Isiaka Raifu | Economics | Best Researcher Award

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

Henda omri | Economics | Best Scholar Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Henda omri | Economics | Best Scholar Award

👤 Assist. Prof. Dr. Henda omri, Higher Institute of Business Administration of gafsa, Tunisia

Dr. Henda Omri is an accomplished economist and Assistant Professor from Tunisia specializing in financial and behavioral economics. With a Ph.D. in Economics from Carthage University, her research focuses on entrepreneurship, well-being, corporate governance, and green finance. Over the years, she has held academic roles across Tunisian universities, teaching courses such as entrepreneurial skills, financial diagnosis, and taxation. Dr. Omri is passionate about exploring how governance quality and sustainable practices influence economic development and life satisfaction. Her work has been widely published in high-impact journals, with research contributions on topics like green finance and behavioral entrepreneurship. In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Omri actively participates in international conferences and collaborations, showcasing her innovative ideas in economics. Fluent in Arabic, French, and English, she is also adept at econometric analysis using tools like STATA and EVIEWS, making her a versatile and forward-thinking academic leader.

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🌟  Summary of Dr. Henda Omri’s Suitability for the Research for Best Scholar Award

Dr. Henda Omri’s strong academic foundation and versatile research portfolio make her a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Scholar Award. Her expertise spans critical areas such as behavioral finance, green finance, entrepreneurship, corporate governance, and econometrics, showcasing her deep understanding of interdisciplinary topics. She has earned her Ph.D. in Economics from Carthage University, with a dissertation that integrates entrepreneurship, governance quality, and multidimensional well-being—a subject highly relevant to global economic development and social sustainability.

Dr. Omri’s research output is impressive, with numerous peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, such as Technological Forecasting and Social Change, International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, and Research in International Business and Finance. These works address vital issues like environmental sustainability, life satisfaction, green finance, and entrepreneurial motivation in developing countries.

🎓 Education 

Dr. Henda Omri has a robust educational background in economics and finance. She earned her Ph.D. in Economics (2020–2023) from the Faculty of Economics and Management of Nabeul, Carthage University, with a dissertation on “Behavioral entrepreneurship and multidimensional well-being: The roles of governance quality.” She also holds a Master’s degree in Quantitative Finance (2016–2018) from the Faculty of Economics and Management of Mahdia, Monastir University, where her research explored the influence of oil price fluctuations and country risks on bank performance using a Panel ARDL approach. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance (2013–2016) from the same institution. Guided by her commitment to impactful research, Dr. Omri has collaborated with esteemed scholars and jury members from leading Tunisian and international universities. Her academic achievements underline her dedication to advancing knowledge in financial economics, behavioral entrepreneurship, and governance.

💼 Professional Experience 

Dr. Henda Omri brings a wealth of professional teaching experience from leading Tunisian universities. In 2024–2025, she served as a Contractual Assistant at the Higher Institute of Business Administration, Gafsa University, teaching economics-focused case studies. Previously, she held a position as Assistant Professor at the Higher Institute of Languages, Monastir University (2023–2024), where she taught entrepreneurial skills and taxation. From 2021–2023, she taught various finance-related courses at Gafsa University, including financial diagnosis, corporate financial policy, and financial theory. Her academic contributions emphasize practical applications, equipping students with critical skills for navigating financial markets and corporate decision-making. Throughout her career, Dr. Omri has consistently demonstrated her dedication to fostering innovation and interdisciplinary learning, making her an influential educator and mentor in the field of economics.

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

Dr. Henda Omri has received recognition for her scholarly contributions in financial and behavioral economics. She has actively participated in prestigious academic conferences such as the 19th International Conference on Modeling Finance and Development (MOFID) in 2024, where she presented her research on entrepreneurship and governance quality in developing countries. Dr. Omri has also delivered presentations at the Sfax International Forum on Islamic Finance (2022) and the BETA International Conference on Business and Economics Theory and Applications (2024). Her academic excellence is further demonstrated by invitations to international forums and her publications in top-tier journals like Technological Forecasting and Social Change and Research in International Business and Finance. These accolades highlight her commitment to addressing global challenges through innovative research and impactful academic collaborations.

🌍 Research Skills On Economics 

Dr. Henda Omri possesses a broad range of research skills, focusing on financial economics, green finance, and behavioral entrepreneurship. Her expertise includes advanced econometric modeling using tools such as STATA, SPSS, and EVIEWS, enabling her to analyze complex datasets and derive actionable insights. She has published extensively on topics such as corporate governance, renewable energy, and multidimensional well-being, showcasing her ability to link empirical methods with real-world issues. Dr. Omri’s interdisciplinary approach is evident in her exploration of entrepreneurship’s impact on quality of life and sustainable development, often incorporating moderated mediation and ARDL techniques in her studies. Her ability to integrate theoretical frameworks with empirical analysis demonstrates her strong academic acumen and innovative mindset, making her a valuable contributor to the field of economics.

📖 Publication Top Notes

Macro-level determinants of entrepreneurial behavior and motivation
    • Authors: H. Omri, A. Omri, A. Abbassi
    • Citation: International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 2024, 20(4), pp. 2629–2667
    • Year: 2024
Environmental degradation and life satisfaction: Do governance and renewable energy matter?
    • Authors: A. Omri, H. Omri, S. Slimani, F. Belaid
    • Citation: Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 2022, 175, 121375
    • Year: 2022

Halima Begum | Economics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Halima Begum | Economics | Best Researcher Award

👤  Dr. Halima Begum, University Utara Malaysia, Malaysia

Dr. Halima Begum is a distinguished economist and sustainability expert with extensive global experience. Currently serving as an International Research Fellow at the National Bureau of Economic Research and a Visiting Researcher at the Centre for European Economy, she integrates innovative methodologies with strategic insights to achieve sustainable financial and environmental outcomes. Her contributions span academic teaching, project management, and international research collaborations, with her focus on financial sustainability, economic development, and climate resilience. A prolific author, Dr. Begum has published extensively in Scopus and ISI-indexed journals, with over 1,470 citations and an impressive h-index of 17. Her scholarly pursuits are complemented by leadership roles in various sustainability-focused organizations worldwide, where she fosters interdisciplinary partnerships and capacity-building initiatives. Driven by a commitment to impactful research and education, Dr. Begum continues to lead groundbreaking projects that bridge academia and practice.

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🌟 Evaluation of Dr. Halima Begum’s Suitability for the “Research for Best Researcher Award”

Summary of Suitability

Dr. Halima Begum demonstrates exceptional qualifications for the “Research for Best Researcher Award” through her extensive academic achievements, prolific research contributions, and diverse international affiliations. Her academic journey, including a PhD in Environmental Management (Financial Sustainability) from the National University of Malaysia, is marked by excellence, supported by numerous merit-based scholarships and accolades. Her research output is substantial, with 130 publications spanning journal articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings, many of which are indexed in prestigious databases such as ISI and Scopus. She has a notable H-index of 17 and over 1,470 citations, underscoring the impact and relevance of her research.

Dr. Begum’s contributions to sustainability and financial sustainability, particularly in the palm oil milling sector, align well with global priorities in environmental management. She has played pivotal roles in international research collaborations, including her affiliations with esteemed organizations such as the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER).

🎓 Education 

Dr. Halima Begum holds a PhD in Environmental Management (Financial Sustainability) from the National University of Malaysia, where she earned top distinctions, including an “A” grade in all courses. Her doctoral research, focused on sustainability practices in Malaysia’s palm oil milling sector, exemplifies her dedication to addressing complex global challenges. She completed her MBA in Finance and Banking at the International Islamic University Chittagong, securing a first-class standing and a merit-based scholarship. Prior to that, she earned a BBA in Finance and Banking from the same university, achieving another first-class ranking. Additionally, Dr. Begum has enriched her expertise through specialized training at institutions such as the United Nations University in Japan and Johns Hopkins University, covering climate resilience, sustainability, and advanced social survey methodologies. These qualifications reflect her lifelong commitment to fostering economic and environmental sustainability through innovative research and education.

💼   Professional Experience 

Dr. Halima Begum has a dynamic professional portfolio spanning academia, research, and consultancy. She serves as an International Research Fellow at NBER and a Visiting Researcher at the Centre for European Economy, where she applies her expertise in financial sustainability to global economic challenges. As an Associate Fellow at the Center for Sustainability Research, she mentors students and contributes to high-impact projects. Previously, Dr. Begum held roles as a Lecturer at Southern University Bangladesh, where she taught business administration, and as a Cambridge-certified teacher in Malaysia. She also worked with Imperial Development Technology as a Research Associate, conducting impactful studies under esteemed leadership. Her vast experience includes producing indexed research papers, designing surveys, and facilitating workshops. Through her contributions to international organizations, including the European School of Sustainability Science and Research, she has influenced policies and practices, solidifying her reputation as a thought leader in sustainable development.

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

Dr. Halima Begum’s exemplary contributions have earned her accolades from global institutions. She is recognized as a World-Listed Sustainability Researcher by prominent organizations, including the European-North American Sustainability Research Consortium. Her role as a management team member at WASP-SSR reflects her influence in advancing sustainability science. A recipient of the prestigious Zamalah Scholarship from the National University of Malaysia, she has been acknowledged for her outstanding academic achievements during her doctoral studies. Dr. Begum also received merit-based scholarships throughout her MBA and BBA programs. Additionally, she has been invited to collaborate with esteemed organizations such as the European School of Sustainability Science and Research and the Islamic Sustainable Finance & Investment Forum. These recognitions underscore her unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and impactful research, further cementing her legacy in the global academic and sustainability landscape.

🌍 Research Skills On Economics

Dr. Halima Begum excels in a diverse range of research skills, including sustainability assessment, economic modeling, and advanced data analysis. Her expertise in survey design, statistical methods, and qualitative analysis enables her to address complex research questions effectively. She leverages innovative tools to integrate sustainability principles into financial and environmental management frameworks. Dr. Begum’s work often bridges theoretical research and practical applications, focusing on trends, patterns, and strategic insights for policymaking. As a mentor and project leader, she has guided numerous graduate students and research initiatives, fostering collaboration across academic and professional domains. Her ability to synthesize data into actionable recommendations has contributed to influential publications and presentations at international forums. Driven by a passion for interdisciplinary research, she continuously adapts her methodologies to address emerging challenges, reinforcing her position as a pioneer in economic and environmental sustainability studies.

📖 Publication Top Notes

Adaptation barriers and strategies towards climate change: Challenges in the agricultural sector
    • Authors: MM Masud, MN Azam, M Mohiuddin, H Banna, R Akhtar, ASAF Alam, …
    • Citation Count: 267
    • Year: 2017
Malaysian oil palm industry: Prospect and problem
    • Authors: AF Alam, AC Er, H Begum
    • Citation Count: 186
    • Year: 2015
Fresh insight through a Keynesian theory approach to investigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan
    • Authors: K Abbass, H Begum, ASAF Alam, AH Awang, MK Abdelsalam, …
    • Citation Count: 102
    • Year: 2022
Agriculture insurance for disaster risk reduction: A case study of Malaysia
    • Authors: ASAF Alam, H Begum, MM Masud, AQ Al-Amin, W Leal Filho
    • Citation Count: 100
    • Year: 2020
Development of Islamic microfinance: a sustainable poverty reduction approach
    • Authors: H Begum, ASAF Alam, MA Mia, F Bhuiyan, ABA Ghani
    • Citation Count: 94
    • Year: 2019
Fresh insight through the VAR approach to investigate the effects of fiscal policy on environmental pollution in Pakistan
    • Authors: K Abbass, H Song, F Khan, H Begum, M Asif
    • Citation Count: 91
    • Year: 2022
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the environment and socioeconomic viability: a sustainable production chain alternative
    • Authors: H Begum, K Abbas, ASAF Alam, H Song, MT Chowdhury, ABA Ghani
    • Citation Count: 79
    • Year: 2022
Oil palm smallholders and its sustainability practices in Malaysia
    • Authors: CM Abazue, AC Er, ASA Ferdous Alam, H Begum
    • Citation Count: 57
    • Year: 2015
Tourist’s perceptions towards the role of stakeholders in sustainable tourism
    • Authors: H Begum, AC Er, ASAF Alam, N Sahazali
    • Citation Count: 56
    • Year: 2014
Sustainability practices at higher education institutions in Asia
    • Authors: W Leal Filho, MAP Dinis, S Sivapalan, H Begum, TF Ng, AQ Al-Amin, …
    • Citation Count: 36
    • Year: 2022