In August 2012, a young and determined Nigerian student stepped onto the campus of Wisconsin International University College, Ghana (WIUC-GH), with a heart full of ambition and a vision for a brighter future. That student was Aliyu Bunu Sheriff, now a distinguished public servant and global economic diplomat. Looking back, Aliyu describes enrolling at WIUC-GH as “one of the best decisions” he ever made.
Why Wisconsin?
“For me, the decision was simple,” Aliyu says. “Wisconsin’s commitment to academic excellence, its international perspective, and its mission to produce globally competitive graduates were exactly what I was looking for. And honestly, it didn’t just meet my expectations—it exceeded them.”
Aliyu enrolled in the Bachelor of Business Studies program with a concentration in Accounting. He graduated with First Class Honours, but what defined his time at WIUC went far beyond academic results.
“I remember the late nights in the library, the spirited discussions with classmates from diverse backgrounds, and the vibrant campus life,” he reflects. “WIUC wasn’t just about education—it was about transformation. The relationships I formed, especially with faculty and staff, were meaningful and long-lasting.”
One individual who had a particularly profound impact on his journey was his Economics lecturer, Dr. Elias Megbetor.
“Dr. Megbetor was more than a teacher—he was a mentor and a source of inspiration,” Aliyu shares. “His guidance and encouragement pushed me to complete my ACCA qualifications even before graduating. That decision transformed the trajectory of my career.”
From Accra to Abuja – A Career in Economic Diplomacy
Today, Aliyu Bunu Sheriff serves in a key national role as Special Assistant on Export Expansion to the President of Nigeria, operating from the Office of the Vice President. His portfolio includes representing Nigeria on high-level global platforms such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Islamic Development Bank, and the Halal Products Development Company (HPDC) of Saudi Arabia.
But his pursuit of knowledge never stopped at the undergraduate level. After WIUC, Aliyu achieved professional qualifications from ACCA, ICAN, and completed a Master of Science in Professional Accountancy from the University of London. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Financial Intelligence and also holds a Certificate in Islamic Banking and Finance. He is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.
“WIUC didn’t just educate me—it empowered me,” Aliyu says. “It gave me the mindset, the confidence, and the ethical grounding to thrive on the world stage.”
Advice to Future Wisconsin Alumni
Would he recommend Wisconsin International University College, Ghana?
“Absolutely,” he says with conviction. “WIUC prepares you not just for exams but for life.
The academic quality, the mentorship, the global orientation—it’s a rare and powerful
combination.”
To current and prospective students, especially international ones, Aliyu offers heartfelt
advice: “Make every moment count. Go beyond the lecture halls—engage, explore, and
evolve. Seek out mentors, build meaningful relationships, and never stop challenging
yourself. WIUC is not just a university—it’s a launchpad.”
And if he had the chance to relive his student days?
“I wouldn’t change a thing,” Aliyu says with a smile. “Every sleepless night, every struggle, every moment of growth—it was all worth it. If anything, I’d slow down to appreciate it more. Because for me, WIUC wasn’t just where I studied. It was where my life took flight.”
