Anthony Okon Etim, PhD in Environmental Science

My academic journey in AIU started as simple and unbelievable endeavors. Simple and unbelievable because after the completion of my M.Sc. programme I was looking for an opportunity to complete my doctorate degree in my field of specialization online. Looking at my work life and couple with other relative family activities I had in mind that such would not be achieved if such programme is undertaken in the conventional University structure. In order for me to fulfill my urge of pursuing a Doctorate degree as additional academic qualification in my field of study , I started looking forward to where such could be achieved and facilitated without conventional structure. The search in the internet for such programme then became the focus area in my internet world.
The journey in the internet accessibility led me to the AIU sometimes in June, 2014. Proactive assessment of the AIU programme revealed to me that this probably might be the University where it would be possible for me to achieve my Doctorate programme without conventional interphase. Then I started the admission process which was facilitated without any obstruction through the expert leadership of the admission official with the AIU. The encouragement provided to me on the platform during the intensive discussion with the admission official inspired me to start the programme in the University.
The Gradual introduction to the University programme through the leading advisor allowed full integration into the university cardinal focus structure with an andragogy definition in which everything is done independently without the involvement of the third party. The singular opportunity provided to me to search the web and complete the relative assignment broaden my knowledge in my field of environmental toxicology and pollution control as I was able to discover new areas which invariably was very useful to me especially in completing my assignments. Furthermore, the timely evaluation of the relative assignment given in the classroom enhanced continuous development of the assignment focus area in order to meet the time line which was achieved successfully. In most cases the advisors were ready and always willing to provide useful advice and interaction where there were challenges. Communication of assignment outcome was also timely which enable me plan for the next assignment without delay. The open examples and the video guidance provided for each of the assignment also provided clear direction towards completing the outlined assignment programme. Curriculum development was another focus area which took me to various great institutions . I was able to see new courses which added values to my field of study. I was also able to go beyond the required expectations which significantly influenced my level of understanding in the field of environmental management, pollution control and toxicology. The independent attributes as defined by the AIU in the course of fulfilling each course objectives has really influenced my level of preparation and re-align my perspectives towards achieving great fits in academic and educational development. The course objectives were well developed as the level of exposure was also great.
Finally I appreciate all the directions and guidance provided by the AIU, which has really assisted in the completion of this programme without any alteration in my work and family life. AIU has enable me to complete my PhD programme on time without any delay and challenges as it is often experienced in the conventional University system. I am therefore proud of the AIU and I will continue to preach the benefits of AIU to my contemporaries within my area. It has really been worthwhile experience with limited uncertainty. I have no doubt as I will find all the learning objectives very useful in my professional activities and applied same where such is required. Really I can now regard my journey as believable and achievable because I was able to go pursue such in the AIU and made it not quite at old age as earlier envisaged, but timely as I expected.