finance, economics, and governance, positions her as a leading researcher in the field of corporate governance and financial economics.

📖 Publication Top Notes

How Effective are Stock Market Reforms in Emerging Market Economies? Evidence from a Panel VAR Model of the Indian Stock Market
    • Authors: S.K. Bhaumik, M. Chakrabarty, A.M. Kutan, E. Selarka
    • Citation Count: 1
    • Year: 2021
    • Journal: Journal of Quantitative Economics (Vol. 19, Issue 4, pp. 795–818)
Women on board and performance of family firms: Evidence from India
    • Authors: J. Sarkar, E. Selarka
    • Citation Count: 40
    • Year: 2021
    • Journal: Emerging Markets Review (Vol. 46, Article 100770)
Corporate borrowing exuberance and credit cycles- some insights from an emerging economy, India
    • Authors: S. Bhaduri, E. Selarka
    • Citation Count: 0
    • Year: 2021
    • Journal: Macroeconomics and Finance in Emerging Market Economies (Vol. 14, Issue 2, pp. 180–199)
Corporate Social Responsibility Around the World—An Overview of Theoretical Framework, and Evolution
    • Authors: S.N. Bhaduri, E. Selarka
    • Citation Count: 9
    • Year: 2016
    • Book: CSR, Sustainability, Ethics and Governance (pp. 11–32)
Corporate Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility—Introduction
    • Authors: S.N. Bhaduri, E. Selarka
    • Citation Count: 11
    • Year: 2016
    • Book: CSR, Sustainability, Ethics and Governance (pp. 1–10)
Corporate Social Responsibility in India: Evolution and Progress of CSR and Regulations
    • Authors: S.N. Bhaduri, E. Selarka
    • Citation Count: 0
    • Year: 2016
    • Book: CSR, Sustainability, Ethics and Governance (pp. 43–60)
Corporate Social Responsibility—Guidelines and Best Practices
    • Authors: S.N. Bhaduri, E. Selarka
    • Citation Count: 1
    • Year: 2016
    • Book: CSR, Sustainability, Ethics and Governance (pp. 33–42)
Impact of Corporate Governance on Corporate Social Responsibility in India—Empirical Analysis
    • Authors: S.N. Bhaduri, E. Selarka
    • Citation Count: 5
    • Year: 2016
    • Book: CSR, Sustainability, Ethics and Governance (pp. 87–113)
Impact of Corporate Governance on Corporate Social Responsibility: An Empirical Exploration Using Structural Equation Technique
    • Authors: S.N. Bhaduri, E. Selarka
    • Citation Count: 1
    • Year: 2016
    • Book: CSR, Sustainability, Ethics and Governance (pp. 115–125)
CSR Activities in Large Indian Firms—Descriptive Statistics
    • Authors: S.N. Bhaduri, E. Selarka
    • Citation Count: 2
    • Year: 2016
    • Book: CSR, Sustainability, Ethics and Governance (pp. 73–86)