The newly appointed Director of Studies of the National Institute, Prof Oluwafunmilayo Josephine Para-Mallam, mni, assumed duty on Monday 15 February 2021, according to a report on NIPSS website.
Professor Para-Mallam is a Professor of Gender and Development with vast research experience and has served as a policy and leadership trainer, development consultant, and principal investigator on a number of collaborative projects with national and international agencies.
She obtained a BA (Hons) in French/Portuguese in 1984 from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife. In 1995, she graduated from the University of Jos with an MA in International Law and Diplomacy. In 2001, she became a Ford International Doctoral Fellow at the University of Leeds, UK, and obtained a Ph.D. in Development Studies in 2006.
She has been a guest lecturer and external examiner at the Institute of Security Studies, Abuja, and also involved in national and international assignments related to policy/curriculum development.
Professor O. J. Para-Mallam, mni
Prof Para-Malam’s research interests include gender and development, culture/religion and development, peace and security, democracy, and governance. She was Ford Foundation Visiting Scholar at Columbia University, New York in 2016 and a Senior Executive Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, USA, in 2020.
In addition to her professional academic work, Prof Para-Mallam has been involved in social action endeavors and is Deputy Chair, Gender Rights and Privileges Committee of the Nigerian League of Women Voters. She is Chairperson of the African Women’s Leadership Network Steering Committee.
She has won literary and academic awards and fellowships and has numerous academic works including peer-reviewed published books, journal articles, book chapters, creative works, and conference papers.
Prof Para-Mallam is happily married to Rev (Dr) Gideon Para-Mallam and blessed with children. Her hobbies include leisure reading, motivational speaking, dancing, and interior decoration.
Until her appointment, Professor Para-Mallam was a Senior Fellow at the Directorate of Research of the National Institute.
Culled from The Institute Website
