Application Deadline: 11:59PM (Nigerian Time) on 23 February 2017.
Building on the capacity strengthening component of the project, several short-term graduate student visiting scholar positions for Nigerian students at Masters and PhD level will be offered at Michigan State University (MSU), East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America over the 5 year life of the project.
In academic year 2017 (August 2017-May 2018), FIVE short-term post graduate student scholar positions are on offer: 3 at the Masters level and 2 at the PhD level. The Masters Level positions will be awarded for a maximum 1 semester, and the PhD Level ones, for a maximum of 2 semesters. The student’s primary academic supervisor (from a Nigerian University) is expected to actively participate in the program. The advisor will be invited (and funded) to visit MSU for a period not exceeding 30 calendar days.
Short term visiting scholars will enroll in analytical/technical courses such as Statistics, Econometrics and Agricultural Development. The courses will be taken for credit, and depending on the Nigerian University requirements, will be available to count towards the scholars Nigerian degree program. Also while at MSU, the scholar will be expected to continue research work on their selected topic in addition to the course work. They will work under the supervision of MSU faculty/IFPRI researchers. The scholars tenure will be considered a full time position with the expectation that the scholar will invest the requisite amount of work, study and time to be successful.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be Nigerians studying in the area of Agriculture, at Post Graduate level in an Accredited Higher Education Institution in Nigeria.
- Applicants must be of good academic and moral standing in their academic institution having the equivalent of a minimum GPA of 3.5 out of 5 (or equivalent for a 2nd class, upper division).
- With regards to good moral standing, applicant must be found to be fit and proper persons and in no way have any pending disciplinary cases before a duly recognized and constituted disciplinary body.
Benefits:
What the Short-Term Visiting Scholars Program at Michigan State University Will
Cover
- The Short-Term Visiting Scholars Program will cover travel related costs, lodging and meals, and a monthly stipend of $1,000 for up to 3 months for the Masters Level, and for up to 9 months for the PhD level.
- Travel related costs are limited to visa fees, visa procurement travel
related costs, and round trip air tickets from Nigeria to East Lansing, Michigan USA. Other benefits include medical insurance for the duration of the short-term visiting scholar program at Michigan State University. - Due to the short-term nature of the program, no support in any kind whatsoever is provided for dependents.
How to apply
Applicants must submit the following documents:
• A completed expression of interest application form: found at
http://fsg.afre.msu.edu/fsp/nigeria/App.pdf
• A short write up on the role of research in the Nigeria Agricultural Policy Process and
how the applicant’s work fits into this.
• A writing sample (e.g. research paper, chapter of University Project/Thesis etc.)
• Official Copy of Student’s academic transcripts (must be signed and stamped by the
Registrar of the Institution of Study).
• Updated CV showing publications and awards
• A letter of recommendation from the applicant’s head of department or dean on
official letter headed paper
• A statement from applicant’s primary academic advisor indicating willingness to
support the application and the advisor’s availability to work with the Feed the Future
Nigeria Agricultural Policy Project and participate under the Academic Advisor
segment of the Award. Form downloadable at: http://fsg.afre.msu.edu/fsp/nigeria/willing.pdf
- Application documents must be submitted to [email protected] by 11:59PM (Nigerian
Time) on 23 February 2017. The email should have on the subject line: Application for 2017 FTFNAPP Short-Term Visiting Scholar Program at MSU. - All application materials need to be submitted as attachments to a single e-mail, preferably in a “zip” file. Successful applicants who have been shortlisted will receive word of acceptance and details on next steps by April 1, 2017.
- All enquires related to this call should be addressed to: Project Specialist, Feed the Future Nigeria Agricultural Policy Project, Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource
Economics, Michigan State University, East Lansing MI 48823 and submitted to:
[email protected]
For More Information: