Adele Robinson, currently a lecturer in the Department of Financial Accounting, was awarded funding through the Black Academics Advancement Programme (BAAP) from The National Research Foundation (NRF) for a three-year duration to complete her doctoral studies.

Robinson holds a Master’s Degree in Accounting from the Durban University of Technology (DUT), along with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from UNISA, a Diploma in Project management from DUT, and SAP certification. With nearly a decade devoted to shaping the minds of students in higher education, Robinson is now pursuing her PhD in Accounting at DUT.

This (BAAP) initiative, jointly supported by NRF and the FirstRand Foundation (FRF), aims to increase the representation of suitably qualified Black African academic staff in South African public universities. The BAAP provides directed intervention to accelerate the training of PhD and Post-PhD candidates, fostering their research skills and facilitating their progression to becoming established researchers. The funding provided full support for the relief of academic duties to allow staff to focus on the completion of their studies.

“A substantial amount of effort was put into the application for funding, with the support from my supervisor. Dr Maama, and my Head of Department, Professor Ferina Marimuthu, I was able to qualify for the grant. Being one of four at DUT to obtain this prestigious award, I was so relieved when I saw my name on the list of successful applicants for the BAAPs funding. This was evident that a lot of change was coming, good change to be specific. I must admit that it was a little scary at first because all I ever knew was to be in front of a large classroom imparting knowledge to students, but this funding has given me an opportunity to step away from the classroom, focus on my research and growth as an academic, develop myself and ultimately return in a better position to effect meaningful change in the lives of my students. For that, I will forever be grateful to these initiatives provided by NRF that support the professional development of academics.”

Sharing her congratulatory message was Head of Department, Prof Ferina Marimuthu.

 “I am immensely proud of Adele on her remarkable achievements which are testament to her outstanding potential and unwavering determination,” said Prof Marimuthu, who further added, “Adele’s perseverance and ambition, coupled with her pursuit of the PhD in Accounting, are an inspiration to her students and peers. We eagerly anticipate her return upon completion of her studies, where her enhanced knowledge and experience marked by groundbreaking discoveries and meaningful contributions to the field of accounting will undoubtedly benefit our students, department and the academic community.”

Pictured: Adele Robinson

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