Emmanuel Ayeni

In Nigeria, thousands of children are malnourished. They’re susceptible to illnesses, and at risk of childhood blindness due to inadequate knowledge of public health nutrition. This geared my interest to study the MSc Public Health Nutrition degree at Edge Hill University and learn about various alternatives for improving a healthy diet, what to consume, the right amount, and how to identify healthy foods, especially among hard-to-reach and less privileged communities. Over the last eight years, I’ve coached community extension health workers on the benefits of micronutrients, safe administration, and best practices for administering micronutrients of Vitamin A and albendazole (deworming tabs) to eligible children in Nigeria.

I was keen to learn how longevity could be achieved in the early years of life. How to improve nutrition for young and old, knowing that healthy diets could build stronger immune systems and lower the risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

The MSc Public Health Nutrition develops nutritional knowledge on healthy diet and prevention of dietary-related ill health. What is fascinating about the course is that it accommodates criticality, scientific appraisals, strong academic writing skills and the assessment approach to learning about preventing and managing dietary-related diseases.

Positive interventions and behavioural change can improve health. The degree involves learning about nutritional recommendations, nutrition requirements, and the metabolism of diseases. The course explores socio-ecological factors that affect nutrition, including disparities in culture, education, race, economic background and the role of individuals, families, communities and government to promote comprehensive and sustainable health.

I’ve had amazing tutors. Having access to their knowledge in order to build my own career is tremendous. I’ve also received lifelong learning that could enable me to lead and champion professionalism and capacity-building opportunities in Nigeria and the world at large.

I plan to acquire more skills and training. I’m looking at the need for social and behavioural changes in public health nutrition, and would like to do a PhD in a related field. Longer term, I plan to work with international agencies such as UNICEF and FAO, contributing to the science of nutritional fortification, healthy food choices, and promoting access to a healthy diet.

I’m trying to embrace food sustainability. Where does my food travel to or come from? What alternatives are there to lower greenhouse gases? How can I reduce, reuse, recycle and interact with the planet through food choices and health? Studying this degree has made me very conscious of what we eat and the need to check food labels before buying, the amount of fats, salt and other nutritional values.

I’ve interacted with public health journalists on how to conduct interviews and present facts. The need to acquire experience and build up professional social media accounts were some take-homes from the degree.

The MSc Public Health Nutrition degree will create opportunities and equip you for the future. The course will also improve your self-confidence in scientific justification and the role of a healthy diet in disease prevention and improving wellbeing.