In a remarkable achievement, Dr. Amanda Bisong, a Nigerian national, has earned her doctorate in International Law from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , receiving the prestigious ‘cum laude’ distinction for her exceptional research.
This honour is a rare accolade in the Netherlands and across Europe, awarded to only 5% of PhD candidates over the last two decades.
Notably, the Faculty of Law at the university has not granted a cum laude distinction in the past 20 years.
Under the guidance of Professor Thomas Spijkerboer and Dr. Martin Stronks, Dr. Bisong’s research delves into how regional organizations like ECOWAS and the EU, along with national governments and non-state actors, shape policymaking related to migration in West Africa.
Her work is intricately linked to regional trade, illustrating the direct connection between mobility and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Historically, mobility has been essential to the livelihoods of border communities in the region, emphasizing migration’s role not only in governance but also in fostering economic relations and trade partnerships.
Dr. Bisong’s findings underscore the critical role of migration in fostering economic development and integration among West African nations. She argues that regional collaboration is essential for managing migration effectively, allowing countries to align shared interests while balancing security concerns, human rights, and economic and national priorities.
With a focus on migration as an everyday reality for many in West Africa, Dr. Bisong’s research considers the profound influence of colonial and postcolonial histories on migration patterns and policies.
Her comprehensive analysis reveals how these historical legacies dictate who can move within the region and under what circumstances.
Moreover, her research highlights the instrumental role non-state actors play in conveying messages that support the objectives of both governmental and international organizations, further shaping the discourse around migration.
Dr. Bisong, who is currently a Policy Officer at the European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM), in Maastricht, Netherlands, has more than a decade experience managing projects and conducting research on trade and migration in West Africa. Dr. Bisong’s work offers invaluable insights for policymakers, scholars, and advocates seeking to understand the complexities of migration governance in the region. Her achievements not only mark a significant personal milestone but also contribute to the broader understanding of the intricacies involved in migration systems across West Africa.
Dr. Amanda Bisong earned her law degree at the University of Nigeria, Enugu, and holds graduate degrees in International Trade Law from the World Trade Institute (WTI) in Bern, the Trade Policy Training Centre in Africa (TRAPCA) in Arusha, and Lund University in Sweden.
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