Blog – Pánsá Pánsá Podcast

Dr. Mojúbàolú Olúfúnké Okome is a Social Scientist and a Professor of Political Science, African & Women's Studies at Brooklyn College in NYC. I recently came across the essay written by Dr. Okome titled 'African Immigration to the United States: Dimensions of Migration, Immigration, and Exile.' The essay resonates with some of my discussions on the Pansa Pansa podcast regarding the lack of research focused on African immigrants in the U.S. African immigrants are often grouped with Latino immigrants, African Americans, and other immigrant communities of color. As a result, it overlooks the unique challenges African immigrants face in America. While there are commonalities among these groups, it is essential to recognize the distinct issues that African immigrants encounter. The lack of recognition of African immigrant's experiences underscores the need for more research, and a conversation with Dr. Okome will provide a more precise explanation of this issue, engaging us in the quest for a better understanding. Bio Mojúbàolú Olufúnké Okome, PhD is an International Political Economist whose regional specialization is in Africa. Educated at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, Long Island University, and Columbia University, New York, she's a Professor of Political Science at Brooklyn College, CUNY, past Women's Studies Program Director, and past Deputy Chair for Graduate Studies in Political Science at Brooklyn College.  Born in Nigeria, Mojúbàolú has consulted for clients, including the UN and Commonwealth Secretariat in London.  Her teaching interests focus on inclusive, equitable citizenship in globalization, democratization, and economic development.  Research interests include Gender, Democracy Governance, Post-Colonialism and Modernity, Development and Citizenship in Africa, Globalization, Economic and Political Transformation, and African Diaspora Studies.  She founded #BringBackOurGirlsNYC, founded and edits Ìrìnkèrindò: A Journal of African Migration. She has published seven sole-authored and edited books. The latest edited book is Para-Mallam, O., & Okome, M.O. (Eds.). (2023). Gender and Development in Nigeria: Concepts, Issues and Strategies. Kuru, Plateau State, Nigeria: NIPSS Press. During our conversation, Dr. Okome talked about her background growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, and she detailed her college experience at the University of Ibadan when the university held the students in high esteem. She gave an account of the economic downfall in Nigeria, which resulted in many Nigerians seeking a better life in Europe and in the Western world. Dr. Okome addressed the elephant in the room, 'the brain drain.' Nigeria and other African countries continue to experience a significant brain drain, losing talented and highly educated professionals—such as herself, a political and social scientist, doctor, and engineer who could significantly contribute to the continent's development in many areas. She further explained how the IMF contributes to this economic downfall. In the writing of the essay titled 'African Immigration to the United States: Dimensions of Migration, Immigration, and Exile,' Dr. Okome shared that her personal experience as a Nigerian immigrant shaped her desire to write the essay.  During our discussion, she highlighted the assumption that African immigrants are predominantly vendors or work in hair braiding businesses. She further explained how this narrative impacts the broader African immigrant community, particularly those working as professionals or pursuing education, enlightening us on the power of narratives in shaping perceptions.