Abass Bolaji Isiaka

My PhD research examined how inclusion and equity issues are represented in policies and enacted within the higher education institutions in Nigeria using institutional ethnography as a method of inquiry. While I focus on the social organisation of disability inclusion in particular, I take a critical perspective on how disability intersects with other markers of difference that students bring to the classroom. I hold a master's degree in Education, Public Policy, and Equity from the University of Glasgow where I developed my interest in social justice, international and comparative education, and policy research.

I currently work as a Research Associate at CHEPPRS on a widening participation project looking at the impact of Technology Enhanced Learning on the experience of students with Specific Learning Differences, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and ADHD.

I have worked with the UEA UNESCO Chair as a Research Associate investigating how higher education systems of UNESCO member states, including the UK, are responding to the 2019 Global Convention on Higher Education concerning the recognition of qualifications of refugees. I reviewed policy documents, reports, and journal articles on the UNESCO 2019 Global Convention and the UNESCO Qualification Passport for Refugees. This role also involved designing research instruments for ethics application and research protocol. I recruited, conducted and analysed interviews with policy stakeholders such as secretary generals and programme officers—prepared reports for publication, grant applications and conferences. I delivered the University of Sanctuary’s Public Lecture on Qualification Passports for Refugees at the University of East Anglia alongside the research team.

As an Associate Tutor at UEA, I have been teaching on the BA and MA courses in the School of Education and Lifelong Learning. I assessed students and provided timely and dialogic feedback on learning theories, global education reforms, inclusive education and school leadership.

In addition, I have attended and presented my work at academic conferences and workshops, including the European Sociological Association, the Society for Research in Higher Education, the Development Studies Association, the Higher Education Research and Science Studies Summer School, the International Sociological Association and the Center for International Higher Education. These academic experiences have helped me develop cross-cultural communication, academic writing, research dissemination skills, and an excellent work ethic.

I am interested in the sociology of higher education policy, internationalisation strategies, institutional ethnography, decoloniality, disability inclusion, and students’ experience.