Driving Inclusive Finance: My GCBQ Journey at Warwick Business School 

Oluwatobi Koledoye, Strategy and Policy Specialist at the Development Bank of Nigeria, reflects on how the Commonwealth Scholarship has given him access to world-class education and a diverse global learning community at Warwick Business School, helping him strengthen his impact in Nigeria's development finance sector.

My decision to study the MSc in Global Central Banking and Financial Regulation (GCBQ) at Warwick Business School was driven by a clear professional purpose: to better understand how financial systems and regulatory frameworks can be designed to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Working in the development finance space, I have seen firsthand the critical role that sound policy and regulation play in shaping outcomes for businesses, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). I wanted to deepen my technical expertise and gain a global perspective that would enable me to contribute more effectively to policy design and implementation.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission has been instrumental in making this journey possible. The scholarship represents more than financial support; it is an investment in individuals committed to driving development impact in their home countries. For me, it removed a significant barrier to accessing world-class education and provided the opportunity to learn alongside a diverse cohort of professionals from across the Commonwealth. This diversity has enriched my learning experience, exposing me to different policy environments, regulatory challenges, and innovative solutions that can be adapted to the Nigerian context. 

One of the standout benefits of the programme is its flexibility. Balancing a full-time role with postgraduate study requires discipline, but the online format makes it achievable and highly effective. I can immediately apply what I learn to my work, turning theory into practical insight. This real-time connection between study and practice has made the experience both relevant and impactful. 

The course content has been rigorous and directly aligned with my role in strategy, policy, and data analysis at the Development Bank of Nigeria. Modules on money, banks and financial innovation, financial regulation, monetary policy and behavioural finance will strengthen my ability to evaluate policy interventions and contribute meaningfully to discussions on financial inclusion and sustainable finance. I am already applying these insights to better understand how regulatory frameworks can support MSMEs and improve development outcomes. 

The GCBQ programme is a key step in that journey. It is equipping me with the tools to think more critically, act more strategically, and engage more effectively in shaping financial systems. Looking ahead, I aim to play a stronger role in advancing policies that promote financial inclusion, strengthen resilience, and integrate sustainability into economic development. 

For me, this experience is more than academic. It is about building the capacity to make a lasting impact, both within Nigeria and across the broader development landscape.