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.
Professional Profile
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
- 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
- Title: Financial development and agricultural performance in Nigeria: what role do institutions play?
- Authors: IA Raifu, A Aminu
- Citation: 51
- Year: 2020
- 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
- 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
- Title: Do government revenues matter for economic growth? Evidence from Nigeria
- Authors: IA Raifu, AN Raheem
- Citation: 28
- Year: 2018
- 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
- Title: The effect of financial development on unemployment in Nigeria: do measures of financial development matter?
- Authors: IA Raifu
- Citation: 23
- Year: 2019
- Title: The effect of financial development on unemployment in emerging market countries
- Authors: IA Raifu, JA Afolabi
- Citation: 22
- Year: 2023
- Title: The institutional role in oil revenue‐economic growth nexus in Nigeria
- Authors: IA Raifu
- Citation: 22
- Year: 2021
- 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