Thelma Obiakor is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA) and an evaluator specializing in Economics and Education, with a focus on inclusive development. She is also a PhD candidate at the London School of Economics. Building on her PhD research, Thelma currently leads a project on Nigeria’s Language of Instruction (LOI) policy, working with policymakers and school administrators to create contextually relevant implementation strategies aimed at improving student learning. Her writing project explores the linguistic landscape of Nigeria, mapping languages spoken in classrooms and homes to gain deeper insights into the nation’s linguistic diversity and its implications for student learning experiences. With a strong track record of working on educational projects across Africa, Thelma has collaborated with diverse stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and international organizations, to implement initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes and fostering social equity. Thelma holds an MPhil from the University of Cambridge.