Khadijah Abdulsalam

Khadijah Abdulsalam graduated in 2023 with a degree in International Social Policy and currently serves as a Principal Manager at the Corporate Affairs Commission. With over 17 years in public service, she has advanced from an assistant manager to her current role, focusing on compliance and policy alignment.

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

After graduation, I went into private law practice for about two years before eventually joining the public service. I have been in public service for over 17 years as a compliance officer. During this time, I have worked in the same organization and risen through the ranks, from an assistant manager when I was employed in 2007, to a principal manager today.

In my job experience over the years, compliance has always been an integral aspect of my career. This is because my job requires me to pay keen attention to detail, to align stakeholder obligations with stipulated legal and compliance frameworks, which ultimately upholds a compliance culture within the public and private sectors as a whole.

As a career civil servant on my way to making executive management upon my next promotion, I decided to further develop myself to make impactful contributions in the next stage of my career as an executive. I believe that my recently obtained master's degree in policy will give me the opportunity to make significant policy decisions.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

I review company registration applications, which include new companies and other entities such as business names and non-profit organizations. I also review post-registration applications, which cover changes in entity name, objects, address, directors, shareholders, trustees, proprietors, filing of annual returns, increases in share capital, and more.

I also attend Annual General Meetings of registered public companies on behalf of my organization to ensure that the meetings are conducted in compliance with our enabling law. Additionally, I carry out enforcement visits to various registered entities to ensure they are in compliance with legal requirements while conducting their activities.

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

I achieved the highest score in my last promotion exams. There were only three slots for the position of Principal Manager, and I was one of those who made it to the top three. This is definitely one of the highlights of my career so far.

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

I have not changed jobs and am still on the same career path as I was before I went to Kent. However, my perspective on policy and decision-making has changed, and this will certainly impact my career going forward.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

Pick a final project topic that aligns with your experience and career path. This will ensure a more seamless flow of work during your research.

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as a student?

I was not on campus, but was actively involved in running, as I have been doing this for the past 11 years. I took part in the Canterbury 10 Miler race in 2023, and the Canterbury Half Marathon race in 2022.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

Yes! My favourite memory was when I found out that I was graduating with merit. It was a particularly challenging year for me, as my family had to be separated for the entire period, which was new to us. With my husband traveling back and forth from our home country, I had to juggle being a mum, a carer, and a student all at the same time. My husband did his best to support me during the times he could not be there physically. Despite the challenges, I worked really hard to ensure all essays and assignments were completed and submitted on time, though I often felt like I wasn’t doing enough. When I saw my final grades, I was overjoyed, as I hadn’t expected to graduate with merit.

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

I would probably interact more with other students and attend more on-campus activities.

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

Yes, I am in touch with a few friends I made at school.

What are your future ambitions?

I would like to use the knowledge, skills, and experience I have garnered over the years to improve policy decisions in both the public and private sectors, especially within the public sector, because this is an area that needs a lot of attention, particularly in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.