With an incredible achievement, Nigerian national Dr. Amanda Bison received her PhD in International Law from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and received the honorable “cumming” distinction for her extraordinary research.
This honor is a rare accolade across the Netherlands and across Europe, and has been awarded to only 5% of doctoral candidates over the past 20 years.
In particular, the university's law school has not given cum praise for the past 20 years.
Under the guidance of Professor Thomas Spickerbore and Dr. Martin Stronx, Dr. Bison's research explores how local organizations such as the ECOWAS and the EU, along with central governments and non-state actors, into policymaking related to West Africa's migration.
Her work is intricately related to regional trade and demonstrates a direct link between mobility and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).
Historically, mobility has been crucial for the lives of local border communities, highlighting the role of immigration in fostering economic relations and trade partnerships, as well as governance.
Dr. Bison's findings harp the key role of migration in promoting economic development and integration between West African countries.
She argues that regional collaboration is essential to effectively manage the transition, allowing the country to adjust shared interests while balancing security concerns, human rights, economic and national priorities.
Focusing on migration as a daily reality for many in West Africa, Dr. Bison's work considers the profound influence of colonial and colonial history on migration patterns and policies.
Her comprehensive analysis reveals how these historical heritage determine who can move within the area under what circumstances.
Furthermore, her research highlights the instrumental role of non-state actors to play in conveying messages that support the objectives of both governmental and international organizations, and further shaping the discourse about migration.
Currently, Dr. Bison, a policy officer at the European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM) in Maastricht, the Netherlands, has over a decade of experience managing and conducting research on trade and migration in West Africa.
Her work provides invaluable insights to policymakers, scholars and advocates seeking to understand the complexities of immigrant governance in the region.
Her accomplishments not only mark important personal milestones, but also contribute to a broader understanding of the complexities involved in West Africa's mobile systems.
Dr. Amanda Bison received his law degree from Nigeria University in Enugu and graduate degrees in international trade law from the World Trade Institute (WTI) in Bern, the African Trade Policy Training Centre for Africa (TRAPCA) and the University of Lund, Sweden.
