We interviewed Azeez Ola-Ojetola, a Canada-based senior-level professional and an RGU alumnus about his experience studying the MSc Health Safety and Risk Management course online. Here’s what he had to say.

Tell us about yourself

I am a Nigerian-born Canadian citizen with over 25 years of experience in Fire Protection, Health, Safety and Risk Management, Technical Safety and Loss Prevention Studies in Oil and Gas industry, Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC), Consultancy, Logistics, Mining, Manufacturing, and Public sectors.

I have over fifteen years of senior-level experience at strategic managerial and hands-on leadership positions in Europe, Africa, North America, and the Middle East.

Azeez Ola-Ojetola, MSc Health Safety and Risk Management Alumnus at RGU

I have worked at Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, Shell Canada, Qatar Petroleum, Abu Dhabi Oil Company, Saipem Engineering and Construction, Canada, Government of Yukon, and The City of Calgary. I am a graduate of the Institution of Fire Engineers – UK. I hold an MSc and BSc International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, American CSP and the Canadian CRSP designations. I am also a Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH), UK and a Fellow of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (FIIRSM), UK.

Why did you choose to study MSc Health Safety and Risk Management online?

At various points of my career over the past few years I gained admission into about five different universities in the UK and USA to study Master’s and PhD degrees. RGU was one of them. Unfortunately, I couldn’t accept any of the opportunities because I had to choose between my academic pursuit and family obligations. I had two of my children in university and leaving my job would have jeopardized their future. Hence, I sacrificed my today for their tomorrow.

I kept looking for an opportunity to achieve my dream. I jumped at it in 2019 when I applied again to RGU. I secured admission after a rigorous screening exercise more so than when I chose the full-time online study option.

Studying online gave me an ample opportunity to keep my full-time job and pursue my academic goals at the same time. In that way, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a blessing in disguise.

Azeez Ola-Ojetola, MSc Health Safety and Risk Management Alumnus at RGU

Why did you choose RGU?

I evaluated the course content, curriculum, teaching quality, and reputation of different universities, and RGU came on top. Though none of the universities I evaluated was bad, RGU stood out as my institution of first choice.

Azeez Ola-Ojetola, MSc Health Safety and Risk Management Alumnus at RGU

My choice was reinforced at the screening stage when I had to demonstrate to the admission committee of my suitability and readiness for the challenge ahead of me. I also highlighted how the university would support me if I were to be successful. RGU would be my first choice over and over again.

How was your course experience?

My online course experience was a very wonderful and exciting one. It was just as if I was in a normal classroom setting. I had the opportunity to interact with other co-students from all over the world, share experiences and compare notes under the guidance of our wonderful and committed lecturers.

What advice would you give someone considering studying your course online? 

To be successful, one must be self-disciplined, maintain focus and be ready for a bit of personal sacrifice. If you are married or have a family, all efforts must be made to avoid crises at the home front to have a balanced emotional and psychological state of mind. One can easily be tempted to postpone an assignment or not participate in group discussions for a variety of reasons. This will have a potential consequence on the student, either in the short or long run.

Studying online is very much like on-campus learning. There are aspects such as collaboration with other students, turning in assignments as and when due, originality of coursework, and compliance with the Code of Conduct of the university.

Azeez Ola-Ojetola, MSc Health Safety and Risk Management Alumnus at RGU

RGU will always set you up for success with all required resources and guidance, however, your degree has to be earned.

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