Series Three, Episode Six: Tobechukwu Nneli

It's the final episode of our third series and we sign-off in style with PhD candidate  Tobe Nneli.

Tobe's research focuses on how social media-enabled connections between citizens at ‘home’ and in the diaspora shape citizen perceptions of state legitimacy in new democracies. 

Specifically, his study seeks to understand historical and cultural factors that shape citizens’ perceptions of state legitimacy; interrogate debates on how social media provides agency for citizens at home and in the diaspora to engage themselves and the state; explore how such relations determine political/development outcomes in the home country; and assess how these are applicable in Nigeria.

Tobe also talks to us about his pathway back into higher education from the private sector, the demands of self-directed study and offers up his advice for those considering the challenge of a PhD for themselves.